435. Joseph HAM of Wivenhoe, Farmer, 1749. D/ACW 30/2/34

In the Name of God Amen I Joseph Ham of Wivenhoe in
The County of Essex Farmer being sick and weak in Body, but of sound
And perfect memory at the sealing hereof do this three and Twentyeth Day
of November one thousand Seven Hundred Forty Nine; make and ordain
this, to be, and contain my last Will and Testament in manner and form
following, First I Commend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God
who gave it me, and my Body I commit to the Earth to be Decently Buried
at the Discretion of my Executor herein after named. And as to such wordly goods
as it hath pleased God, to Bless me with I Despose of as followeth
I do hereby order and appoint all my goods and Chattles, and farming
Stock to be sold as soon as is Convenient after my Decease and the money
arising from such sale to pay my Just Debts, Funeral Charges. And the probate
of this my last will and Testament, and what money remain after my
Debts and Legacies are paid I Give to be equally parted Between my Brother John
Ham; my Sister Mary Chamberlin and my half Sister the wife of Daniel Dixsion
I also give to my brother John Ham twenty eight silver buttons (for a Coat) and to my
sister Chamberlin one gold ring;  I also give to my Servant Judith Atkinson
Twenty Shillings and the rest of my late Wife’s Clothes, I also give to my Servant
(Twenty Shillings) Samuel Wakelin Twenty Shillings, I also give to my friend
George Summerson four Guinneas to execute the office of Executor.  And do
hereby nominate and appoint my brother John Ham; and my friend George
Summerson of Grinsted in the Town of Colchester to be Executors of this my
Last Will and Testament Revoking all former Wills before made Ratifying
And Confirming this to be my last Will and testament In Witness whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Day and year above written

Joseph Ham
Sign Sealed published and Declared
By the said Joseph Ham to be and contain
His last Will and testament in our presence
And we Witnessed the same in his presence
John Potter
Martin Riddieled[ale]?
Proved 23 Dec 1749 by George Summerson and John Ham.