In 1669 John became a beneficiary of his father's Will.
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The Will of John Maskelyne of Wotton Bassett in the County of Wilts, Yeoman, written 19 Oct 1731, proved 27 Oct 1732 4.
[Paragraphed for easier reading]
I John Maskelyne of Wotton Bassett in the County of Wilts Yeoman being of Sound Mind and Memory Thanks be Given unto God therefore but Calling unto Mind the Uncertainty of Death and knowing that it is Appointed for all Men once to die do make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and forme following (That is to Say)...
Imprimis I Give Devise and Bequeath unto my Grandson John Maskelyne All That my Messuage or Tenement with the Outhousing Garden and Appurtenances thereunto belonging Situate lyeing and being in the Borough of Wotton Bassett in the Said County of Wilts in which I now dwell To Hold to him my said Grandson John Maskelyne his Heirs and Assigns for ever.
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Maskelyne the sum of Fifty Pounds to be paid unto her within Twelve Months next after my Decease by my Executor hereinafter named.
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my said daughter Mary Maskelyne All my Household Goods as Shall be in my Said Messuage or Tenement in the Borough of Wotton Bassett aforesaid at the time of my Decease.
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my Son in Law William Ogborn and unto my Son in Law Francis Coxe and unto my Daughter Ann Tarrant the Sum of One Shilling apiece.
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my Grand Children William Ogborn, Thomas Ogborn, Timothy Ogborn, Christopher Ogborn, Mary Ogborn and Edith Ogborn the Sum of Five Shillings apiece.
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my Grand Children Francis Coxe and Mary Coxe the Sum of Five Shillings apiece.
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my Grand Children Mary Ferris, John Ferris, Edith Ferris, William Tarrant and Elizabeth Tarrant the Sum of Five Shillings apiece.
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my Grand Children Thomas Maskelyne and Edith Maskelyne the Sum of Five Shillings apiece.
Item. All the rest of my Goods Chattels and Personal Estate not hereby otherwise disposed of (my Debts and Funeral Expenses being thereout first paid and deducted) I Give and Bequeath unto my Son John Maskelyne whom I make sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament.
And Lastly I do hereby Revoke all Former Wills by me made and do declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Sett my Hand and Seal the Nineteenth day of October in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and Thirty One.
The Marke of John Maskelyne
Signed and Sealed by the Said John Maskelyne and by him Published and Declared to be his Last Will and Testament In our Presence And by Us Attested In the Presence of the said John Maskelyne the Testator...
Thomas Miles, William Horroway, Bartholomew Horsell
General Notes: