Will of Joshua English naming Singleton nephews and nieces
I am posting this will (which I transcribed and hope there are not many errors) for anyone who might be interested. It has been published by various sources that Joshua English's nephews and nieces were: James, Robert, Sarah, Martha, Betsy and Gabriel. The will clearly says Gabriella rather than Gabriel. That could be a big deal to those interested. So, I thought I'd share this.
Also....a question. In the last paragraph it states that the will was presented to the orphans court in Clarke Co AL. Is this telling me that Joshua English's sister, Harriett Singleton, was deceased at that time? Seems to me that's what it's saying. I have the index to the probate books and there is a reference to Book B which is the orhans court records, but the page numbers don't jive with the index. Any ideas/comments would be appreciated.
Bev Shipley
Last Will and Testament of Joshua English deceased
In the name of God amen, I Joshua English of the County of Clarke in the State of Alabama do make declare and publish this my last will and testament in the manner and form following, that is to say
First I give and bequeath unto my nephew James Singleton all my land situated in Clarke County and on the West bank or side of the Alabama River where I now cultivate. I also give unto my said nephew James Singleton an equal proportion an(sic) share of my personal property with Robert Singleton, Sarah Singleton, Martha Singleton, Betsey Singleton, Gabriella Singleton all of them my nephews and nieces.
I give and bequeath unto my nephews and nieces already mentioned that is to say to, Robert Singleton, Sarah Singleton, Martha Singleton, Betsey Singleton, and Gabriella Singleton each of them an equal share of my personal property with my nephew James Singleton already mentioned.
Second, I give and bequeath unto my sister Hairett Singleton @ support out of the said property, both real and personal during her natural life.
Third, It is my will and desire, and I do so ordain, that my property both Real and personal shall remain together in a mass, for the term of fourteen years, and then to have the said property devided (sic) as above specified, leaving to my sister Hairett Singleton @ support for life as already mentioned.
Fourth It is my will and desire that all my just debts be paid as soon after my decease as can be done without injury to my estate. And lastly I nominate and appoint my friend Phillip McLoskey (?) and William Matheson to be the executors of this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this sixteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty five.(signature)
Joshua English{seal}
Signed sealed and published and declared by the said Joshua English as his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request & in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
Peter McNair (?)
Rezin L. Davis
his
SolomonXHindham
mark
The State of Alabama Clarke County Personally appeared in open court Rezin L. Davis who after being duly sworn deposeth and saeth that the will which has been presented to the orphans court of Clarke County State of Alabama is the will which the said Joshua English, deceased sign and seal as his least will and testament and that he signed the same in their presence and that they signed it in the presence of the said Joshua English and in the presence of each other, and that the deceased was at the time of the signing and sealing of said will of sound mind and memory
Sworn to and subscribed in open court this { (signature) R.L. Davis
21st day of July 1838 {
(signature) Terrell Powers Clerk {