Published in Volume 1 of Genealogical Gleanings in England 1888 this is an extract of the will of Mary Symes, now of Beamister, late of Poorstock [Powerstock], in the county of Dorset, widow, dated 7 June 1736, proved 17 November 1738.
To be buried in the Church Yard of Poorstock at the end of the chancell there, near my late son in law Mr Bendle deceased, and to the Parson or Vicar of the same parish two guiness for the breaking the ground for my grave and burying me. I give unto my grand son Richard Chichester, now in Virginia (son of my late daughter Elizabeth Chichester deceased) one Bond for one hundred & thirty pounds lately given or entered into by son Chilcott Symes to me and all the moneys, principal & interest now due or to grow due on the same. To John Chichester (son of the said Richard Chichester) eighty pounds sterling within one year next after my decease, and in case he shall not then have attained his age of one & twenty years it shall be paid to his said father in trust for him. To Elizabeth Beer widow and relict of Francis Beer late of Long Bredy, in said County of Dorset, deceased, thirty pounds sterling, in one year, &c. To M™ Elizabeth Foster, wife of Mr. John Foster of West Milton in the said county, maltster, ten pounds sterling in one year, &c. To my old servant Grace Moores the sum of five pounds sterling. It is my will that in case any right or thing shall happen or accrue to me from or out of the personal estate or effects of my late uncle George Richards Esq., deceased, that the same shall go and be equally divided between my said son Chilcott Symes, my daughter Mary Symes (wife of Mr Arthur Symes of Beamister aforesaid) and my said grandson Richard Chichester. The residue to said son Chilcott & daughter Mary, equally to be divided between them ; and I appoint them jointly to be executor & executrix. Wit : Merfield Cox & Richard Hussey.
In a codicil, of same day, she directs that her silver tankard be exchanged or converted into a flagon or other necessary piece of plate for the communion service of the parishioners of the said parish of Poorstock. To Dinah, wife of John Darby of Loscombe, Dorothy, wife of John Bailey of Poorstock, taylor, Mary Courtenay, wife of John Courtenay of Poorstock, blacksmith, and Anne wife of , formerly Anne Wench, one guinea apiece.
