Jamaican Family Search Genealogy Research Library
ISLAND RECORD OFFICE: Liber 52 Folio 54
Will signed 9 March 1781
Codicil signed 9 March 1781
Will proved 1 August 1787
Persons Mentioned, Places Mentioned
Charles Bernard [brother] (Executor), St. James
Daniel Bernard (Testator), Dwelling house at Roehampton, St. James
William Rhodes Bernard (Executor)
Thomas Reid [Jnr?] (Executor)
Joseph Clarke (Witness)
William Fowle (Witness)
David Bernard
James Pollard (Witness)
Elizabeth Dehanin (daughter)
Francis (daughter)
Mary (daughter)
Ann (daughter) (may be WVClarke's 1st wife)
Laura (daughter)
Daniel Bernard (Son) & his wife Sarah
William Parr Bernard (Son)
Samuel James (Son)
William Parr (Brother in Law)
John Clarke (Joint trustee with DB of Wm Parr's estate)
Ann Parr wife of Wm Parr and beneficiary of Wm Parr's estate)
George Thomas & John Reid (Witnesses)
Charles Bernard (Son)
William Rhodes Bernard (Nephew & executor)
Thomas Reid of St James (Esteemed friend & executor)
Samuel Torrent James, John Robert James & Thomas James the elder (executors)
George, Thomas & John Reid (Witnessess)
Precis:-
This is probably the will of 'Gen. Bernard' (see the miniature portrait of General Bernard ) father of Ann Parr Bernard. Daniel Bernard was the Major-General of the Militia of Foot in St. James in 1782.
Charles Bernard & Thomas Reid, executors of the will of Daniel Bernard, renounce all rights & title to anything in the will. He leaves his wife six slaves and £250 pounds per annum. All his children to be educated at a cost to his estate. Daughters Elizabeth, Mary, Francis Ann and Laura each receive two slaves and £420 at age twenty one or upon marriage. His sons to receive two slaves each. His wife to have the use of his house Roehampton for her life. His late brother in law William Parr of Hanover made John Clarke and Daniel Bernard trustees of his estate and after debts on it have been paid the income is to distributed to his children share and share alike
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Bernard Charles [.....?] Entd 28 July 1787 (In margin)
Jamaica SS
To all to whom these presents shall come Charles Bernard of the parish of Saint James in the County of Cornwall and Island aforesaid Esquire and Thomas Reid of the parish of Trelawney County and Island Aforesaid Esquire Send greeting whereas Daniel Bernard late of the parish of St James in the County of Cornwall and Island Aforesaid Esquire Deceased did in and by his last Will and Testament in Writing bearing date the Ninth day of March which was in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and Eighty One nominate and Appoint the said Charles Bernard and Thomas Reid together with one William Rhodes Bernard Executors of his said Wills as in and by the said last Wills and Testaments reference being thereunto said wills Appear And whereas the said William Rhodes Bernard is in Absenter and off this Island and hath no representative Whatever in this Island in such his capacity of Executor Aforesaid And whereas the said Charles Bernard and Thomas Reid are desirous of renouncing and disclaiming the Execution of the said hereinbefore in parts recited wills and all right Title and Interest whatsoever which they or either of them now have or hath under and by Virtue of the same. Now therefore know ye that the said Charles Bernard and Thomas Reid Have and each of them Hath renounced and Disclaimed and by these presents Do and each of them Doth renounce and Disclaim the Execution of the hereinbefore in part recited will and promise release and for ever Disclaim and give up All the Estate Right Title Interest and Benefit Whatsoever which they the said Charles Bernard and Thomas Reid or either of them now have or ever had under and by virtue of the hereinbefore in part recited will or otherwise howsoever. In Witness whereof the said Charles Bernard and Thomas Reid have hereunto respectively set their Hands and Seals this Nineteenth day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven.
Sealed and Delivered Cha Bernard
In the presence of Thomas Reid Junr
Joseph Clarke
Memorandum on the 23 day of July 1787 personally appeared before me Joseph Clarke Gentleman the Subscribing witness to the Execution of the within Deed polls or Instrument in Writing and made Oath that he was present and did see the within named Charles Bernard and Thomas Reid severally sign Seal and as and of on their several and respective Acts and Deeds deliver the same for the purposes within contained
Wm Vincent 23 July 1787
Jamaica SS
George the Third by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King and of Jamaica Lord Defender of the Faith To our Trusty and Well Beloved Charles Bernard Junr and Thomas Reid of the parish of Saint James Esquires. Know ye that we have Constituted Authorized and Appointed and by these presents do Constitute Authorize and Appoint ye or either of ye to Administer an Oath unto William Fowler David Bernard and James Padfford or either of them or any other that are Witnesses and can make Oath of the Signing Sealing publishing and Declaring of the last Will and Testament and Codicils of Daniel Bernard late of the parish of Saint James Esquire Deceased and thereof you or either of you are to make a due return under your or either of your hands and seals unto our Lieut Governor & Commander in Chief of our said Island or to the Governor in Chief of the same for the time being with this power Annexed so that such proceedings may be Ordered therein or may be According to Law Witness His Honor Alured Clarke Esq Govr & Command in Chief of our said Island at Saint Jago de la Vega this Twenty Fifth day of May Anno Domini 1787 and in the 27th day of our Reign Alured Clarke
Passed the Secretarys Office
Will Dunlop Secrty
Jamaica SS. In Obedience to the within Dedimus I have Administered Oath to William Fowler as within I am commanded Given under my Hand and Seal this first day of August 1787
C Bernard Junr
Jamaica SS.
In the name of God Amen I Daniel Bernard of Roehampton in the parish of St James in the County of Cornwall and island aforesaid Esquire Do make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form as follows That is to say I Give Devise and Bequeath to my beloved wife my six Slaves named Clarissa Mar...? Creol Katey Old George Margaret and Ranger for and during the rest of her life and at her decease are to be returned to the Bulk of and considered to be a part of the residue and remainder of my Estate I also Give Devise and Bequeath to my beloved wife an Annuity of Two hundred and fifty pounds per Annum Provided she will Quit Claim to all her rights of Dower on my Estate and not to Else And if my said wife will accept such as surety in full and lieu and of her Right of Dower in that Course it is my Will and Desire and I do hereby Direct that such Annuity shall [be?] calculated from the day of my Decease to that day five full months when the first payment shall become due and payable and again upon that day of the month in every year so long as she shall live when the said annuity shall Cease and Determine It is my will and I hereby direct that my Executor Trustee or Guardian to the aformentioned Estate of my children or under Whatsoever Denomination [.....?] [....?] entrusted with the execution of this my will might be considered to educate and maintain all my children at the Charge of my Estate until they shall respectively attain the age of twenty one years leaving [ 1 line illegible] entirely to the direction of such persons shall be in the direction and management of my affairs aforesaid [?] Executors Guardians or Trustees of this my Will Provided nevertheless that all or either of my daughters shall marry before they shall have achieved the age of twenty one years such maintenance as they would respectively have been entitled to under my wills shall cease upon the respective day of marriage and if either of my Daughters [...?] to remain Single after She shall have attained the Age of Twenty One Years she or so many of them as shall so remain Single shall still be maintained so long as they shall respectively choose to accept such maintenance in lieu of the Interest of their respective fortunes But should either of my daughters so remaining Single after they arrive at the Age of Twenty One Years Incline to receive the Interest of her fortune or to receive their several and respective portions in that case such Maintenance shall cease and determine whenever their fortunes respectively shall be paid to them I give devise and bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth Dehanin the Sum of Four Hundred and Twenty pounds to be paid to her when she arrives at the Age of Twenty and or upon her Day of Marriage whichever (New page with 155 in the margin) shall first happen together with my two Negroe Girls named Letitia and Little Hagar To her and her heirs for ever I give Devise and Bequeath to my Daughter Francis the like Sum of Four hundred and Twenty pounds to be paid her when she shall arrive at the Age of Twenty One years or upon her Day of Marriage whichever shall first happen together with my two Negroe Girls named Emma and Stella to her and her heirs for ever I Give Devise and Bequeath to my Daughter Mary the like sum of four hundred and twenty pounds to be paid her when she shall arrive at the age of twenty one years or upon her Day of Marriage whichever shall first happen together with my two negroe girls I have named Hannah and Madelin[?] to her and her heirs for ever I Give Devise and Bequeath to my daughter Ann the like sum of Two Hundred and Twenty pounds to be paid her when she shall arrive at the age of Twenty One years or upon her day of marriage whichever shall first happen together with my two negroe Girls named Molly and Queen to her and her heirs for ever I give Devise and Bequeath to my Daughter Laura the like sum of Four Hundred and Twenty pounds to be paid her when she shall arrive at the age of Twenty One Years or upon her Day of Marriage whichever shall first happen together with my two negroe Girls named [...?] and Rose to her and her heirs for ever I give Devise and Bequeath to my Daughter in Law Sarah wife of my Son Daniel the use of either of my negroe Girls that my Executors shall think proper to wait upon her so long as she shall continue the wife or widow of my said son I give Devise and Bequeath to my Son Daniel my two negroe Boys named Collin and Quashie to him and to the heirs of his Body lawfully begotten and in failure of such Issue to return to and be Considered as a part of the residue of my Estate But in case my Son Daniel shall Die before my Daughter in Law Sarah his wife I then give unto my said Daughter in Law the use of my said negroe Boy Collin so long as she shall remain the widow of my said Son together with a Yearly Allowance or annuity of Seventy Pounds per annum to be calculated from the day of the death of my said Son Daniel and no longer And immediately upon the marriage of my said Daughter in Law with any other person or upon her demise such Annuity or yearly Allowance from my Estate shall cease and Determine I Give Devise and Bequeath unto my son Charles my two negro boys named Abraham and Sam to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten and in failure of such Issue to return to and be considered as a part of the residue of my Estate I Give Devise and Bequeath toi my son William Parr Bernard my negroe Boy named Jasper and his brother Mulatto Peter to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten and in failure of such Issue to return to and be considered as part of the residue of my Estate I Give Devise and Bequeath to my son Samuel James my two negroe Boys named Quamie [?] and Ishmael to him and the Heirs of his Body lawfully begotten and in failure of such Issue to return and be considered as a part of the residue of my Estate In Case [....?] of my Daughters should Die before they arrive at the age of Twenty One years or before their day of marriage I Give Devise and Bequeath the Portion or Portions of such of my Daughters as shall so Dye to be Equally Divided between my surviving Daughters share and share alike I Give Devise and Bequeath the use of my Dwelling house at Roehampton together with the use of all my Furniture to my beloved Wife during her life so long as she shall continue to be my widow for the Accomodation of herself and of my children or at least of so many of them as may not be provided with another place of residence WHEREAS my brother in law William Parr late of the Parish of Hanover Decsd did by his last Will and Testament divide all his Estate Real and Personal In Trust to John Clarke of the Parish of Hanover Esquire and myself and did by his said Wills that after payment of his Debts the proceeds or profits to arise annually therefrom should be paid to my sister Ann Parr/ his widow/ for her life and at her Decease to devolve to my then Surviving Children share and share alike And whereas there were and still are sundry Debts due from the said Estate which I have paid or am still liable to pay And whereas I have [....?] received all the Right and Title of my said sister Ann Parr [....?] to the said Estate for a certain life annuity in consideration whereof the Negroes belonging to that Estate are now settled upon and comprise a considerable part of the strength by which my Estate is now [....?] on and as the removal of them would greatly injure my said Estate I do hereby direct that immediately after the decease of my said sister Ann Parr all the slaves which I purchased her right in shall be valued fairly and justly by my Executors and that such Sum or Sums of Money I have paid or as my Estate is still liable to pay shall be deducted from such sum as all the said negroes shall be valued at and the balance then remaining to be divided into as many shares as I then might have children living agreable to the Terms of the will of my said Brother in Law William Parr And that an interest of Ten Pounds pr cent pr annum be paid to each of my children on his her or their part or parts untill my Estate can pay for their several and respective issues And I do hereby Empower and direct my Executors hereinafter named to apply for and procure proper Titles from each and every of my children respectively as they shall arrive at Age to specify the same to their several and respective shares in and for all and every of the said negroes securing to them at the same time the payments of their several and respective shares at such stipulated times as to my said Executors shall appear to be reasonable either by binding my Estate by Mortgage Judgements or otherwise as they shall think proper & I do hereby give my Executors full power and Authority to execute any Mortgage confer Judgements or otherwise to bind my Estate for securing all such sums as might be due for or on account of the purchase of the said Negroes from all or either of my children and if either or any of my children shall refuse to sell or upon the Application of my Executors refuse to Execute a proper Deed or deeds of Conveyance to the said Negroes or shall remove them from my Estate whereby any injury might be done thereto It is my Will and I do in that case hereby direct that the several and respective Legacies herein bequeathed to such of my children as shall so refuse shall become forfeited and shall sink into the bulk of my Estate and be considered as part and parcel of the residue or remainder thereof. D. Bernard
SIGNED Sealed Published and Declared by Daniel Bernard the Testator to be a part of his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in the presence of each other Subscribed our names as witnesses and saw this first sheet by him affixed to and connected with the subsequent part of his said Will written on a second sheet
Geo Reid
Thos Reid
John Reid
/second sheet/
I Give Devise and Bequeath to my sister Ann Parr the sum of Fifty pounds to be paid her as soon as possible after my Decease I Give Devise and Bequeath to my son Daniel Bernard One Tenth part of the rest residue and remainder of my Estate that [...?] or [..../] of whatsoever kind the same might be to him and to the heirs of his body Lawfully Begotten and in failure of such heirs to my sons Charles William Parr and Samuel James to the same and to the heirs of their several and respective bodies lawfully begotten and in failure of such heirs to my daughters Elizabeth Dehanin Francis Mary Ann and Laura and to the several and respective heirs of their bodies Lawfully Begotten I Give Devise and Bequeath to my son Charles Bernard One Hundredth[?] part of all the rest residue and remainder of my Estate real personal or mixed or of whatever kind the same might be to him and to the heirs of his Body Lawfully Begotten And in failure of such heirs to my daughters Elizabeth Dehannin Frances Mary Ann and Laura and to their several and respective heirs and respective heirs of their bodies lawfully begotten I Give Devise and bequeath to my son William Parr Bernard one hundredth[?] part of all the rest residue and remainder of my Estate real personal or general or of whatever kind the same might be To him and to the heirs of his Body lawfully begotten for ever And in failure of such then to my Daughters Elizabeth Dehannin Francis Mary Ann and Laura and to their several and respective heirs of their bodies lawfully begotten I give devise and bequeath to my son Samuel James Bernard the remaining fourth part of all the rest residue and remainder of my Estate real personal or mixed or of whatsover kind the same might be to him and to the heirs of body lawfully begotten which several fourth fails [?] together make up what [...?] and concise to be the residue and remainder of my Estate And I do hereby declare that my true Intent and reasoning is that all my sons shall enjoy equally and have an equal share in my Estate [...?] to do such Intails and restrictions as are herein particularly mentioned And lastly I do hereby Nominate Constitute and Appoint my beloved wife so long as she continues to be my widow / and no longer / executrix and my brother Charles Bernard my nephew William Rhodes Bernard and my trusty and esteemed Friend Thomas Reid of the parish of St James Samuel Torrent James and John Robert James also of the parish of St James Thomas James the Elder of the parish of Hanover and George Robert Goodin of the parish of Westmoreland Esquires to be Executors to this my will and testament and to be Guardians to the persons and Estates of my children And I do hereby revoke and make null and void all former or other will or wills at any time by me heretofore made and I do declare this and this only to e my last will and testament In witness I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this ninth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one D. Bernard
Signed sealed Published and Declared by Daniel Bernard the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in the presence of each other did Subscribe our Names as Witnesses thereto and who saw this Second Sheet / by him/ Affixed to and Annexed to the first sheets containing the forgoing parts of his said will.
Geo Reid
Thos Reid
John Reid
[In the margin] Bernard Daniel Codicil proved 1st August 1787.
Jamaica SS
In the name of God Amen I Daniel Bernard of Roehampton in the parish of St James County of Cornwall and Island of Jamaica Esquire having on the ninth day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and Eighty One Executed my Will and Testament in my own handwriting in the presence of George Reid Thomas Reid and John Reid the three Subscribing Witnesses thereto which I now make publish and declare with this my codicil annexed to be my last will and Testament with Codicil in manner aforesaid follows That is to say I give Devise and Bequeath unto my eldest son Daniel to be delivered to him immediately after my decease my five Carpenter Negroes named Cornwall [...?] [....?] Jacob and Lucas to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten and in failure of such to return to and be [....?] part of my Estate And in order to prevent the inconvenience which may arise from a number of Executors interfering with the Management of my Estate at one and the same time I declare that it is my will and Desire and I hereby [...?] and direct that my Beloved Brother Charles Bernard my esteemed Friend Thomas Reid of Cornwall and my Nephew William Rhodes Bernard shall be the only Acting Executors for the management of my Estate both real and personal mixed or of whatsoever kind heretofore may be which they are hereby [....?] to take into their possession Immediately after my Decease and to manage and conduct the same to the best of their Skills and Judgement for the uses and Trusts particularly mentioned and set of and win my said last will and Testament hereinbefore to be Annexed without Interference of my other Executor in my last Will named And I do declare this to be my Codicil annexed to my last will and Testament before made and published in the presence of Three Credible Witnesses In Witness whereof I have [...?] set my hand and Affixed my Seal this twenty third day of February in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and Eighty two
D Bernard
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by Daniel Bernard the Testator as for his Codicil annexed to this his last will and Testament in the presence of us who in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses Thereto and saw him affix and annexe this Codicil to the first Two Sheets containing the forgoing parts to his last will and Testament
Wm Fowle
David Bernard
James Pollard [?]
Jamaica SS. In Obedience to the dedimus potestatem hereunto annexed I have administered an oath unto William Fowle who being duly upon the Holy Evangelist maketh Oath that he was present and did see Daniel Bernard the Testator in the Annexed Instruments of writing named being then of sound mind and memory Sign Seal publish and Declare the annexed Instrument of Writing purporting as a Codicil to be annexed to and taken with and as part of his thereunto and hereunto annexed last will and Testament and that at the execution David Bernard and James Pollard were also present and together with him Subscribed their names as Witnesses to the same in the presence of the said Testator And also that the said Testator did at the same time and in the presence of and in the presence of the said David Bernard and James Pollard and him the said William Fowle publish and declare the annexed paper writing purporting to be his will with the annexed codicil as and for his last will and Testament And further that he knows nothing of any other will or codicil since made by the said Testator which may tend to the Disadvantage of the annexed will or codicil Given under my hand and seal this first day of August anno domini 1787
C Bernard Junr.
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BERNARDS IN ALMANACS - ST. JAMES, 1781-1784
1781 Almanac (data for 1780)
St. James
Judges of the Common Pleas* and of the quorum:
Daniel Bernard, Esq.
Charles Bernard, jun., Esq.
Clerk of the Court: T. D. Bernard, Esq.
Militia of Foot - St. James
Colonel**: Daniel Bernard, Esq.
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1782 Almanac (data for 1781)
St. James
Judges of the Common Pleas* and of the quorum:
Daniel Bernard, Esq.
Charles Bernard, jun., Esq.
Judges of the Common Pleas*:
William Rhodes Bernard, Esq.
Thomas David Bernard, Esq.
A List of the Regiments of Militia, with their Colonels
Foot - Saint James. . . Major-General Bernard
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1783 Almanac (data for 1782)
St. James
Judges of the Common Pleas* and of the quorum:
C. Bernard, jun., Esq.
Judges of the Common Pleas*:
William Rhodes Bernard, Esq.
Thomas David Bernard, Esq.
St. James Militia - no Bernard.
_______
1784 Almanac (data for 1783)
St. James
Judges of the Common Pleas* and of the quorum:
C. Bernard, jun., Esq.
Judges of the Common Pleas*:
William Rhodes Bernard, Esq.
Thomas David Bernard, Esq.
Clerk of the Court: Thomas David Bernard
St. James Militia - no Bernard.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*The equivalent of a modern Justice of the Peace who hears cases in Petty Court. No legal training required.
** "Colonel" was an office in the Militia. The holder of the office might be a Colonel, or someone of another rank serving in that position.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE: PROB11/1426
Will proved: 9th June 1805.
Date within document: 20th January 1804.
Persons Mentioned, Places Mentioned
David Bernard [Testator], Penn called Bona Vista
Judith Bernard [his wife]
William Rhodes Bernard [brother]
Joseph Bowen Bernard [son]
Charles Edward Bernard [nephew]
William Parr Bernard [cousin]
Philip Anglin Scarlett[?] [Friend]
Precis:-
David Bernard of St James owns property including Bona Vista Pen, has a wife Judith Bernard and a son Joseph Bowen Bernard. His 'daughters' are also mentioned.
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This is the last Will and Testament of David Bernard of the parish of Saint James in the County of Cornwall and Island aforesaid it is my will and desire that all my just debts be fully paid I then give and bequeath to my beloved wife Judith Bernard five hundred pounds currency during her life to be paid half yearly two hundred and fifty on the first day of every January and two hundred and fifty pounds on the first day of every July I give my house .....[?] ......[?] Negroes Horses cows .[?] ..[?] f.......[?] plate carriage and use of my pen called Bona Vista for the use of herself and my family as long as she lives and after as long as my Daughters or any of them ........[?] ........[?] I give to my Son Joseph Bowen Bernard one thousand pounds currency when he is twenty one years of age I the Rest Residue and Remainder of my property to all my children including ...[?] ...[?] is expected to be born this year to them share and share alike to them and their heirs for ever I agree to the Sale of my property except Bona Vista for the period above mentioned and my f......[?] property which is not to be sold until my youngest child becomes of age of all my Executors and my Executrix agree to the Sale of such properties the five hundred pounds to my beloved wife to be in lieu ...[?] of Dower or thirds and lastly ........[?] to institute and appoint my beloved wife Executor my Son Joseph Bowen Bernard my Brother William Rhodes Bernard my nephew Charles Edward Bernard my Friend Philip Anglin Scarlett [?] and my cousin William Parr Bernard my Executors to fulfil this my last will and testament written by myself this twentieth day of January one thousand eight hundred and four David Bernard Signed sealed published and declared by the said David Bernard to be his last will and testament who in the presence of each of us has executed the ...[?] ....[?] which we in the presence of each other and in his presence are witnessess
Richard Whitelock William .....[?] Robert Haynes
This Will was proved at London the ninth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five before the Right Honourable Sir William William Esquire Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oaths of William Rhodes Bernard the Brother and Charles Edward Bernard the Nephew of the deceased and two of the executors in the said will to whom administration of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased was granted they having been first sworn .....[?] .......[?] .....[?] .....[?] of making the like Grant Judith Bernard ..[?] ...[?] the Relict Joseph Bowen Bernard the son of the said deceased Philip Anglin Scarlett and William Parr Bernard the other executors in the said will which they or either of them shall apply for the same.
For more on this family, see Bernard genealogy.ISLAND RECORD OFFICE: Wills Liber 92 Folio 18.
Will signed 9 September 1809
Will proved 30 December 1815
For inventory see W. V. Clarke Inventory, Jamaica Archives ref:1B/11/3/127 Folio 158
Persons Mentioned
William Virgo Clarke [1] (Testator)
Alexander Burt (Partner)
David Walker (Partner & Executor)
John Fisher (Executor)
Edmund Finucane (Witness)
George Graham (Witness)
Sam. Sharpe (Witness)
Precis:-
This is the will of William Virgo Clarke [1]. He is a surveyor and leaves his surveying papers and instruments to his partners Alexander Burt and David Walker. He desires to 'be as frugally buried as possible' and divides everything else 'share and share alike' between his wife and his 'three dear children'. (See Inventory for details)
For more about this family, see their genealogy
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Jamaica SS
In the name of God amen, I William Virgo Clarke of the parish of Hanover in the County of Cornwall and island of Jamaica aforesaid, being of perfect mind and memory make this my last will and testament, first: I desire to be as frugally buried as possible and that the charges may not exceed twenty pounds , Then it is my desire that my debts be paid, my surveying papers and instruments of every description I give and bequeath unto my worthy partners Alexander Burt and david Walker, The rest residue and remainder of my estate of every description whatsoever it may be, I give devise and bequeath equally to be divided share and share alike between my beloved wife, and my three dear children but in case of the death of either without lawful heirs, then their share to be equally divided amongst the survivors and so on in case of the death of more, Lastly I constitute nominate and appoint my dear wife Executrix, and my worthy friends John Fisher and David Walker Executors to this my last will and testament And I do hereby utterley revoke, disallow and disannul all former bequests, wills and legacies by me heretofore in any wise left or made, [......?] ratifying and confirming, this and no other to be my last will and testament, In Witness wherof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this ninth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nine
W. V. Clarke
Signed sealed published and declared by the Testator to be his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who subscribed our names in the presence of the said Testator, and of each other,
Edmd. Finucane George Graham Sam. Sharpe
Jamaica SS
In Obedience to the dedimus potestatem hereunto annexed I have administered an oath unto George Graham, who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelist, deposeth and saith, that he was present and did see William Virgo Clarke, the testator in the annexed instrument of writing, named, being at that time of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding, sign seal publish and declare the same as and for his last will and testament, and at the same Edward Finucane and Samuel Sharpe were also present, and together with him subscribed their names as witnessses to the same, in the presence of the said testator, and further that he knows nothing of any will since made by the said Testator that can tend to the disadvantage of the will hereunto annexed
Given under my hand and seal this 30: day of Decem: 1815.
A. Reddie
ISLAND RECORD OFFICE: Will 96 Folio 140
Signed 5 November 1814
Proved 30 August 1819
See Ann Clarke Inventory, Jamaica Archives Ref:1B/11/3/132 F112
Persons mentioned, Places mentioned
Ann Clarke (Testator), Hanover
Ann Clarke Bernard
Mrs. Petronella Clarke Bernard (ACB's mother)
Precis:-
This will leaves slaves to Ann Clarke Bernard and her mother Mrs. Petronella Clarke Bernard, and the rest of her possessions to Mrs Petronella Clarke Bernard.
Ann Clarke's inventory (Liber 132) values her assets at £2221.13.4.
_______________________
10/- [in margin]
Jamaica SS
George the third by the Grace of God of the united Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King and of Jamaica Lord defender of the faith and to our trusty and well beloved [... .........?] and Davd. Boyd Know ye that we have constituted authorised and appointed and by these presents do constitute authorise and appoint ye or either of ye to administer on oath unto John C Evans or any other that are witnesseth and can make oath of the signing sealing publishing and declaring of the last will and testament of Ann Clarke late of the parish of Hanover spinster deceased and thereof you or either of you are to make due return under your or either of your hands and seals unto our Captain Governor and General in Chief of our said Island or to the Governor in Chief of the same for the time being with this power annexed so that such proceedings may be ordered therein and may be according to law Witness his Grace William Duke of Manchester Captain General Governor in Chief of our said Island at St Jago de la Vega on the 7th day of May annoque domini 1819 and in the 59th year of our sovgn
Manchester
Passed secretarys office W Bullock Secretary
Jamaica SS
In obedience to the dedimus potestatem I have administered an oath unto John C Evans and as therein I am Commanded [.....? .....?] hand and seal this 30th day of August 1819 Davd Boyd
[In the margin] Clarke Ann proved 30 August 1819
[......? ..? Place name?] ] I Ann Clark of the parish of Hanover in the County of Cornwall and Island of Jamaica Spinster do make ordain and publish this to be my last will and testament being at present of sound mind [....?] and understanding First it is my express wish will and desire that all my just debts and funeral expenses be fully paid and satisfied I give and bequeath unto Ann Clarke Bernard daughter of Mrs Petronella Clarke Bernard two slaves named Margo[?] and Princess with the future issue offspring and increase of the female of the said slaves unto her the said Ann Clarke Bernard and to her heirs for ever I give devise and bequeath unto Mrs Petronella Clarke Bernard all those [...?...?] or other slaves as here named [....? .....? .....? ......?] Richard Sam Jack Cynthia [............?] Patsy Bess [..........?] Pamilla Sarah Judy Isabella [....?] Easy Philby and her son Thomas together with the future issue offspring and increase of the females of the said slaves to her the said Petronella Clarke Bernard and her heirs forever and further I do hearby give devise and bequeath all the rest residue and remainder of my property real personal and [......?] whatsoever and wheresoever the same maybe or consist of unto the said Petronella Clarke Bernard and to her heirs for ever and Lastly I do hereby nominate Constitute and appoint my dear [......?} Mrs Petronella Clarke Bernard Executrix and my friend James [M....?] Esquire Executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other will or wills or codicils to wills by me heretofore made and only declare this to be and Contain my last will and testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this fifth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen. Ann Clarke
Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator Ann Clarke to be and contain her last will and testament in the presence of us who at her request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses to the same
WM Thos Chambers Jacob E Chambers John C Evans [.......? ......?]
10/- [in the margin]
Jamaica SS. In obedience to the dedimus potestatem hereunto annexed I have administered an oath to John C Evans who being duly sworn on the holy Evangelists deposed and saith that he was present and did see Ann Clarke the testator in the annexed [....? .....? .....?] named being at that time of sound and disposing mind [....?] and [.........?] sign seal publish and declare the same as and for her last will and testament and at the same time Wm Thos Chambers and Jason E Chambers were also present and together with her subscribed the [.....? ......?] to the same in the presence of the said testator and further that he knew nothing of any will [...?] made by the said testator that contends to the [...?] case of the will hereunto annexed Given under my hand and seal this 30th day of August Annoque Domini 1819
David Boyd
ISLAND RECORD OFFICE: Wills Liber 116 Folio 181
Signed: 10 April 1828
Probate: 26 July 1836
See inventory, Jamaica Archives Ref:1B/11/3/152 Folio 23
Persons Mentioned, Places Mentioned
Ann Parr Clarke (Testator), Parish of HanoverPrecis:-
This is the will of Ann Parr Clarke wife of William Virgo Clarke. She leaves everything 'share and share alike' between her three children, Ann Bernard Clarke, John Clarke and William Virgo Clarke [For details see Inventory]
____________________________
Jamaica SS
William the fourth by the Grace of God of the united Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King and of Jamaica Lord defender of the faith To our Trusty and well beloved James Kitche Bims and Alexander Campbell Esquires Know ye that we have constituted authorised and appointed and by these presents do constitute authorise and appoint ye or either of you to administer and oath unto Edward Chambers or any other that are Witnesses and can make oath of the signing sealing publishing and declaring of the last Will and Testament of Ann Parr Clarke late of the Parish of Hanover deceased and thereof you or either of you are to make a due Return under your or either of your hands and Seals unto our Captain General and Governor in chief of our said Island or to to the Governor in chief of the same for the time being with this power annexed so that such proceedings may be added[?] therein as may be according to law Witnesses his Excellency the Most Noble Howe Peter Marquess of Sligo Captain General & Governor in chief of our said Island at St Jago de la Vega the seventh day of February Anno Domini 1836 and in the sixth year of our Reign. Sligo
Passed this entry office WG Stewart Secretary
Jamaica SS. In obedience to the within Dedimus Potestatem to me and another directed I have administered an oath unto the within named Edward Chambers as I am thereby directed Given under my hand and Seal this 23rd day of February 1836
JK Bims
Jamaica SS. In the name of God amen I Ann Parr Clarke of the Parish of Hanover County of Cornwall and Island aforesaid Widow being of sound and Disposing Mind Memory and understanding do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following [Imprimis?] after my Just debts shall have been paid I give devise and bequeath unto my daughter Ann Bernard Clarke and to my sons John Clarke and William Virgo Clarke all my property real and personal to be Equally divided among them share and share alike each of them paying the sum of Ten pounds currency which said sum shall be equally divided between my Grand children lawfully begotten that shall be alive at the time of such payment and Division and Lastly I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said daughter Ann Bernard Clarke and my said sons John Clarke and William Virgo Clarke to be Executors and trustees of this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this tenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight.
Ann Parr Clarke
Signed Sealed and Delivered by the Testator to be her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in her presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed the same as Witnesses
Edward Chambers Thos Sherman Thomas Jenkins
Jamaica SS In obedience to the dedimus potestatem hereunto annexed I have administered an oath unto Edward Chambers who being duly sworn on the holy Evangelist deposeth and saith that he was present and did see Ann Parr Clarke the Testator in the annexed Instrument of writing named being at that time of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding sign seal publish and deliver the same and for her last Will and Testament and at the same time Thomas Sherman and Thomas Jenkins were also present and together with him subscribed their names as witnesses to the same in the presence of the said Testatrix[?] and further that he knows nothing of any [...?] since made by the said Testatrix[?] that can tend to the disadvantage of the will hereunto annexed Given under my hand and seal this 23rd day of February 1836.
JK Brims
Jamaica SS. I John A Davidson of the Parish of St Catherine Gentleman being duly sworn maketh oath and saith he hath counted the within Will and probate and the same contains Four legal sheets and 23 words over to the best of my knowledge and belief
J A Davidson
Sworn before me this 26th day
of February 1836 B Whittaker
ISLAND RECORD OFFICE: Wills Liber 42 Folio 194
Proved: 21 October 1775
Signed: 7th February 1775
Persons Mentioned, Places Mentioned
William Virgo (Planter & Testator), Water Valley Sugar Estate Trelawny
Mary Gallimore Virgo (Daughter)
Howil Aachel (Slave) & her children Cuffee Yankee, Ponto Phillis & Sitty
James Virgo & Montague Wisdom Virgo (Sons)
Little Abraham (Negroe Slave)
Slaves:- Daniel Charles Hercules, Solomon, Levant, Julius Hannah Angelica Pamilla, Agness, Dinah, Betty, Cleona Dapfords Margaret and Tamy
Mary Virgo (Wife and Executrix)
Ann Virgo (granddaughter)
John Towne
Matthew Gallimore, Elizabeth Virgo Gallimore, William Gallimore and William Virgo Clarke (Grandchildren)
Henry John Humphrey Gallimore Wisdom. (a minor)
Executors: Charles Bernard Senior Esq. of St James and William Rhodes James Esq. of Trelawny
Precis:-
This is the will of Col. William Virgo of Water Valley, Trelawny who appears to be the grandfather of William Virgo Clarke. The Colonel is a planter with a considerable Sugar Estate which he leaves to his sons James Virgo and Montague Wisdom Virgo. He gives slaves and an income of £100 per annum sterling to his daughter Mary Gallimore Virgo together with instructions to his executors to purchase her a 'good riding Horse with Saddle and Furniture'. He names his grandchildren including WVC and instructs that with the exception of Ann Virgo, who gets £1200, they be paid £300 per annum until they become 21. His wife Mary gets £300 per annum
For more on this family, see Virgo genealogy
___________________________
Virgo William proved 21st Octbr 1775
Jamaica SS
In the name of God Amen I William Virgo of the parish of Trelawney in the County of Cornwall and Island of Jamaica Planter being sick in Body but of sound mind and memory thanks be given to Almighty God for the same and calling to mind the Certainty of this Transitory Life and the uncertainty thereof do make Publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following First and principally I commend my Soul to Almighty God my Creator assuredly believing that I shall receive full pardon and remission of all my Sins and to be saved by the precious death and Merits of our Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ and my Body I commit to the Earth to be decently Interred at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named And as to such worldly Estate it has pleased God to besstow on me I do give order and dispose of the same in manner and form following (that is to say) I will order and direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be punctually paid with all Convenient speed as fast as my Estate can make it Item I give devise and bequeath unto my loving daughter Mary Gallimore Virgo the following negroe and other Slaves and named as follows Howil Aachel [Rachel?] and her children Cuffee Yankee and Ponto Phillis and Sitty with the future Issue and Increase of the female of them To hold to my said Daughter Mary Gallimore Virgo and the heirs of her Body lawfully begotten for ever and to be delivered when she shall attain her age of Eighteen years Item I also give and Bequeath unto my said loving Daughter Mary Gallimore Virgo the annual sum of One Hundred pounds Sterling money of Great Britain to be paid her yearly and every year after my decease until she shall attain her age of Twenty one years and if it shall so happen that my said Daughter Mary Gallimore Virgo shall depart this Life without such heirs as aforesaid Item I give and bequeath (All and every the Legacy or Legacies herein bequeathed unto her) unto my loving Sons James Virgo and Montague Wisdom Virgo and the heirs of their Bodies lawfully begotten for ever Item I give and bequeath unto my loving Grand Daughter Ann Virgo the sum of One Thousand two hundred pounds Current money of Jamaica to be paid her in three agreed payments in manner & form following that is to say the first payment of Four Hundred pounds Current money aforesaid to be paid her when she shall attain her age of Twenty one years the second payment of the like sum of Four hundred pounds to be paid her at twelve months after the first payment The third and last payment of the like sum of Four hundred pounds to be paid her at twelve months after the second payment To Hold to her and the heirs of her Body lawfully begotten for ever Item I give and bequeath unto my loving Son James Virgo one Negroe man Slave named Little Abraham To Hold to my said son James Virgo and the heirs of his Body lawfully begotten forever Item I give and bequeath unto my loving Son Montague Wisdom Virgo the following Negroes and other Slaves (to wit) Daniel Charles Hercules, Solomon, Levant, Julius Hannah Angelica Pamilla, Agness, Dinah, Betty, Cleona Darpfords Margaret and Tamy with the future Issue and Increase of the females of them To Hold to my said Son Montague Wisdom Virgo and the heirs of his Body lawfully begotten for ever Item I give and bequeath unto my loving Wife Mary Virgo the annual sum of Three Hundred pounds Current money aforesaid to be paid her yearly and every year after my decease for and during her natural Life Item I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Mary Gallimore Virgo all and every the Assignments of Judgements Execution's and Venditionie's or otherwise assigned to me by diver's persons against John Towne power To Hold to my said Daughter and the heirs of her Body lawfully begotten for ever Item it is my Will and I do order and direct that my said Daughter Mary Gallimore Virgo and Montague Wisdom Virgo be supported Educated and Maintained out of my said Estate until they shall attain to their respective ages of Twenty one years Item I Will and require that my Executors do purchase a good riding Horse with Saddle and Furniture for the use of my said Daughter Mary Gallimore Virgo when she shall require it Item all and every the Sundry pieces or parcels of Land which I have purchased from Cossley Hall Esquire and others with my Sugar Estate called Water Valley with all and every of my Estate both real and personal of what kind or nature soever I give and bequeath the same unto my said loving Son's James Virgo and Montague Wisdom Virgo to be equally divided between them and the heirs of their Respective Bodies lawfully begotten for ever that is to say the Neat proceed thereof Item it is my will and desire and Too order and direct that one division be made of my Estate and that after paying the yearly necessary for the support carrying and improving the said Estate and all other Contingencies thereof, then the yearly neat proceeds thereof to be equally divided between my said Sons James Virgo and Montague Wisdom Virgo and their heirs as aforesaid and if it [...?] so happen that one of my said Sons shall die without Heirs as aforesaid Item I give and bequeath all and every the Legacies (herein bequeathed unto him so dying) to the Survivor and the Heirs of his Body lawfully begotten for ever he or they paying unto my said Daughter Mary Gallimore Virgo and her heirs as aforesaid the Annual or yearly sum of One Hundred pounds Sterling money aforesaid in manner and form following that is to say for and during the term of Five years the first payment to begin and be made at Twelve months after the last payment of the above mentioned One Hundred pounds Sterling be paid and so to continue yearly and every year untill the said term of Five years be expired and if both my said Sons shall die without such heirs as aforesaid I then give and bequeath all and every the Legacies herein bequeathed unto them with all and every of my Estate as aforesaid unto my said Daughter Mary Gallimore Virgo and her heirs aforesaid for ever and after her decease and in failure of such heirs I then bequeath the same unto my loving Daughter Ann Dunn To hold to her and the heirs of her Body lawfully she or they paying the sum of Three Hundred pounds Current money aforesaid to each and every of my Grand Children named as follows, to wit, Matthew Gallimore, Elizabeth Virgo Gallimore, William Gallimore and William Virgo Clarke and their lawful Issue for ever Item it is my Will and desire and do order and direct then when Henry John Humphrey Gallimore Wisdom shall attain his age of Twenty one years and Receiving and taking his Estate into his own hands that my Executors do immediately surrender and deliver up the same and giving him at the same time a General Release and acquittance of all demands that I ever had or that my heirs Executors or Administrators shall or may have claim or demand against his Estate that is to say on this Condition that he will also give a release to my Estate in like manner if otherwise I will and require that my Executors do immediately enter into and take such legal courses in the Law as shall be the most speediest and ready methods for the recovering and obtaining all and every such sum or sums of money as shall appear to be due and owing from the Estate of Henry John Humphrey Gallimore Wisdom aforesaid to my Estate and if it shall so happen that any of my said sons or daughters or any of my children shall attempt to any Law suit or to make any Conveyance or Reconveyance to dock or cut of any of the Intails of this my said last Will and Testament or to endeavour to set aside the true intent and meaning of this my said Will that he she or they so attempting the same is hereby declared to be cut of and from every Legacy or Legacys herein bequeathed unto them and the same to be equally divided between the rest of my Children hereinbefore named and I do hereby declare them so attempting as aforesaid to be intirely cut of and Barred of and from any right or pretensions they shall or may claim from my said Estate except the sum of Five Shillings Current money aforesaid and lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my loving Wife Mary Virgo Executrix and my Trusty Friends Charles Bernard Senior of the parish of Saint James Esquire and William Rhodes James of the parish of Trelawny Esquire of this my last Will and testament contained in two Sheets of paper and I do hereby make null and void all former Wills and Testaments by me before made or declared acknowledging this only as and for my last In Witness whereof I have set my Hand and Seal to the first and Second Sheet of this my said Last Will and Testament this Seventeenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven Hundred and Seventy five
Willm. Virgo
Signed Sealed published and declared by the Testator as and 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 Subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto
Andrew Beard Mungo Campbell Solomon Marks
Jamaica SS
In Obedience to the Dedimus Protestatem here unto annexed I have Administered an Oath unto Mungo Campbell who being duly Sworn on the Holy Evangelists deposeth and saith that he was present and did see William Virgo the Testator within and above mentioned being then of sound mind and memory Sign Seal publish and declare the within and above written Instrument to be his last Will and Testament and that at the same time Andrew Beard and Solomon Marks were also present and together with him subscribed their Names as Witnesses to the same in the presence of the said Testator and further that he knows nothing of any other Will made by the said Testator which may tend to the disadvantage of the will within and above written
Given under my Hand and Seal this Twenty first day of October Anno
Domini one thousand seven hundred and seventy five
Exctr John Simpson
Transcribed by Tim Clarke.
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