Mary Evans (nee Shaw-Hellier) died on 8 Dec 1878 in Tettenhall. She was 77 years old and having written her will in 1874, probate was granted to her son Henry Evans on 13 Mar 1879.
Below is a transcript:
This is the last will and testament of me Mary Evans of Tettenhall Road Wolverhampton in the county of Stafford, widow.
I bequeath to my dear daughter Sarah, wife of Colonel Charles Richard Ogden Evans, my piano, Silver tea and Coffee Service Jewellery Wardrobe or Apparel together with the legacy or sum of One Hundred Pounds for her own sole and separate use. I likewise bequeath the following legacies namely to my son Richard Evans the sum of Two Hundred Pounds To my son Thomas Evans the sum of Fifty Pounds To my son Charles Evans the sum of Four Hundred Pounds To my son George Evans the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds To my son William Evans the sum of Fifty Pounds and to my son Henry Evans the sum of Four Hundred Pounds.
And I bequeath all the residue and remainder of my estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever unto my said son Henry Evans absolutely. I appoint my friend John Bickerton Deakin of Wolverhampton attorney and solicitor and my said son Henry Evans Executors of this my will hereby revoking all other Testamentary writings. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of September in the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy Four.
Signed by the said Testatrix Mary Evans as her last Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the same time who at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses. (The word “Charles” between the fourth and fifth lines having previously been underlined)
Herbert Alfred Dent Attorney at Law Wolverhampton
Thomas Collins, his clerkProved at Lichfield the Thirteenth day of March 1879
The disparate amounts bequeathed to her brood of sons is interesting and indicative to their mixed fortunes and their mother’s attitude to them.
Mary’s other son, James Evans had predeceased her.
The ‘Evans’ crested silver tea service is still in our possession – passed down through Sarah to her brother Henry and his daughter Molly Evans.