The Will of Michael Read

This is the last Will and Testament of me Michael Read the Elder of Hockliffe in the County of Bedford Dairyman First I order and direct that all my just Debts Funeral and Testamentary Expences to be paid and discharged by my Executrix hereinafter named Also I Give and bequeath unto my Sons and Daughters William, George, Edward, Rebecca, Sarah and James Read and my Daughters Mary Rudd and Marsella Tavernor the Legacy or Sum of Ten Pounds apiece and which I direct to be paid unto them within twelve Months after my Decease by my Executrix hereinafter named Also I Give and bequeath unto my Wife Elizabeth Read and my Son Michael Read All my Household Goods and Furniture Stock in Trade both alive and dead and the rest and residue of my personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever To Hold the same unto them my said Wife and Son Michael Read their Executors Administrators and Assigns equally share and share alike But my Mind and Will nevertheless is that in Case my said Wife and Son Michael Read shall disagree or be desirous of living apart and not jointly carry on the Farm I do hereby direct that an Inventory or Appraisement of my Household Goods and Furniture and Stock and the said rest and residue of my personal Estate and Effects be had and made and that one half part thereof be deemed the property of my said Wife and the same to be paid for by my said Son or a Satisfactory and approved Security given to my said Wife for the payment thereof with lawful Interest for the same in the meantime And my Mind and Will further is that in Case my said Wife shall depart this life without making any Disposal by Will or otherwise of the said Sum so intended to be secured or of the Share of my said Personal Estate and Effects so bequeathed to her as aforesaid I then give and bequeath the same unto and among all and every of my said Sons and Daughters as shall then be living (my said Son Michael Read excepted) share and share alike And lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said Wife full and sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament and do hereby revoke and make void all former and other Wills by me at any time heretofore made and do declare this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said Michael Read the Elder have to this my last Will and Testament contained on this Sheet of Paper set my Hand and Seal this fourteenth day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ten
 
Michael Read
 
David Lee Willis
Giles Willis
 
Proved 10 September 1819
Bedford Record Office
ABP/W 1819/24