NOTES ON TYPED WILL EXTRACTS
The extracts from the wills and letters of administration need the following explanations.
1. All references in the will to relatives mentioned as beneficiaries etc. etc. are in BOLD CAPITALS. This is to show clearly for research, relatives of the will owner.
2. Any words in square [brackets] are for explanation or clarification of words or meanings in the will text.
3. Any words taken from the will where it was difficult to interpret the word are in (brackets) and a guess at the word has been made.
4. Some of the spellings, grammar or syntax may be incorrect, but this is how the will spelt or worded a phrase etc. Some wills are notes taken from longer verbiage, others are part direct quotes from the will itself.
5. An “X” at a signature, together with “His/Her mark”, indicates that the person in question could not write.
J.D.Shemilt 2002
LIST OF WILLS AND LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION RESEARCHED AT THE LICHFIELD JOINT RECORD OFFICE
WILLS HIGHLIGHTED HERE IN BOLD ARE TRANSCRIBED BELOW
Name Date written Probate date
Elizabeth Shemeld 1533 -
Katherine Shemelte of Dronfield Derbys 1577 -
William Seamelt of Ellastone Staffs Jan 9 1699/ Feb 6 1699/
1700 1700
Richard Seamielt of Ellastone Staffs Oct 5 1705 (Admin.)
Thomas Shemeld of Ellastone Staffs Apr 9 1714 (Admin.)
David Seameld of Ellastone Staffs Oct 17 1724 Apr 7 1725
Ellen Seameld of Ellastone Staffs Oct 12 1730 Nov 6 1730
David Seameld of Checkley Staffs May 5 1737 (Admin.)
John Shemilt of Ashbourne Derbys Aug 27 1739 Mar 8 1739/
1740
Richard Shemeld of Marston Montgomery May 8 1740 Oct 24 1740
William Shemilt of Ellastone Staffs Aug 7 1766 May 15 1767
Ruth Shemilt of Wootton Park Ellastone Feb 7 1776 Apr 2 1777
Thomas Shemilt of Ellastone Staffs Mar 28 1786 Apr 6 1787
William Shemilt of Ellastone Staffs Dec 11 1815 (Admin.)
Thomas Shemilt of Ellastone Staffs Jul 3 1829 Apr 28 1830
John Shemilt of Farley Staffs Sep 16 1836 Oct 25 1838
Thomas Shemilt of Milwich Staffs Aug 14 1841 Jul 16 1842
John Shemilt of Milwich Staffs Nov 29 1849 Nov 2 1855
Richard Shemilt of Milwich Staffs Jul 18 1853 Feb 14 1854
John Shemilt of Ipstones Staffs Feb 5 1856 Apr 24 1856
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATEWILLIAM SEAMIELT / JANUARY 9 1699/1700 / FEBRUARY 6 1699/1700
EXTRACTS FROM WILL OF WILLIAM SEAMIELT BATCHELOR, OF ELLASTONE:
Written on January 9th 1699 in the reign of William the third....
First, I give and bequeath to MY BROTHER JOHN SEAMIELT that coffer in the chamber I use to Lodge in...
ITEM
I give to MY SISTER DOROTHY that three pound William (Moule) of Ramsor oweth me, and one good cow.
ITEM
I give to MY SISTER JOANE POYSER that cow of mine, now at Stanton, and forty shillings of that money John Smith of Denston oweth me. And that bed and bedstocks and sheets and all materials thereto belonging (thereto standing) in the little parlour.
ITEM
I give to MY SISTER ANNE (ye) brass pot (during) her life and after her decease to MY KINSMAN HENERY SEAMIELT. And to MY BROTHER IN LAW, JOHN BAYLY that money on land due to me by Mr John Etherington.
ITEM
I give to MY BROTHER JOHN SEAMIELT my yearling calf and to ANNESEAMIELT, MY BROTHER RICHARD SEAMIELTS DAUGHTER the second brass kettle and one pewter dish after ye decease of MY SISTER DOROTHY.
And after my debts and funeral expenses paid and discharged I give all the residue and remainder of my goods and chattels (so) forever to MY SISTER DOROTHY.
I nominate MY BROTHER IN LAW JOHN BAYLY sole executor.....
Witnesses William Seamielt
John Oakes
David Oakes X His mark
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATERICHARD SEAMIELT / OCTOBER 5 1705 / ADMIN. AS LEFT
EXTRACTS FROM LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION OF RICHARD SEAMIELT OF ELLASTONE:
Written on October 5th 1705 this letter of administration written in Latin mentions a Jana Seamiell et allegavit Richardum Seamiell of Ellaston in Com Staff .... intestate.
Latin Jana presumably wife
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATETHOMAS SEAMELD / APRIL 9 1714 / ADMIN AS LEFT
EXTRACTS FROM LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION OF THOMAS SEAMELD OF ELLASTONE:
Written on April 9th 1714 Emm Seameld of Ellastone, County of Stafford, widow.....
The goods and chattels of the said Thomas Seameld become the property of EMM SEAMELD [WIDOW], signed by her and an inventory made and signed of all such goods and chattels.
Signed
Emma Seameld
X Her mark
Thomas Bagnall [Signed]
Alexander Grubb
X His mark
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATEDAVID SEAMELD / OCTOBER 17 1724 / APRIL 7 1725
EXTRACTS FROM WILL OF DAVID SEAMELD OF ELLASTONE:
Written on October 17th 1724 I David Seameld of Ellastone in the County of Stafford....
ITEM
I give and bequeath unto MY beloved WIFE ELLINN all my goods, chattels, debts... and also the Lease of the House and tenement which I purchased from Mr Osborns my late landlord, during her natural life. After her decease, I give and bequeath unto MY SON THOMAS SEAMELD.
ITEM
I give and bequeath unto MY SON THOMAS SEAMELD one shilling.
ITEM
I give and bequeath unto MY DAUGHTER MARY PHAKENOR one shilling.
ITEM
I give and bequeath unto MY DAUGHTER MARGARET ENSWORTH one shilling.
ITEM
I give and bequeath unto MY GRANDCHILD, THOMAS PLANTS SON one shilling.
ITEM
I give and bequeath unto MY DAUGHTER DOROTHY GILBERT one shilling.
ITEM
I give and bequeath unto MY DAUGHTER ELLIN SEAMELD one shilling.
Lastly, I do constitute and appoint MY WIFE and MY SON THOMASSEAMELD sole executors ....
Witnesses David Seameld
Scattergood Collis
Jane Collis X His mark
Jno. Oakes Junior
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATEELLIN SEAMELD / OCTOBER 12 1730 / NOVEMBER 6 1730
EXTRACTS FROM WILL OF ELLIN SEAMELD WIDOW, OF ELLASTONE:
Written on October 12th 1730 I Ellin Seameld, widow of Ellastone in the County of Stafford....
I do give and bequeath to MY GRANDSON ROBERT ENSWORTH, twelve pounds, provided that their will be sufficient after my debts, discharges......
If any overplus, [surplus] that it may be divided share and share alike amongst all MY CHILDREN, when all my personal estate is disposed of within twelve months of my decease.
Lastly I do have MY SONS IN LAW PHILIP GILBERT AND WILLIAM GRINDY full executors of this my last will and testament....
Witnesses Ellin Seameld
Richard Smith
Nicholas Collis X Her mark
Jno. Oakes Senior
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATEDAVID SHEAMELD / MAY 5 1737 / ADMIN. AS LEFT
EXTRACTS FROM LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION OF DAVID SHEAMELD, YEOMAN OF CHECKLEY:
Written on May 5th 1737 Mary Sheameld widow, of Checkley County of Stafford....
All the goods and chattels of the late david Sheameld become the property of HIS WIDOW MARY SHEAMELD of Checkley who signed as a relative of the deceased.
Signed
Mary Shemild [Signed]
Tho. Philips
X His mark
Will. Green
X His mark
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATEJOHN SHEMILT / AUGUST 27 1739 / MARCH 8 1739/40
EXTRACTS FROM WILL OF JOHN SHEMILT OF ASHBOURNE DERBYSHIRE:
Written on August 27th 1739 I John Shemilt (flax dresser) of Ashbourne, in the County of Derbyshire....
I do hereby subject my whole personal estate, except the bed and furniture in one room, and such part of my real estate as is hereafter mentioned for the payment thereof....my three dwelling houses with the orchards, gardens, yards, backsides, and appurtenances situated on or near to Back Lane in Ashbourne now in the tenure and occupation of John Waring, Thomas Mellor, and Daniel Howarth and my house, orchard....situated in the Church Street Ashbourne now in the holding of John Clay. I do give and devise John Banks, blacksmith of Stanton in the County of Stafford and his heirs upon Trust to obtain from rents, issues or profits, or the sale, mortgage, or leasing of the above mentioned properties pay off all my debts, dues and costs, with due and convenient speed after my decease. Any residue or remainder, together with any unsold properties as a result of carrying out the wishes of the Trust, plus the two dwelling houses with gardens, yards and backsides that are situated in Church Street Ashbourne, now in the holding or occupation of me John Shemilt and Mrs. Spencers I give to MY loving WIFE ANN for and during the term of her natural life if she continues my widow. From and after her decease or second marriage of MY said WIFE I give and devise the same unto MY DAUGHTER MARTHA BY MY FORMER WIFEELIZABETH [deceased] her heirs....Provided always my will and mind is that MY said WIFE ANN shall have ten pounds to dispose of after her death as she think fit and which I charge to be paid out of my before mentioned estate. Also I give unto MY said WIFE the bed and furniture in the room where I now lie. Also I give and bequeath unto MY DAUGHTER LIDIA ROBINS WIFE OF WILLIAM ROBINS one shilling and I do hereby appoint MY said WIFE and MY DAUGHTERMARTHA executors of this my last will....
Witnesses John Shemilt
(Mere) Spncer
Elizh Spencer X His marke
Edwd. Goodwin
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATERICHARD SHEMELD / MAY 8 1740 / OCTOBER 24 1740
EXTRACTS FROM WILL OF RICHARD SHEMELD OF MARSTON MONTGOMERY:
Written on May 8th 1740 I Richard Shemeld of Hollyhurst in the parish of Marston Montgomery in the County of Derby....
ITEM
I give and bequeath to MY ELDEST SON RICHARD SHEMELD five pounds, to be paid to him on the decease of MY WIFE ELIZABETH SHEMELD.
ITEM
I give and bequeath unto MY loving WIFE all my goods and chattels during the term of her natural life, except she take a second husband, but if she takes a second husband she shall have but one cow and one chest and her wearing apparel and no more.
All my goods and chattels I give to MY YOUNGER SON THOMAS SHEMELD to enter upon the decease or second marriage of MY said WIFE which shall first happen and I nominate constitute and appoint MY loving WIFE sole executor....
Witnesses Richard Shemeld
Thomas Botham
John Harrison X His mark
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATEWILLIAM SHEMILT / AUGUST 7 1766 / MAY 15 1767
EXTRACTS FROM WILL OF WILLIAM SHEMILT HUSBANDMAN OF ELLASTONE:
Written on August 7th 1766 I William Shemilt Husbandman of Ellastone in the County of Stafford....
ITEM
I give and bequeath unto Dorothy Heath wife of John Heath of Wootton Park..... the house and land lying at Swinscoe known by the name of the Hall Flats in the parish of Bloor and all privileges thereto belonging.
ITEM
I give and bequeath unto THOMAS SHEMILT the SON of ROBERT SHEMILT the house and land lying at Ellastone that I bought of Richard (Barron) of Derby for his life and then....
ITEM
I give and bequeath unto MY BROTHER THOMAS SHEMILT the sum of one hundred pounds which is in the hands of Richard (Brown) of Derby.
ITEM
I give and bequeath unto ROBERT SHEMILT and unto HIS DAUGHTER RUTH WOOD the WIFE of GODFREY WOOD each of them a hundred pounds which is in the hands of Thomas Hurd of Stanton to them....
ITEM
I give unto Joseph Walkers son John Walker, and to his son Joseph, and to his son Thomas each and every of them, five pounds a piece.
ITEM
I give unto MY GODSON GEORGE WALKER the SON of JOHN WALKER the sum of five pounds.
ITEM
I give unto William Finey baker of Wootton, the sum of five pounds.
ITEM
I give unto Robert Robinson of Wootton and to his sister in law Ann Robinson the sum of five pounds betwixt them fifty shillings each.
ITEM
I give unto MY SISTER MARGARET WOODWARD one guinea.
All legacies to be paid at the decease of William Shemilt and RUTH SHEMILT HIS WIFE and to enter upon the Land.
Lastly I appoint MY WIFE RUTH SHEMILT executor.....
Witnesses William Shemeld
William Collis
John Heath Signed
James Bradshaw
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATERUTH SHEMILT / FEBRUARY 7 1776 / APRIL 2 1777
EXTRACTS FROM WILL OF RUTH SHEMILT, WIDOW OF WOOTTON PARK ELLASTONE:
Written on February 7 1776 I Ruth Shemilt widow, of Wootton Park, parish of Ellastone, County of Stafford....
My will and pleasure that Robert Heath oldest son of John Heath of Wootton Park to have all the land lying at Swinscoe, parish of Blore, County of Stafford, going by the name of Hall Flat and land lying in the Town Meadow belonging to Ruth Shemilt and to enter of the same when he comes to the age of twenty one years forever, his heirs....All profits from this land to go to said Ruth Shemilt for natural life then profits to go to John Heath father of Robert Heath until he is twenty one years of age, then he enjoys the same.
ITEM
I give unto three of youngest children, Ann, Ruth and John daughters and son of John Heath of Wootton Park, one hundred pounds to be equally divided among these three children when they come to the age of twenty one years....Ruth Shemilt to have profits from the one hundred pounds for her natural life....
ITEM
I give the rest residue and remainder of my household goods and chattels real and personal estate unto the five children of John Heath of Wootton Park to be equally divided among them....
And I do hereby appoint John Heath of Wootton Park and Thomas Horobin of Ramshor, parish of Ellastone to be my executors of this my last will....
Witnesses Ruth Shemilt
Thomas Prince
George Parker X Her mark
James Mould
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATETHOMAS SHEMILT / MARCH 28 1786 / APRIL 6 1787
EXTRACTS FROM WILL OF THOMAS SHEMILT, FARMER OF ELLASTONE:
Written on March 28th 1786 I Thomas Shemilt, farmer of Ellastone, County of Stafford....
I appoint Godfrey Wood of Prestwood and Thomas Hall of Ellastone as Trustees of my estate, lands, properties and appurtenances, who shall sell all the estate etc. on my decease for the best price or prices that they can get, and for the whole of the money arising from such a sale they will pay and apply the same for the maintenance, education and bringing up of MY EIGHT CHILDREN VIZ., [in descending age order, male then female] WILLIAM, THOMAS,JOHN, ISAAC, MARY, RUTH, ELLEN and ANN. Payment to be made until they or any of them are able to maintain himself or herself and also for the maintenance of MY said WIFE. On the youngest child attaining twenty one years the residue of the money (if any) shall be equally divided among the surviving children. Should any child be dead at this time leaving issue [children] then the issue to get the share that would have gone to that deceased child. Should MY WIFE be living at the time the youngest child comes of age, she too to have a share.
I give my personal estate to my executors for the benefit of MYWIFE AND CHILDREN and I appoint my said Trustees Executors of this my last will....
Witnesses Thomas Shemilt
Willm. Poyser
Henry Copestick [no mark/signature]
David Woodward
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATEWILLIAM SHEMILT / DECEMBER 16 1815 / ADMIN AS LEFT
EXTRACTS FROM LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION OF WILLIAM SHEMILT OF ELLASTONE:
Written on December 16th 1815 that we Hannah Shemilt of Ellastone in the County of Stafford widow, Thomas Shemilt of the same place, miller, and Matthew Lees of Swinscoe in the said County of Stafford, Husbandman, are held firmly bound unto William Vyse Vicar General Lichfield....the sum of four hundred pounds....
The above named Hannah Shemilt Administrator of all singular goods and chattels of the late William Shemilt of Ellastone....
[subsequent page]
We have decreed Letters of Administration of the Goods and Personal Estate of William Shemilt late of Ellastone who died intestate A BACHELOR to be granted to HANNAH SHEMILT [widow] the natural and lawful MOTHER OF THE SAID DECEASED....
Signed
Hannah Shemilt
X Her mark
Thos Shemilt [Signed]
Matthew Lees
X His mark
J.D.Shemilt 2002
NAME / DATE WRITTEN / PROBATE DATETHOMAS SHEMILT / JULY 3 1829 / APRIL 28 1830
EXTRACTS FROM WILL OF THOMAS SHEMILT, OF WOOTTON, PARISH OF ELLASTONE:
Written on July 3rd 1829 I Thomas Shemilt, [Miller] of Wootton parish of Ellastone, County of Stafford....
I give and devise the whole of my property unto MY WIFE ANNSHEMILT for her sole use and enjoyment of the same during the term of her natural life, and from and after her decease I give and devise unto MY TWO GRANDDAUGHTERS ANN AND SARAH ELIZABETH ROBOTHAM the sum of five pounds each to be paid out of the money I now have in the hands of MY SON IN LAW RICHARD HODGESON.
I give and devise the rest residue and remainder of my property unto MY TWO DAUGHTERS MARY AND SARAH share and share alike.
I appoint William Evans of Ellastone and John Coates of Prestwood executors of this my last will....
Witnesses Thomas Shemilt
John Taylor
John Clark Signed
J.D.Shemilt 2002