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St. Mary Church, Weaverham, Grave Inscription

“Here lie the remains of JOHN PICKERING late of Norley who died 12 February 1790 aged 68 years.
Also ELIZABETH second wife of JOHN PICKERING who departed this life 10 January 1803 aged 79 years.”

Will: 1790 John Pickering Elder of Norley


Heirs and Executors for John of Norley
Wife: Ellen [Elizabeth?]
Son: John Pickering
Daughter: Sarah Elisabeth (wife of John Minshall of Crowton)
Daughter: Mary


Last Will & Testament

In the name of God Amen  I John Pickering the elder of Norley in the County of Chester  Yoeman being of sound and disposing Mind and Memory do make publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in manners and form following, that is to say

FIRST I will and direct that all the debts which I shall owe at the time of my Decease, my funeral Expenses and the Charge of proving this my Will be paid and discharged out of my personal Estate.

And I do hereby give and devise unto my Son John Pickering All my Messuage, or Teneicut with the Buildings Lands and Appurtenances thereunto belonging situate and being in Over Whitley in the said County of Chester commonly called or know by the Name of Woodnetts and now in his holding or possession.  To Hold unto my said son John his Heirs and Assigns forever.

ITEM I give and bequeath unto my loving Wife Ellen Our feather bed, bedsteads and bedding – thereunto belonging together with furniture sufficient for the furnishing of one Room for and during the term of her natural life if she shall continue my Widow and after her decease or Marriage again I give and bequeath the same to my Daughters Sarah Elisabeth and Mary equally Share alike

And I do hereby order and direct that all my Household and other goods Cattle and Chattels of what Sort soever that I shall die possessed of (except as aforesaid) shall be sold as soon as conveniently may be after my decease and the money arising by Sale thereof I order and direct shall be placed out at Interest and the Interest thereof I give and bequeath to my said Wife for and during the term of her natural Life if she shall continue my Widow but in case she shall happen to marry again I give and bequeath to her the Sum of Six pounds a Year of good and lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid her at or upon the Twenty fifth day of March in each year.

And Subject thereto after the Death or Marriage again of my said Wife I give and bequeath my goods and Chattels and personal Estate unto my Daughters Sarah (now Wife of John Minshall of Crowton in the said County of Chester Husbandman) Elizabeth and Mary equally share and Share alike

AND LASTLY I do hereby nominate and appoint my said Wife and the said John Minshall Executrix and Executors of this my Will hereby revoking all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made and I do herby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament

IN WITNESS whereof I the said John Pickering the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament set and put my Hand and Seal the Twenty ninth day of January in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy .

Signed Sealed published and declared by the said John Pickering as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto at his request and in his presence and in the sight and presence of each other

Ann Ollier, Jas Ollier

21st April 1790 Ellen Pickering and John Minshall the Executors in this will names was sworn in common form before me
Joseph Eaton, Sur.
Under 600 pounds
NOTE:  THERE IS A WAX SEAL AFFIXED TO THE NAME OF John Pickering