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  1. #1
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    Default Help reading short 1798 Will

    This Will of Robert COOPER from 1798 was written on a deathbed by a local as the 'Writing Clerk' had not yet arrived from the metropolis of Derby into this Peak District Village.
    The soon to be deceased was survived by his second Wife Hannah. Known Children from his first marriage who may have been living were Dorothy, Mary, Elizabeth, Frances, Robert, William & Thomas.

    My transcription...
    I give thre * Doll ***** piece
    Mary one pound El* COOPER 20 *
    Francis 20 pounds
    All just dets and funaral charges I wish to be paid
    I wish my low Sons Rol*t(Robert?) Willn and **** share & share alike
    when all just dets and funaral charges are paid.



    Thanks

    Mitch

  2. #2
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    Yes I've cracked the image posting!

  3. #3
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    Does anyone think that the word after Robert William and - is Wife?

  4. #4
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    If you’re right Mitch, then perhaps it reads ‘I wish my tow (two) sons Robert and William and Wife….’

    Do you know if Thomas had died, because then it would make more sense?

    Also, could it be ‘Dolly’, a diminutive of Dorothy?

    Peter

  5. #5
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    Hi Peter,

    Thanks for the 'two' that explains the top line my friend has redone. Thomas was alive at this time so that was puzzling me.
    A friend has given me a new interpretation. She wonders if the opening line is a bequest of 19 Shillings but can't quite make it out: viz:

    I Give Thos & Dolly s P 19 sills/
    Mary one pound Eliz COOPER 20s/
    Francis 20 pounds/
    All my just dets and funaral charges I wish to be paid/
    I wish my low(two?) Sons Robt & Willm and Wife Share & Share Elike/
    When all just dets and funaral charges are paid./

    Mitch

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