28th April 1772

I William Perks of Wolverhampton in the County of Stafford Gentleman being in perfect health and of sound mind and memory do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) I give devise and bequeath unto my dear and loving wife all my messuages land tenements and hereditaments and all my personal estate and effects to hold to her her heirs executors administrators and assigns forever firmly relying on her care of my children and making such provision for such of them in her lifetime or by her will as she shall think proper and trusting that she will give a preference to such of them as shall be most dutiful to her and likely to improve what she shall bestow upon them but I direct all my just debts and financial expenses to be paid out of any said personal estate and I appoint my said wife Mary Perks sole executrix of this my will and revoke all former wills by me made and I devise the guardianship of such of my children as shall be under the age of twenty one years at the time of my death unto my said wife during their respective minorities.

In witness whereof I have to this my last will and testament (written with my own hand) wrote my name and put my seal this twenty-eighth day of April one thousand seven hundred and seventy-two.

Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator William Perks this 20th of April 1772 as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witnesses in his presence and also in the presence of each other.

W Perks

Sarah Perks

Sarah Jarden

George Perry

At Wolverhampton fourteenth August 1780. Let a probate of this will be granted to Mary Perks the sole executrix therein named.

Having been duly sworn before me – Titus Neve, Surrogate