Eighteenth Century Legalese

[peter nicholl]

I have a Will made in 1718 where the Testator names his wife as Executrix and his son (apparently only 4 years old at the time!) William his Executor. His wife died in 1722 and the Testator died in 1726, so his son would have been 12ish when his father died. There is a note at the bottom of the Will and appears to be:

Jos: Shilcock ffrater ye Extons admissons first Guard

My best guess is that as the Executrix was dead and the son was young it means that the Testator's brother Joseph was acting on behalf of and as Guardian to the son. However if anyone can throw light on the subject it may well knock a hole in a brick wall. If a fairhand copy of the note would help I'll do my best.

TIA

Peter

[peter nicholl]

After sitting on a sofa, the covering of which was full of Latin phrases, including "ab initio fuit" I had another go at reading the note and now believe it goes something like this:

Jos Shilcock ffrater ye Paters adminssons fuit Guard

or Joseph Shilcock brother of the father administor having been the guardian "of the Executor who is still a Minor"

But I am only too happy to be put right.

Peter

[Jo Simpsons]

I bought a brilliant booklet, written by Eve Mclaughlin, Simple Latin for family historians. Only cost a couple of pounds and is very good.eve@varneys.demon.co.uk

Frater, Fratis - brother, of a brother
Pater -father
Patruelis - cousin on the fathers side; of a fathers brother
Patrus - paternal uncle

It does have a section on reading wills.
Jo :)

[peter nicholl]

Thanks Jo, I appreciate your help.
Peter