Individual Details

Will

The will was written in 1808, a codicil in 1814, and proved 1815.
1808, May 10. Marsh, Mordecal, of Bridge Town,Middlesex Co.; will of. Son, Solomon, for life, use and possession of my gristmill, saw mill, mill pond, dam and stream: dwelling house now in occupation of Oliver Martin and where Samuel Martin now resides, including my ship yards; also $1,500, having received part of his portion of my estate (that is $3,500). After his death, all of same to his two sons, Solomon and Mordecai, as tenants in common. Daughter, Frances (wife of Crowell Evans), for life, use and possession of land and dwelling house wherein Lewis Prall now lives [description given]; interest of $6,375 (deducting thereout whatever sums Crowell Evans owes me), annually. After her death, all of land to her son, Mordecai Evans, and residue of money to her children equally.Daughter, Abigail DeAntoroches, for life, use and possession of dwelling house and land (lately built on land purchased from James Moore, adjoining land purchased of Richard Marsh, being Part of the Old Meeting House lot which I purchased of Richard Hartshorne, and Isaac Vail); also interest of $4,250,annually. After her death, to her son, Lewis DeAntoroches, the house and land and money. If he should die before 21, leaving no issue, house and lot to be sold and proceeds thereof together with principal sum as abovesaid to be divided between all my surviving children. Daughter, Mary (wife of John Brown),for life, dwelling, store house and garden on Rahway River, near my grist mill,and Joseph D. Camp: also interest of $5,000. At her death, said sum to her surviving children. The open space in front of grist mill and the ship yard to remain open and for use of all said devisees as a common privilege. Son,Joseph, tract purchased severally of David Jaques and Robert Lee (45 acres);also $2,500, having advanced him a like sum heretofore. Daughter, Susannah Marsh, dwelling house and land adjoining her sister, Frances and Oliver Martin;also interest of $7,000. If she dies leaving no issue, house and money to be divided between her surviving brothers and sisters, equally. Son, Joseph, house wherein I now dwell; also % the home land I hold by will of my father, Joseph Marsh and purchased of John Spinning, adjoining the hatter's shop [description given]. Son, Elias, the other % of said home land, adjoining land which Jane Lyell purchased of John Spinning and by her will devised to children of Jacob Raddeker and others; also tract of 40 acres purchased of Jonathan Freeman: also$6,000. A tract purchased of David Jaques, High Sheriff and of John Moore, to be equally divided between two sons,Joseph and Elias; salt meadow purchased of Thomas Skinner in Rahway Meadows; %of residue of moveable estate to three sons. Solomon, Joseph and Elias; and interest of other % to daughters, Frances, Abigail, Mary and at their deaths to their surviving children and daughter, Susannah. Son, Mordecai, has been absent for a number of years but if he should return before or after my death, to have $5,000, the be quests to other children being charged therewith, if he returns. If son,Joseph should die leaving no issue, his share to my son, Elias, and if Elias should die before 21, or leaving no issue, his share to son, Joseph. Son, Solomon,also use and possession of my small slip on Log Landing, adjoining Aaron Brokaw's house lot, and at his death to his 2 sons. Executors—cousin, Samuel Marsh,and my two sons, Joseph and Elias. Witnesses—Jeremiah Shotwell, Hugh Laing,Joseph D. Camp.
1814, Mar. —. Codicil. Since making will, grandson Mordecai (son of my son, Solomon), has deceased. Said Solomon (also deceased) has another son "being the 4th son, since named Mordecai", I therefore give to said 4th son, Mordecai, all lands as heretofore devised to Mordecai, now-deceased; also $700. The $1,500 given to said son, Solomon (now dec'd), 1 now give to my- grandson, Benjamin Marsh (son of said Solomon). To grandson, Joseph(son of Crowell Evens), $1,000. To each of my granddaughters, Ann Marsh, Mary Marsh, Abigail Evens, Catherine Evens, Mary Brown, Susan Brown, Elizabeth Brown and Mary Jaques, interest of $200 and principal when 21. If either of them should die before 21, her share to survivors of them. Son, Joseph, by his misconduct having made himself unfit to be an Executor and in lieu of former bequests, I now give him an annuity- of $125 for life. The lands as heretofore devised to him,to be held in trust by Executors for his benefit and that of his family, and at his death to be divided between his lawful issue, if any. To daughter-in-law, Dorcas Marsh, $125, annually while wife or widow of said son, Joseph. In case of his death without issue, his share to my son, Elias. In case of any dispute,it is to be referred to Richard Hartshorne, Henry Shotwell and Samuel Marsh,whose decision is to be final. Wife, Hester, to have interest of $2,500 per an agreement between us. Son, Joseph, to have use and occupation of the dwelling house in which I reside for life, reserving therefrom the south westerly room for use of my daughter, Abigail D'Anterroche, and other household privileges.Son, Elias Marsh and son-in-law, John Brown, not to be discharged from their indebtedness to me by reason of their executorship. The % of residue (as devised to Solomon), to his surviving children, equally. Interest of share devised to daughter, Susanna Marsh, now Susannah Jaques, to her for life and at her death to her children. Executors— son, Elias, son-in-law, John Brown, to act with cousin Samuel Marsh as before appointed. Witnesses—Jeremiah Shotwell, Hugh Laing,Joseph Shotwell, Jr.
1814, June 29. Codicil. Daughter, Frances (wife of Crowel Evans), is now dec'd. I give to the several children of said Frances all the land, money and effects as heretofore given to her. Confirms bequest to son, Joseph but deters him from disposing of any lands. Revokes bequest of $200 to each of granddaughters. To daughter-in- law,Letti Marsh (widow of Solomon), interest of $500 during widowhood. To Ann and Mary (daughters of Solomon),each $250. To Mordecai (son of Solomon), $500, after death or marriage of his mother.She to have interest thereof during widowhood. Grandson, Solomon (son of Solomon), $1,000. Revokes bequest of $125 annually to daughter-in-law, Dorcas Marsh.Witnesses—same.
Proved Aug. 8, 1815, when Elias Marsh, John Brown signed as Executors.