The Family of John and Alice Morton: Wills

John Morton

John Morton, Yeoman, of Barnacre-with-Bonds, wrote his Will in 1778 appointing his wife Alice, his son John Jr., and Joseph Clarke of Garstang, his executors.

He first directed that his debts, testamentary and funeral expenses be paid out of his estate.

His (leasehold) messuage and tenement in Barnacre-with-Bonds, held under the Earl of Derby for the life of Richard Clarkson, with outbuildings, buildings, and several closures and parcels of land (about 10 acres) with appurtenances devised to "...my dear and loving wife Alice..." for her life - if Richard Clarkson shall so long live - subject to the terms of the lease.

After Alice's death the above mentioned land, subject to the same conditions, was to go to his son John Jr. (he'd already made of gift of cattle, goods, etc., to John Jr. earlier, possibly when he got married).

Also after Alice's death - and during the lifetime of Richard Clarkson - a conditional annuity of 20 shillings was to be paid to his daughter Elizabeth, as well as the following legacies: £5.00 to his daughter Dorothy, £5.00 to bring his grandson Richard, son of Dorothy, to an apprenticeship in some trade, £30.00 to each of his daughters; Mary, Jane, Elizabeth, Ann and Agnes.

If his daughter Jane died before him (which she did) £10.00 of her share was to go to the executors for their expenses and the remaining £20.00 was to be divided between his surviving daughters, share and share alike.

The rest, residue, etc., of his estate was to go to his wife Alice, her executors, assigns, etc., forever.

The Will was signed and sealed 28 December 1778, and was witnessed by John Moss, James Carter, and Joseph Clarke Jr.

Probate was granted on 4 November 1779 to John Morton Jr. and Joseph Clarke Jr., the two surviving executors, Declared valued under £280.00.

NOTE: Throughout the Will, probably written by their solicitor, the family name was spelled Moreton but both John Sr. and John Jr. signed the Will and spelled the name Morton.

Alice Morton:

Alice Morton, widow of John Morton, of Barnacre-with-Bonds, wrote her Will in 1779 and first directed that her debts, funeral and testamentary expenses be paid out of her personal estate.

She appointed her brother John Critchley of Claughton, yeoman, and Joseph Clarke of Garstang, gentleman, to act as her Executors, and assigned the rest, residue, etc., of her estate to them upon the following trusts:

They were to collect all debts owed to her, sell and dispose of her goods and chattles, and place all monies raised out at interest (i.e. invested) with the yearly interest paid to her daughter Elizabeth for her natural life - or if necessary - to provide for Elizabeth's better maintenance and support.

After Elizabeth's death the estate was to be divided into three equal shares with one share going to her daughter Mary, one share going to Richard, the son of her daughter Dorothy, and the remaining one third share going to James, the son of her daughter Mary.

The Will was signed and sealed on 13 July 1779 and witnessed by Joseph Clarke Jr., William Breakell and Richard Shepherd, who signed with his mark.

Probate was granted to John Critchley and Joseph Clarke, the executors, on 4 November 1779 (the same day on which Probate of her late husband's estate was granted). Effects: Under £60.00.

NOTE: It would appear that John and Alice's daughter Elizabeth may have suffered from some illness or disability. Each made special provisions for her, especially Alice - who was concerned about Elizabeth's "maintenance and support". Elizabeth died unmarried in April 1801, aged about 57 years.