Will of John Insley
Sussex Co., Delaware
September 25, 1816
In the name of God Amen. I John Insley of the County of Sussex in the State of Delaware being sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given into Almighty God calling into mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament, that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my Sole into the hands of Almighty God that gave it me and my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executor Nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such world Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this world. I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form Viz.
First it is my will that within two years after my demise that all my Lands, Houses, fences and orchards be sold to the highest bider by giving twelve months credit with Bond and Security to the appraisers or by the managers of the same with interest. And it is my Will that if any repairs that is wanting to be done to the houses where I now live that my Executor has liberty to do the same by selling as much timber as will do the said work that is within two years that is mentioned in my Will for the sale of the Land.
And it is my will that my daughter Nancy Insley have three months schooling and the expense to be paid out of my estate before any division be made.
And it is my will that the rest of my children be sent to school all that it is convenient within two years and the expense be paid out of my Estate before any division be made.
And it is my will that Edward Insley my grand son have twenty four dollars to be paid out in schooling out of my estate.
And it my will that my wife Betsey Insley be my sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament and after my wife receives one third of my Estate that the remainder two thirds be equally divided amongst all my children.
I do hereby disallow all other Wills by me made at any other time.
Signed, Sealed and delivered in the presence of as this twenty fifth day of September One thousand Eight hundred and sixteen.
John Insley (seal)
John Bloxsom, John Allin, Nancy Layton (her mark)
Sussex County, the 25th of October 1816 - Before Phillips Kollock, Reg.
