11 Sep 1723. Will of [his father] Francis Gee of Kinder (age 71)

In the name of God Amen This Eleventh day of September 1723 I ffrancis Gee of Kinder in the Parish of Glossop in the County of Derby Yeoman. Being but weakly as to my body but of Sound mind and perfect Memory Praise be thereafter given to Almighty God, and knowing the Certainty of Death but the uncertainty of this present life and being willing to leave my house in order and to settle my worldly estate so as peace and unity may remain amongst my Children and relations after my decrease, Do make this my last Will and Testament in manner following ffirst I Commit my soul onto the hands of Almighty God hoping through the Death and Merits of Jesus Christ my Savior and Redeemer to obtain remission of the sin and eternal life. And my Body I commit to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named.

And as to my worldly Estate I dispose thereof as ffolloweth:

Inprimis I will that all my due debts ffuneral and Charges of the probate of this my last Will be first discharged and paid forth of my personal Estate.

Item I give devise & bequeath unto my Eldest Son Ralph Gee (age 25), all my Messuage (PREMISES) housing, Lands, and Tenements Lying in Kinder aforesaid or elsewhere as well as my New Lands as my Ancient Estate, with all their appurtenances To hold to my said son Ralph Gee (age 25) his heirs and assigns forever Upon this Condition and Consideration never-the less that my said son Ralph Gee (age 25) his heirs and assigns or some of them do and shall forth of the same, pay or cause to be paid unto his Sisters and Brothers these several Sums of money, and in such a manner following viz.

unto [his sister] Sarah (age 24) his Sister the Sum of Sixty pounds of lawful money at the end of two years [ ] after my decease.

And unto [his sister] Ann (age 21) his Sister the sum of Sixty pounds within the space of ffour Years next as for my decease.

And unto [his brother] John (age 17) his Brother the like Sum of Sixty pounds of lawful money when he shall have attained to the age of One and twenty Years,

And unto his brother [his brother] Daniel (age 14) the sum of Sixty pounds of like lawful money when he shall likewise have attained to the same age of One and twenty Years.

And it is my will and mind also that my said Younger Children (viz.) Sarah, Ann, John, and Daniel Shall all of them have liberty to the New Building both parlor and Chamber over the same, to Come to, or dwell in whilst they shall Keep themselves single and Unmarried.

Item I give unto my said son Ralph Gee (age 25), the Bed stead in the Parlor above, one table also and two fforms. And Dishboard and one great Chest in the dwelling house, and the ffire Iron there, one meal arke in the Chamber over the house and one garner at the Over Barn which I order to stand as Reire Coombs,

item I likewise give and bequeath to my said Son Ralph Gee (age 25) the one half of my quick Goods and cattle, and all my Husbandry Wares,

Item I give and bequeath unto my two Daughters Sarah and Ann One box which was their Grandmothers Standing upon the Cup Board in the house with the Linens that are therein,

Item my will and mind is that the rest of the Household Goods not as yet disposed of be equally divided amongst my ffive Children Share and Share alike.

Item I give and bequeath unto my ffour younger Children the other half of my quick Goods and Cattle.

And as touching all my Moneys whether ready money, money at Interest howsoever I give and Bequeath the same to All my said Children Sons or Daughters to be equally divided amongst them. And lastly I do make Ordain Constitute and appoint my well beloved Son John Gee (age 17), and my loving kinsman ffrancis Gee of Chinley my full and Joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament hoping they will faithfully perform the trust I have herein [reposed] in them

And I desire that Brotherly love and Unity may remain amongst my beloved Children revoking all other and former Wills by me heretofore made, publishing this and none other to be my Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I the said ffrancis Gee have hereunto put my hand and seal the day and Year ffirst above written.

ffrancis Gee

Sealed, Signed Published and Declared by the Testator to be his last Will and Testament. In the presence of us, who likewise Subscribed our Names in the Sight and presence of the Testator.

Thomas BENNETT; John WATERHOUSE; William CARRINGTON

PROBATE GRANTED on the 28th January 1724 for Gee, Francis, of Kinder, Yeoman, 11 September 1723. Eldest son Ralph Gee, sisters Sarah & Ann Gee, brothers John and Daniel Gee, son John Gee of Chinley.

WITNESSES: Thomas BENNETT, John WATERHOUSE, William CARRINGTON.

APPRAISERS of Inventory: John MOULT & Edmund BRADBURY, 28th January 1723/1724: Total £273-7-0.