NL Wills

NL GenWeb Wills

Transcribed and contributed by David Anstey, July 2020. While I have endeavored to be as correct as humanly possible, there may be errors. One should always check and compare with the original.

Conception Bay North

Will of Conway Heighington
PCC Will of Conway Heighington, Merchant, now One of His Majesty's Justices of Peace, and Lieutenant in His Majesty's Royal Navy of Harbour Grace, Conception Bay, Newfoundland, North America. Reference: PROB 11/1281/162 Conway’s Will was made on Dec 9, 1785; and Probated at London, on Nov 16, 1796. In the name of God Amen, the last will and testament of Conway Heighington Esq., herefore of the City of Bristol, Merchant; but now residing in Harbour Grace, Conception Bay, Newfoundland. One of his Majesty's Justices of Peace, for the same District, and Lieutenant in his Majesty's Royal Navy. Being in good health of body and of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding, thanks be to almighty God for the same. And to prevent any controversy after my decease I give and bequeath unto Susannah Roberts, reputed Daughter of George Augustus Pynn, now commonly called Heighington, with whom I live and cohabit as my wife for the last year; unto her, all my Plantation in Newfoundland. Now let by Lease to Captain John Cox. Also, all the balances due from Sundries in my Books, and those due to Isaac Elton Esq., in Bristol. Which I purchased of him as per Deed of Conveyance. As well all the Debts due from persons who have given their obligations to pay so much Annually to me, or my Assigns. I also give and bequeath to said Susannah as aforesaid, all and singular the Money and amount of Navy Bills which are in the hands of Amounts and Pay, London. As well all Monies in the hands of Mr. George Kemp, with all Goods, Chattels, and Effects, whatsoever and wheresoever in Newfoundland, or in England. To hold the same for her natural life and then to be disposed of, as she by her will of all direct. And I do hereby constitute and appoint said Susannah Roberts and Charles Garland Esq.; to whom I give Ten Pounds for Mourning and a Mourning Ring: to be sole Executors of this my last will and testament. Revoking and making void all other wills by me already made. Rectifying and confirming this to be my last Will and Testament. As I have asked an esteem for James Cowan the Younger, now an infant. I would request my said Executrix, Susannah Roberts, to take him under her care and bring him up. Paying for his Education etc., until he is 14 years old. When she will bind him Apprentice to a Merchant, or such Business as he shall choose. And if he behaves himself well towards her and Preserves a good Character, I desire she may leave him the House I now live in. With as much more, as he deserves. In witness whereof, I have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and affixed my Seal. The ninth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five. What I have said about James Cowan, is provided the parents are willing. Conway Heighington. Signed, Sealed, Published, and Declared, by the said Conway Heighington to be his last Will and Testament. In the presence of us who at his request, have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto. J. Webb. James Cowan. William Daimon[Aka: Dyment/Diamond]. Probated at London 16th November, 1796. By the Oath of Susannah Roberts, otherwise Heighington. One of the Executors named in the Will, to whom Administration was granted. Of all and singular the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of the said deceased. Having been first Sworn by Commission, duly to Administer. Power reserved of making the like grant to Charles Garland the other Executor named in the Will, when he shall apply for the same. Transcriber Notes: Did Conway Heighington cohabit with his wife Susannah Roberts Heighington in excess of two years, preceding the date his Will was made? Or did Conway reside at Bristol in wintertime; while his wife Susannah, resided full time in Conception Bay? Lloyd's List, August 10, 1781, edition. The "Enterprise" Privateer, Captain Heighington, of Bristol, is taken by the "Franklin", American Privateer. Part of the Crew landed in Ireland.* Lloyd's Register, 1781. "Enterprise", Brig, 300 Tons, 15 Men, Captain Conway Heighington, Bristol Privateer. For: T. Easton. ( G. Watkins captained in 1782. Retaken by British in 1781? ) Lloyd's List, June 18, 1782, edition. Arrived at Gravesend, from Gibraltar, the vessel "Mercury", Captain Heighington. Lloyd's List, April 4, 1786, edition. Sailed from Gravesend for Newfoundland, the vessel "Atalanta", Captain Heighington. ( April 7th edition, sailed from the Downs for Newfoundland. ) Lloyd's List, August 1, 1786, edition. Arrived at Newfoundland, from London, the vessel "Atalanta", Captain Heighington. Lloyd's List, August 18, 1786, edition. Arrived at Cadiz, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Atalanta", Captain Heighington. Mary Heighington, wife of Conway Heighington, buried on Aug 31, 1782, at St. Michael's Parish, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England. Conway Heighington wed Susannah Roberts on Nov 24, 1783, at Harbour Grace, Newfoundland. What individual Roberts, did Susanna Pynn previously wed? Susannah Heighington buried Jun 6, 1834, Pipe Lane, St. Augustine The Less Parish, Bristol. Age 90 years. Born circa 1744. ( Susanna nee Pynn/Roberts/Heighington. Daughter of George Augustus Pynn. ) Susannah Pynn wed Conway Heighington of Bristol & Harbour Grace. Her sister Catherine Pynn wed Captain [Andrew] Taverner of Poole, Dorset. Catherine Pynn inherited land from the Pynn family in Newfoundland, which had a title predating the time when anyone other than the crown, was officially entitled to own any land in Newfoundland. ( Mansions & Merchants of Poole and Dorset. Page 184. By: Derek Beamish, John Hillier & HFV Johnstone. ) Andrew and Catherine Taverner had children bap. during 1780's and 1790's at Trinity Bay, Nfld. St. Paul's Marriage at Trinity Bay. Aug 21, 1799. Married Richard Ash Master of the Ship Lion, & Catherine [Pynn/Taverner], Widow of the late Andrew Taverner of this Harbour. [Niece of Sir Henry Pynn of Harbour Grace, and daughter of George Augustis Pynn.] Conway Heighington had a Plantation at Mosquito Point, South Side of Harbour Grace. Per his wife‘s Will. As seen on her will. Was it formerly owned by Isaac Elton, Bristol merchant? Captain John Cox and Martha Parsons, had a daughter Amelia/Milley baptized Dec 8, 1775, at Harbour Grace.

Will of Conway Heighington

PCC Will of Conway Heighington, Merchant, now One of His Majesty's Justices of Peace, and Lieutenant in His Majesty's Royal Navy of Harbour Grace, Conception Bay, Newfoundland, North America.
Reference: PROB 11/1281/162

Conway’s Will was made on Dec 9, 1785; and Probated at London, on Nov 16, 1796.

In the name of God Amen, the last will and testament of Conway Heighington Esq., herefore of the City of Bristol, Merchant; but now residing in Harbour Grace, Conception Bay, Newfoundland. One of his Majesty's Justices of Peace, for the same District, and Lieutenant in his Majesty's Royal Navy. Being in good health of body and of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding, thanks be to almighty God for the same. And to prevent any controversy after my decease I give and bequeath unto Susannah Roberts, reputed Daughter of George Augustus Pynn, now commonly called Heighington, with whom I live and cohabit as my wife for the last year; unto her, all my Plantation in Newfoundland. Now let by Lease to Captain John Cox. Also, all the balances due from Sundries in my Books, and those due to Isaac Elton Esq., in Bristol. Which I purchased of him as per Deed of Conveyance. As well all the Debts due from persons who have given their obligations to pay so much Annually to me, or my Assigns. I also give and bequeath to said Susannah as aforesaid, all and singular the Money and amount of Navy Bills which are in the hands of Amounts and Pay, London. As well all Monies in the hands of Mr. George Kemp, with all Goods, Chattels, and Effects, whatsoever and wheresoever in Newfoundland, or in England. To hold the same for her natural life and then to be disposed of, as she by her will of all direct. And I do hereby constitute and appoint said Susannah Roberts and Charles Garland Esq.; to whom I give Ten Pounds for Mourning and a Mourning Ring: to be sole Executors of this my last will and testament. Revoking and making void all other wills by me already made. Rectifying and confirming this to be my last Will and Testament. As I have asked an esteem for James Cowan the Younger, now an infant. I would request my said Executrix, Susannah Roberts, to take him under her care and bring him up. Paying for his Education etc., until he is 14 years old. When she will bind him Apprentice to a Merchant, or such Business as he shall choose. And if he behaves himself well towards her and Preserves a good Character, I desire she may leave him the House I now live in. With as much more, as he deserves. In witness whereof, I have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and affixed my Seal. The ninth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five. What I have said about James Cowan, is provided the parents are willing. Conway Heighington. Signed, Sealed, Published, and Declared, by the said Conway Heighington to be his last Will and Testament. In the presence of us who at his request, have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto. J. Webb. James Cowan. William Daimon[Aka: Dyment/Diamond].

Probated at London 16th November, 1796. By the Oath of Susannah Roberts, otherwise Heighington. One of the Executors named in the Will, to whom Administration was granted. Of all and singular the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of the said deceased. Having been first Sworn by Commission, duly to Administer. Power reserved of making the like grant to Charles Garland the other Executor named in the Will, when he shall apply for the same.

Transcriber Notes:

*Did Conway Heighington cohabit with his wife Susannah Roberts Heighington in excess of two years, preceding the date his Will was made? Or did Conway reside at Bristol in wintertime; while his wife Susannah, resided full time in Conception Bay?

Lloyd's List, August 10, 1781, edition. The "Enterprise" Privateer, Captain Heighington, of Bristol, is taken by the "Franklin", American Privateer. Part of the Crew landed in Ireland.

Lloyd's Register, 1781. "Enterprise", Brig, 300 Tons, 15 Men, Captain Conway Heighington, Bristol Privateer. For: T. Easton. ( G. Watkins captained in 1782. Retaken by British in 1781? )

Lloyd's List, June 18, 1782, edition. Arrived at Gravesend, from Gibraltar, the vessel "Mercury", Captain Heighington.

Lloyd's List, April 4, 1786, edition. Sailed from Gravesend for Newfoundland, the vessel "Atalanta", Captain Heighington. ( April 7th edition, sailed from the Downs for Newfoundland. )

Lloyd's List, August 1, 1786, edition. Arrived at Newfoundland, from London, the vessel "Atalanta", Captain Heighington.

Lloyd's List, August 18, 1786, edition. Arrived at Cadiz, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Atalanta", Captain Heighington.

*Mary Heighington, wife of Conway Heighington, buried on Aug 31, 1782, at St. Michael's Parish, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England.

*Conway Heighington wed Susannah Roberts on Nov 24, 1783, at Harbour Grace, Newfoundland. What individual Roberts, did Susanna Pynn previously wed?

*Susannah Heighington buried Jun 6, 1834, Pipe Lane, St. Augustine The Less Parish, Bristol. Age 90 years. Born circa 1744. ( Susanna nee Pynn/Roberts/Heighington. Daughter of George Augustus Pynn. )

*Susannah Pynn wed Conway Heighington of Bristol & Harbour Grace. Her sister Catherine Pynn wed Captain [Andrew] Taverner of Poole, Dorset. Catherine Pynn inherited land from the Pynn family in Newfoundland, which had a title predating the time when anyone other than the crown, was officially entitled to own any land in Newfoundland. ( Mansions & Merchants of Poole and Dorset. Page 184. By: Derek Beamish, John Hillier & HFV Johnstone. )

*Andrew and Catherine Taverner had children bap. during 1780's and 1790's at Trinity Bay, Nfld.

*St. Paul's Marriage at Trinity Bay. Aug 21, 1799. Married Richard Ash Master of the Ship Lion, & Catherine [Pynn/Taverner], Widow of the late Andrew Taverner of this Harbour. [Niece of Sir Henry Pynn of Harbour Grace, and daughter of George Augustis Pynn.]

*Conway Heighington had a Plantation at Mosquito Point, South Side of Harbour Grace. Per his wife‘s Will. As seen on her will. Was it formerly owned by Isaac Elton, Bristol merchant?

*Captain John Cox and Martha Parsons, had a daughter Amelia/Milley baptized Dec 8, 1775, at Harbour Grace.