This Note is a series of questions and I hope that the answers (from you) will serve to enlighten us all. George Clore wrote his will on 23 Nov 1750. He names his wife Barbara [who was his first cousin once removed], eldest son Michael Clore, second son Peter Clore, and a daughter Alesabet (Elizabeth). His loving friends, John Clore [who was his brother] and Michael Rossal [Russell?] were nominated as executors.
The witnesses to the will were Mical Holt, who signed with the mark M ; John Clore; and Michael Russel.
My first question is, "How does this Michael Holt fit into the Holt picture?" Is he a son of the immigrant Michael Holt?
About one year later the will was submitted to the court and proved by the witnesses (Michael Rossel renounced the executorship). The court assigned Peter Weaver [the father of Barbara Clore] as the guardian of George's son, Michael Clore. Then the court asked Peter Weaver if he had any objections to the will on behalf of his charge Michael. He had none.
My second question is, "Would not the two younger children also have had guardians appointed, and why aren't the guardian(s) for them named?"
I presume, from the documents, that Peter Weaver was appointed and asked if he had any objections because all of the children were minors and could not object in their own name. In order that someone could object, at least one child had to have a guardian and that guardian was given a chance.
Going back to the will and its details, wife Barbara was given the use of the house and plantations during her natural life [there was no limitation expressed if she should remarry]. This could go for another fifty years, so perhaps the court felt that the children should have a chance to object. The will goes on to say that each of the children was to be given a hundred acres of land. In a sense, the will is not clear because the clauses sound contradictory.
Can anyone say something about the Russells? Are they German or English? Maria Rossel attended one communion service. Was she a German who married an English Russell?
Your comments are welcome. You do not need to reply with the whole text of this note.
(31 Mar 03)
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