Will
Summary derived from Dorset History Centre; Reference: Ad/Dt/W/1727; Event Record Number: 36
Date: 25th January 1727/8
Witnesses: (her mark) Jane Marks, (his mark) Andrew Gosney
There is no complete will in the records, just a fragment signed Robert Snooke and a separate summary (in Latin) recording Robert Snook of Stalbridge Weston had recently died. That is followed by the witness statement to the nuncupativeOral. A nuncupative will is an oral statement made in front of witnesses, who then sign a written copy of... In full. (oral) will to which Jane Marks and Andrew Gosney are sworn before Richard Wright.
As a supporting act, the burial records for Stalbridge parish include Robert Snook buried 18 Jan 1728. Robert’s death was imminent when the oral will was made and the statements were signed a few days after Robert Snook was buried.
Witness statement:
Jane Marks One of the witnesses who attested the Nuncupative will deposed upon Oath that she was in the room where she heard the Testator Robert Snook declare the words, or words to the like effect contained in the said Will, and that he was at that time of good and perfect mind and memory, & that it was in his Last Sickness of which he died Witness my hand this 25 day of January 1727/8
Signed: Jane Marks (her mark)
Similarly…
Andrew Gosney (his mark)
Jane Marks & Andrew Gosney were sworn to the nuncupative will this 25th Day {document damage} January Anno Domini 1727/8
Before Richard Wright (signed)