This is the last Will and Testament of Mr John Curtis of Rushden in the County of Northampton – Farmer whereby I order all my just Debts – Funeral Expenses and whatever charges may occur in the proving this my Will to be wholly defrayed.

I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth Curtis the sum of three hundred pounds which said sum of three hundred pounds (including household furniture at a fair appraisement) I give to her for her own sole and separate use and benefit – and not to be subject (in any wise) to the Controul, debts or Engagements of any future husband – All the rest Residue and Remainder of my Estate and Efects of what kind-soever and wheresoever I give and bequeath to all my four Children viz: Mary - Joseph - Hannah & John Curtis to be equally divided and distributed amongst them (share and share alike) the Survivors and Survivor of them to be paid to each of them as they arrive at Age for their own benefit and disposal (the Interest of which sums I give and bequeath to my said Wife Elizabeth Curtis for the Maintenance and Support of My said Children in their Minority) And I do hereby appoint my said Wife Elizabeth Curtis to be my sole Executrix of this my last Will – Also I do nominate, constitute and appoint Thomas Fisher Poulterer and Thos Randal Shoemaker both of Rushden aforesaid to be the Trustees and Guardians of my said Children and sole Managers of whatever concerns relative to my said Children – And I do hereby direct that my said Trustees shall be reimbursed and paid out of my Effects any Loss Costs or Charges which they both or either of them may be at any time put unto in the Execution of the Trust in them by me reposed Nor shall any of them be accountable for any default of the other but each for his own default – And I do hereby also declare this to be my last Will and Testament and have set my hand in witness thereof to the first sheet and to this second and last sheet my hand and seal this twenty fifth day of August in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and ninety nine.

Signed Sealed declared and also delivered being first duly Stampt in the presence of us as the last Will and Testament of the said John Curtis.

John Curtis [signature and seal]

Thos. Peck
John Packwood

Probate granted 15th October 1800