Maine Wills

 From York Registry of Deeds (1640-91)

In the name of god Amen

   The last Will & testament of John Amerideth Cooper late of Dartmouth in England & Now of Kittery in the province of Maine in New England, being Weake of body but of perfect Memory & of a disposeing mind Doe ordaine this as my last Will revoake all former Wills & bequests whatsoever think meett to sett my house in order & Dispose of that Estate as god has giuen me as followeth

   Imp^r: I bequeath my soule to god that gaue it me in hopes of a Glorious resurection & my body to be Decently buried

   Item: That estate I haue in Dartmonth abouesaid of housen & Gardens I giue and bequeath the Moietie or one halfe to my beloved wife Joane Amerideth Dureing her Naturall life & the other halfe vnto my sone & Daughter John & Joanna Alcock and their heires for ever: & after my said viues decease the whole to be and remaine to sd sone and Daughter for ever;

   Item: I giue & bequeath to my sd Wife the oue halfe of the house and land I now liue vppon Dureing her Naturall life and after her Decease the whole Vnto my Sone & Daughter John and Joanna Alcock Dureing their Naturall liues & the longest liver of them and after their Decease to be and remaine to Joseph & Joanna the Children of the sd Jn^o And Joanna aforesd: & twelue acres of land in broad Coue vnto Joanna last aboue named

   Item: I giue & bequeath vnto vnto my two Grand Children Abigail & Mary Alcock a bill of six pound in Mony Due from Cozen John Shapleigh to be equally Devided between them.

   Item: I giue & bequeath the rest of my Estate in Chattells & Cattell within Dores and without Dores vnto my beloued wife Joane hopeing shee Will be provident so of it that shee may leaue to my Children what remaines at her decease appointing & makeing my sd Wife my sole Executrix and Elias Stileman & John Shapleigh my ouer seers in Wittness whereof I haue here vnto set my hand & seale the 26 January 1690:

The marke of John Amerideth (Seale)