The Will of James Lovelock |
On the Ancestry.co.uk Web Site there is a collection of the Wills of Royal Navy and Royal Marines Personnel from the years 1786 to 1882. Amongst them there is but one Lovelock and a transcription of the document, complete with some odd spelling, follows. The Will is actually a pre-printed form with appropriate spaces for wording fitting the individual testator. Notice in particular the reference to George being described as the King of France.
 The Sloop 'Speedy' in 1800 |
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"In the Name of God, Amen, I James Lovelock
Able Seamen, on Board H.M. Sloop Fly, James Drew Esqr.
Commander Being of a sound and disposing Mind and Memory; and considering of the Uncertainties of this transitory Life, do, (for avoiding Controversies after my Decease) make, publish and declare this my last Will and Testament, in Manner following: That is to say first I recommend my Soul to God that gave it, and my Body To the Earth or Sea as it shall please God to order; and as for all my worldly Estate I give, bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth: That is to say, To Messrs Abraham Joseph and Son Merchants of Plymouth, in the County of Devon, all My Wages, Sum and Sums of Money, Lands, Tenements, Goods, Chattels, and Estate whatsoever, as shall be Anyways due, owing or belonging unto me at the Time of my Decease, I give, devise and bequeath the same unto the said Messrs Abraham Joseph and Son and I do hereby nominate and appoint the Aforesaid Messrs Abraham Joseph and Son Executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former and other Wills and Testaments, and Deeds of Gift, by me at any Time heretofore made: And I do ordain and ratify these presents to stand, and be for my only last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof, to this my said Will I have set my Hand and Seal, the Twenty Second Day of March and in the Thirty First Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King [crossed through] George the Third over Great Britain, France, and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth: And in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety One Signed, Sealed, and Published in the Presence of us Drew Capt [two indecipherable signatures] James Lovelock" |
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 18th Century Sailor |
It is of course impossible to positively identify James at this remove, but, perhaps surprisingly for one in what was then a comparatively low station in life, it is notable that James was able to sign his name and, as the image of the form shows, in a clear and confident manner.