Individual Details

Probate

John Wilson’s will names his two stepdaughters Alice and Elizabeth in addition to his children – he does not name the two Messer sons so maybe they are deceased?? – but the William is living in 1776
Will – beloved wife Elizabeth, daughter-in-law Alice Bodwell wife of Daniel Bodwell, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Parker wife of William Parker, daughter Molly How wife of Abiel, son John Willson, son Jonathan Willson, son Joshua Willson, daughter Persis Boynton wife of David, son Ezekiel, son George
https://www.americanancestors.org/databases/essex-county-ma-probate-file-papers-1638-1881/image?volumeId=14204&pageName=30113:5&rId=37449322

In his will written 19 October 1799 (probate 3 April 1800), John Willson, gentleman of Methuen, bequeathed to beloved wife a specific list of provisions, use of four acres on the southwest corner of the farm, three acres of pasture, the use of the cabbage yard for a garden, a privilege in the house, and provisions for her support while she is a widow. Daughter-in-law (stepdaughter) Alice Bodwell wife of Daniel Bodwell receives twenty dollars. Daughter-in-law (stepdaughter) Elizabeth Parker wife of William Parker receives twenty dollars. Daughter Molly How wife of Abiel How receives fifty dollars. Son John Willson, Jr. receives three dollars and thirty-three cents. Son Jonathan Willson receives one hundred dollars. Daughter Persis Boynton wife of David Boynton receives eighty-three cents. Son George Willson receives one hundred dollars at age twenty-one. Wearing apparel is to be divided among sons John, Ezekiel, Joshua, and Jonathan. Household furniture is to be divided among daughters Alice Bodwell, Elizabeth Parker, Molly How and Persis Boynton. Son Ezekiel receives the residue of the estate and was named executor.1

1 Essex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1638-1881.Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2014. Case 30113

Property

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99Z8-MDXQ?i=423&wc=MCBG-129%3A361613201%2C361988601&cc=2106411

On 26 February 1776, Daniel Bodwell of Methuen, in consideration of twenty pounds, conveyed to John Willson husbandman of Methuen 15 acres partly in Dracut, Massachusetts and partly in Pelham, New Hampshire. On 1 June 1776, William Messer joiner of Methuen, in consideration of £86.13.4, conveyed 44 acres in Methuen to John Willson husbandman of Methuen.1

1 Massachusetts Land Records, Essex County, 139:118, 139:119