John Hemmingway, Lofthouse Gate, 1823

In the Name of God, Amen. This is the last Will and Testament of me, John Hemmingway of Lofthouse Gate in the Parish of Wakefield and County of York, Wheelwright. I do constitute this as my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say I give bequeath and devise unto my Executors hereinafter mentioned all my real and personal estate and effects of whatever kind or nature the same may be for the use, intents and purposes hereinafter mentioned. First, I hereby order and direct that all the money arising out of my personal Estate shall be put into the Wakefield Saving Bank by my Executors and the Interest arising therefrom shall be paid to my Widow half yearly when the same becomes due and the rents of my Estate for and during her natural life if she keeps my Widow, but if she marry again then I order and direct the rent and interest to remain in the said Bank until my youngest son attain the age of 21 then in case my Widow is dead I order and direct my Estate to be sold by my Executors and their Conveyance to be a sufficient security to the purchaser or purchasers and the money arising by such sale along with the money in the Savings Bank shall be equally divided amongst my children share and share alike notwithstanding. I order and direct that the sum of ten pounds which my son Isaac stands indebted to me along with the Interest which may arise therefrom shall be stopped out of his share. Also I order and direct in case my widow should fall sick during her widowhood and stand in need of more money than the rents and Interest then I empower my Executors to allow her such sums from time to time out of the money in the Savings Bank as to them shall think proper and also find my youngest son Cloths with during his Apprenticeship to be drawn out of the bank at my Executors discretion. Lastly I order direct and appoint John Walker of Lofthouse in the County aforesaid, Schoolmaster, and John Bowcock of Wakefield Outwood in the Parish of Wakefield and County aforesaid, Geer and Slay Maker, joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made and do publish and declare this as my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 20th day of April one thousand eight hundred and twenty two. John X Hemmingway his mark. Signed, sealed, published and declared as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto set our hands the day and year above written, Joseph Batty, Joseph Rayner, William Stead. Passed 8th September, 1823.

[Supplied and Transcribed by Ron Hemingway]