Family Lessons 122: Will Wildman's Will

I have found a copy of my 8x great-grandfather’s will, who was buried at Tatham in the Lune Valley on 14 February 1750. William Wildman of Stockbridge describes himself as a mason. I am sorry to say that the second and third sections (see below), which seem like a wonderful testimony of saving faith in Jesus Christ, were probably standard formulae used in most wills of the period.

Judging by his possessions, which, while not vast, show a degree of success, and with his accrued capital of 60 pounds' cash, he had done relatively well in life. He had managed to raise children, most of whom survived, and was able to pass it on to others.

Yet this last will and testament he was unable to sign, for he was not literate. In the photograph above and below, one may inspect his rather clumsy mark to the left of the seal. He cut stone, fashioned rock and may even have constructed the odd tomb, but he could not write his own name. Then, education was the preserve of the better off, or those with parents virtuous enough to see its value. Now, it is given to all, before they are old enough to even register a protest. A man unable to sign a will or read the scriptures need not be excluded from the kingdom of God, as ‘faith cometh by hearing’. Still, here was a relatively successful man who could not do what I do each day- write something down and then read it back. Yet he could cut and craft stone, which is something I shall never master. It would do us all good if we focussed and concentrated on what we can do rather rather than on what we can’t. Whatever you can do, do it, and do it well to the glory of God. And what you cannot do, leave to those who can. 

In the name of God Amen the eight day of February in the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred & forty nine (1749/50).

I William Wildman of Stockbridge in the parish of Tatham & county of Lancaster, mason being grown old and out of health but of sound, perfect and disposing memory, blessed be God and calling to mind the uncertainty of this life & the certainty of death & thereupon being mindful to settle and dispose my effects & estate who with God hath blessed me so as after my decease peace, unity & concord may be continued & preserved amongst my wife and children do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following.

First I recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God, my creator hoping thro' the mercys of my Redeemer & Saviour Jesus Christ to be made partaker of everlasting life and my body to decent a Christian burial at the discretion of my executrix howafter named. And as for my temporal effects & estate I do dispose will give and bequeath in manner and form following.

First I give and bequeath to my son Richard Wildman the sum of five pounds. Also I give and bequeath to my son William Wildman the sum of five pounds. Also I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Wildman the sum of five pounds. Also I give and bequeath unto my grandson William Wildman, son of my son John Wildman deceased five shillings and to his sister Agnes Wildman five shillings. All which said legacies I do will shall be paid to my executrix hereafter named at twelve months end after my decease. Also I give and bequeath to my grandson William Wildman, son of my son William Wildman my cupboard after my wifes decease.

Also I give and bequeath to my loving wife Agnes Wildman & my aforesaid daughter Mary Wildman all the rest of my household goods equally between them. All the rest of my goods and personal estate of what kind or nature so over the same be after my just debts, said legacys (sic) & funeral expenses be paid & discharged, I do give and bequeath to my aforesaid loving wife Agnes Wildman whom I nominate, constitute & appoint (sic) sole & whole executrix of this my last will & testament. In witness whereof I have howunto set my hand & seal the day & year first above written.

William Wildman his mark

Sealed, signed, published & declared by the said William Wildman as for his last will & testament in the sight and presence of us John Procter, Henry Ellershaw. 16th June 1750