Problems understanding a Will

[AnjiM]

I've just finished transcribing my first Will, from 1824, for someone I was hoping would prove to be my 5 x great grandfather, only to find that it doesn't include any obvious clues.  He doesn't mention his wife or children by name even though they are beneficiaries. The other odd thing that he states is that "if either of my children should die before my said wife then his or her portion to be paid to his or her children in equal portions"

The man I'm looking for had a large number of children.  I haven't yet managed to establish when they all died, but does the term "either" mean just two children when included in a will?

Any help or guidance you could would be gratefully received!

[Koromo]

Hi

That is quite common useage in old wills, to say "either of my children" instead of "any of my children" - it does mean any.

It is frustrating when the testator doesn't mention his wife or children's names - I have a couple like that, and still don't know if they belong to me or not.

Cheers
Koromo

[AnjiM]

Hi Koromo,

Thanks for the response.  It's made me feel a little more optimistic knowing that the term could mean "any".  At least I don't have to discount this will completely.  All I have to do know is try and prove the link.  Easier said than done!

Anji

[Koromo]

This is from another one of mine. After naming each of nine children, (out of 14!) the father goes on to say, 'and if either of them shall happen to die before my said Wife's decease or second marriage without lawful issue then ...'

It just shows how the language has changed in the last 200 years.

K.