Edward
WILLIS proved 1854
I Edward Willis of
Chatham
in the County of Kent Shipwright being of
sound mind and understanding do make and publish this as my last Will
and Testament I
direct my funeral expenses and my just debts to be paid by my Executors
hereinafter named out of my cash in hand money in the bank rents due
from my houses notes of hand or any moneys that should be due to me at
my decease My leasehold houses in Delphs* Lane in the Parish of Saint
Margaret Rochester two leasehold houses situate in Best Street in the
Parish of Chatham two houses in James Street in the Parish of Chatham in
the County of Kent with all moneys due to me at my decease the houses to
be sold by my Executors and the money after my just debts are paid to be
equally divided between my lawful ? , children Henry Willis
Maria? Willis Edward Willis Jane Day? Elizabeth Wenman? And Sarah
[Faded] my wearing
apparel and watch I bequeath to my two Sons jointly Henry Willis
and Edward Willis My
daughter Mary Ann Pledge I bequeath two leasehold
houses and garden adjoining situate in Richard Street in Chatham in the
County of Kent also all my household goods plate linen and china that
may be in my possession at my decease for the benefit of the above named
Mary Ann Pledge and her three children But if Mary
Ann Pledge should [die, remarry?] the two leasehold
houses and garden adjoining shall become the property of my
grandchildren as under named George William Pledge Edward
Gilbert Pledge Mary Ann Pledge And
I appoint John Henry Rickon Iron Founder Robert Goord Plumber John
Goord Plumber to be my whole and sole Executors and they are
to be paid all reasonable expenses that may attend in executing my Will
and this is my last Will and Testament and I renounce all former Wills
In Witness hereof I have set my hand and seal this eighth day of March
in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty three Edward
Willis Sign'd in the presence of us as Witnesses James
Wilkins Builder Chatham William Caddy
Bootmaker Chatham
Affidavit dated 14th July 1854
James Wilkins of
Chatham, Builder is sworn. He is the surviving witness. He confirms that
he and William Caddy witnessed and signed the will at the
same time, after Willis signed the will in their presence.
Proved 25th July 1854 Power reserved to John Goord
*Delphs Lane is the present day Delce Road
Headstone in St Mary's Burial Ground in Whiffen's Avenue (all the
inscriptions are on this website)
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ELIZABETH WIFE OF
EDWARD WILLIS
SHIPWRIGHT
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 15th DAY OF JULY 1849
AGED 68 YEARS
"Blessed are the Dead which Die in the Lord"
ALSO TWO GRANDSONS OF THE ABOVE
ALSO GILBERT PLEDGE
SON IN LAW OF THE ABOVE WHO DIED
10th AUGUST 1851 AGED 55 YEARS
ALSO TWO OF HIS CHILDREN WHO DIED IN INFANCY
ALSO
EDWARD WILLIS
[HUSBAND] OF THE ABOVE
[DIED 12th MARCH 1854 AGED 76 YEARS]