The Wills of Captain Cook's Crew - Thomas Willis

I Thomas Willis, Lieutenant in His Majesty’s Navy, do hereby revoke all former Wills made by me and do hereby nominate and appoint my beloved Wife Mary Kirkham and my Sister Gerinan ? Ann Willis, Spouse of the late John Dowdon deceased, to take the whole and Sole management of all my Estate belonging to me and coming to me after my decease, and I do hereby order and direct that my beloved Wife Mary Kirkham shall enjoy the life rent of all my property during all the days of her life - and at her death the whole of my Estate shall go to my Son Richard Willis, and I do hereby order that what part of my Estate that may be necessary for the Education Maintenance and Cloathing of my Son Richard Willis shall be taken from my Estate from time to time as my beloved Wife Mary Kirkham and my loving Sister Ann Willis may find necessary, so that his Education, Bed and Board shall not affect my beloved Wife Mark Kirkham’s life rent of all my Estate - and I Order that my funeral charges and all just debts shall be paid out of my Estate in twelve months after my internment (?)

Although this is not done by an attorney, or in the due form, from my present weak state, and the distance from any attorney, this and the within is my whole wish and desire after my death if it is God’s wish to call me at this present time. To which I put my hand this 15 day of July 1797 in the presence of Thomas Stewart, Lieut. in the West Essex Militia, and John Lester Corpl. in the Royal Artillery, and Henry Night Midshipman of the Navy    Thos. Willis    Thos. Stewart    Witness
John Leicester    Witness        Henry Knight    Witness

This Will was proved at London the thirtieth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven before the Worshipful John Fisher, Doctor of Laws, Surrogate of the Right Honorable Sir William Wynne, Knight, also Doctor of Laws, master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, lawfully constituted by the oath of Mary Willis Widow, the relict of the deceased and one of the Executrixs according to the tenor of the said Will, to whom Administration was granted of all and singular the Goods, Chattels and Credits of the deceased, having been first Sworn duly to Administer, power reserved of making the like grant to Ann Dowdon, otherwise Willis, Widow, the Sister of the deceased and the other Executrix according to the terms of the said Will, when she shall apply for the same.

Transcribed by Cliff Thornton, March 2005.