Family name spelled AKUST in the Alfriston parish register (mother's name incorrectly shown as Mary)
-----------------------------
In 1766 Joseph Akehurst and his younger brother William were beneficiaries of the Will of their uncle William Akehurst of Herstmonceux.
-----------------------------
Abstract of the Will of Joseph Akehurst of the Parish of Beddingham in the County of Sussex, Shepherd, written 21 Jan 1792, proved 16 Feb 1799. 4
(Names of family members are underlined.)
Gives and devises to his son Joseph Akehurst, in trust, his two freehold tenements with their gardens in the parish of Eastdean in co. Sussex, currently occupied by William Marchant and William Champion. He also gives and devises to his son Joseph Akehurst his copyhold cottage and garden in Alfriston, the estate of his late father John Akehurst, and presently occupied by John Smith, in trust, during the lifetime of Frances Akehurst his wife, so that she can receive the rents and profits from the said freehold and copyhold premises for the term of her natural life, after which the same shall be to the use and benefit of his said son Joseph Akehurst and his heirs.
Gives and devises an annuity of £3 to his son William Akehurst out of the said rents for the term of his natural life.
Gives and devises to his daughter Frances the wife of William Stephens of Westfirle in co. Sussex, yeoman, his two copyhold tenements in Alfriston late the estate of his brother William Akehurst and currently occupied by Richard Winch and William Bankin. He also gives and devises to his daughter Frances his copyhold cottage in Alfriston late the estate of his brother William's children Sarah Machen and William Akehurst, now occupied by John Huggett*. And after the death of his wife Frances he gives and devises an annuity of 20 shillings to his son William Akehurst out of the said rents for the term of his natural life.
* Probably the same John Huggett or Huggut who married Joseph's niece Mary Akehurst in 1775.
Directs his executors to invest £100 in public stocks or funds and to pay the interest, dividends and profits thereof to his wife for the term of her natural life, and after her death, he gives the said sum to his daughter Sarah Henty.
All the rest of his money, goods, chattels, personal estate and effects he gives to his children Joseph Akehurst, William Akehurst, Sarah Henty and Frances Stephens.
Appoints his son Joseph Akehurst and his daughter Sarah Henty co-executors of his last will and testament.
Witnesses: J Hoper, J Rye, Chas Keefe
Research Notes: