| Description | DSCAM/3/193/1: Probate (20 Feb. 1796) of the will (dated 30 Jan. 1795) of Edward Harper of Gospel End, parish of Sedgley, Staffs., gentleman; estate (which includes shares in the Dudley Canal Navigation, Dudley Tunnel, and in an hotel and related buildings in Dudley) upon trust to pay income to 'daughter-in-law' [step-daughter], Elizabeth Newton (daughter of late wife Elizabeth by her first husband, Joseph Newton), for life, thence to her sons successively in tail general, with remainder to her daughters equally as tenants in common in tail general, with provisions governing minorities etc.; and in default of surviving issue or remoter issue of Elizabeth, then real estate in Sedgley as specified to be surrendered to the use of Thomas Harper of Tamworth, grocer and the heirs of his body, with remainder to testator's right heirs; copyholds, tithes and other property (formerly belonging to his maternal grandfather Henry Bradley) to be surrendered to the use of Mary, wife of the Revd Joseph Dixon, Rector of West Felton, Salop and the heirs of her body, with remainder to testator's niece, Mary Fryer; residue, after death of Elizabeth childless, to the uses of her will; £400 to trustees to apply the income for the maintenance, education etc. of Mary Bate, daughter of Martha Bate of Gospel End, single woman, during her minority and then pay over the capital, but should she die a minor, to pay the capital to Elizabeth Newton, etc.; executors, Joseph Wainwright of Dudley, Worcs., surgeon, Dudley Bagley of Dudley, gentleman, Thomas Newton of Sedgley, gentleman, and Elizabeth Newton.
Codicil (dated 17 May 1795); trustees to levy £800 on part of real estate, ahead of use to Thomas Harper, and pay it testator's niece, Mary Fryer, wife of Richard Fryer of Wolverhampton, Staffs., gentleman; £30 to Elizabeth Payton for her care during his illness; £10 to Thomas Newton for services rendered; £40 to trustees for the benefit of Martha Bate of Gospel End at their discretion. |