Alexander Wills was my 4gt grandfather. Here is a copy of his will. It is in 3 parts due to the character limit in the forum WILL PART 1
This is the last Will and Testament of me Alexander Wills Of
Marchwood in the Parish of Eling in the County of Southampton, Gentleman as follows (that is to say) First I direct that all my just debts, Funeral and testamentany expenses be fully paid and satisfied by my executors hereingafter named. Also I give and bequeath unto my
wife Sarah Wills my best gold watch with the appendages thereto which I am in the habit of wearing. Also I make, nominate, constitute and appoint Charles Davis of Marchwood aforesaid shopkeeper, Thomas Blifsett of Marchwood aforesaid, gentleman Lieutenant in the Royal Navy and John Richman of Marchwood aforesaid wheelwright, Executors and Trustees of this my will. Also I give, devise and bequeath unto the said Charles Davis, Thomas Blifsett and John Richman all that my
cottage with the garden, outbuildings and appurtenances thereto nearly adjoining or belonging and also all those several pieces or parcels of land containing together by estimation twelve acres (more or less) with the rights members and appurtenances thereto belonging which said premises are copyhold held of Winchester College, and are situated at
Marchwood aforesaid and now in my own occupation. And all my own real estate whatsoever and also my personal estate and effects of every sort and kind to hold unto the said Charles Davis, Thomas Blifset and John Richman their heirs, executors, administrators and afsigns forever according to my estate and interest therein but neverthelefs upon the trusts and to and for the ends intents and purposes and under and subject to the powers provisoes and declarations hereinafter declared and expressed concerning the same and I do hereby direct that
my said trustees, their heirs and executors, administrators or afsigns shall stand pofsefsed of and interested in my said real and personal estate, (after insuring my house and buildings against fire) Upon Trust to permit my said wife and six legitimate children now born and all my legitimate children hereinafter to be born, and also my illegitimate son Charles Alexander Wills (Which I had by my said wife previous to my marriage with her) to live in and occupy my said real estate, and to have the enjoyment of my household goods and furniture, plate, linen and china during the widowhood of my said wife, or otherwise to permit and suffer my said wife and children to have the
rents and profits of my said real estate for the benefit of herself and my children during the term of her widowhood. And from and after the marriage again or death of my said wife, (which shall first happen) Then Upon Trust my six legitimate children now born, and all my legitimate children hereinafter to be born, and also my said illegitimate son Charles Alexander Wills equally to be divided between them and amongst them share and share alike as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and to their heirs and afsigns respectively Provided always and I do will and direct that if anyone or more of my said legitimate children or my said illegitimate son shall depart this life under the age of twenty one years without leaving lawful issue him, her or them surviving that the share or shares of such child or children who may so die shall go to and be divided equally amongst the survivors of my said legitimate children and my said illegitimate son or my said legitimate children alone according to the event their heirs and afsigns share and share alike Provided always and I do hereby will and direct that not withstanding anything hereinafter contained, I do hereby exprefsly charge and make chargeable the whole of my said copyhold heriditaments and also my real estates and Personal Property with the payment of my said just debts and funeral and Testamentary expenses