James Clift

Last Will & Testament

• In the name of God Amen I James Clift the elder of the parish of Halesowen in the county of Salop farmer do make and hereby publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say).
  
  First I will and devise that all my just debts and funeral expenses be in the first place paid satisfied and discharged by my executers herein after named. And as to my worldly estate I give and dispose as follows.
  
  First I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Taylor five pounds (to be left in the hands of my daughter Hannah Harper) to be paid to her at eighteen pence each and every week from the time of my decease. And as to the rest and residue of my personal estate and effects of what kind or nature soever I give and bequeath unto and amongst all and every my child and children (namely) Thomas Clift, James Clift, William Clift, Hannah Harper and Josiah Clift to be divided to and amongst them share and share alike my said son Josiah Clift to pay out of his share two pounds eleven shillings and eight pence to my said daughter Hannah Harper. And my will and desire is that my son in law Joseph Harper and my daughter Hannah Harper shall have the use of all my stock of cattle and all other my personal property for the term of twelve months from my decease. And after the said term of twelve months then to be sold and the monies arising therefrom to be equally divided as aforesaid share and share alike.
  
  And lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my said son in law Joseph Harper and Thomas Clift executors of this my last will and testament here by revoking all former will and wills by me at any time heretofore made and I do hereby declare this to be my last will and testament.
  
  In witness thereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal the twenty fourth day of January in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Seven.
  
  The mark of James Clift.
  
  Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of the testator and in the presence of us who at his desire and request subscribe our names as witnesses
  
  William Parkes
  
  John James
  
  Will proven as follows: 18th January 1798 the exors in this will named appeared & were sworn in common --- of law. Also that the personal estate of the deceased at the time of his death did not amount to the value of one hundred pounds as they believe.
  
  Before me Rd Baty chancellor (ref Worcs. Consistory Court will)