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| Map taken from John
Michael Tomlinson's book,'Derbyshire Black Marble.' Ashford Marble is a grey coloured carboniferous limestone. When it is highly polished it has a glossy jet black finish, as in the picture of the table-top above. Click Here for more information about Ashford Marble |
William's grandfather John died in 1803. His will was made in 1801 a few weeks after his only daughter Elizabeth died aged 15. Joshua, William's father, was now John's only surviving child. Below is a transcription of John's will.
This is the last Will and Testament of me John Blackwell of Ashford in the Parish of Bakewell in the County of Derby Yeoman made this 27th day of November in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand eight hundred and one as follows. First I will and direct that all my just debts funeral expences the charges of proving and all other charges attending the execution of this my Will be paid and discharged by and out of my Personal estate and should the sum prove insufficient for those purposes then I hereby charge my real Estate to come in aid thereof. All which payments I direct shall be paid by my son Joshua as soon after my decease as convenience shall permit. I give and Bequeath unto my dear wife Mary for her Life my best bed with all bedding and Furniture necessary to accompany the same. Also the personal Occupation during the like term Of the Parlour, part of my dwelling house, And so much and such parts of my household Furniture Plate Linens and other Necessaries as she may deem convenient for such term. And Also I give unto my said dear wife Mary and her Assigns The yearly sum of Twenty Pounds to be paid her by my son Joshua his Heirs or Assigns by and out of my real Estates for her and during the term of her natural Life and with the Payment whereof I hereby charge the whole of my said real estates which I direct shall be paid upon the days following, that is to say, upon the twenty fifth day of March and the twenty ninth day of September in every year by equal Portions the first payment whereof I will and require shall be made upon such of the said Days as shall next happen after my decease. And the same or any part thereof shall not be subject or liable to the Control Debts or Engagements of any future Husband she may happen to have and her receipt alone, notwithstanding her Coberture, shall be a good discharge to my said Son his heirs and assigns from time to time for the same And which annuity shall be in full satisfaction and discharge of All Dower and Thirds she my said Wife may have claim or pretend to have out of all my said Estates at common Save or otherwise howsoever. All the rest residue and remainder of my Freehold Copyhold and Leasehold Messuages Lands Tenements and Heriditaments And also all my personal Estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever that I may die seized or be possessed of or that I may in any wise be intitled unto at the time of my decease either in Reversion remainder or expectancy or otherwise howsoever. I give and bequeath unto my said Son Joshua his Heirs executors administrators and Assigns forever, Subject and chargeable with the before mentioned Bequests and other things before expressed, And Lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my said Wife Mary and my Son Joshua joint Executors of this my Will hereby declaring void all former Wills or Testaments by me at any time heretofore made. In Testamony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this day and year first above written.
Signed sealed published and declared by this the said John Blackwell the Testator as said for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us; who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereto-
Robt Baxter Hannah Baxter
J S Newton
his mark
John X Blackwell
and Seal
Queries or comments?
