A dystribution of ye Estates of Jnº Wells deceased to the Widdow & Children which is as ffolloweth Mch 2 1699 700 To ye Widdow the 3ds of ye Moveables free of debts wch is 17 // 14 // 8 To ye Widows 3ds of the Lands 84//80 wch is set out to her in the   3ds of the Houseing Barns Ortchards gardens as alsoe to Live in the   old house so Long as it is Comfortable & Safe & then to have one end 23 // 6 // 8 of the New house at her use both above & below & sellerige so much   of them as she needs for use as aforesd both for her self & children   that are unde age & for her self as Long as she lives 60 - 03 - 4 To her 11 acres & 20 rod of Land for her use while she Lives & after to __________ Revert to the children at 5/10 84 // 10 // 0 To John Wells Eldest Son his portion 82 // 11 // 6 his sistor Marys portion 42 // 5 - 9 his sistor Abigails portion 42 // 5 - 9 his sistor Sarahs childrens portion 44 // 5 - 9   109// 18 = 9 which is payd to him by two 3ds of ye Houseing & homestead at pesent possession   46 //13// 4 To the other part of the Houseing & homestead after his mothers deceases 23 // 6 // 8 To 11th of Moveable goods as alsoe Land at Derefd wch E Beers had 10 21 // 0 // 0 To 3 acres of Land at [ ? ] 8 Mill Swamp Lot 3 One acre title M 5 16 // 0 // 0 To 11 acres of Land in ye Meadow wanting 20 Rod at 5/10 59 //16/ 3 To 4 acres & 40 Rod in [ ? ] 23 - 7 - 6   190 =03= 9 To Jonathan Wells 2d Son 41- 5-9 Elizabeth Wells portion 41- 5-9 of Sarah Childrens portion 16-10-0   99=1=6 each is payd him by the Brush Lots at 12 - 00 - 00 In Moveable goods in hand at 13 = 11 / 02 by half of the other Moveables at 11 = 18 // 03 by 3 acres in the Meadow at 16 = 10 / 00 by 3 acres at [ ? ] at 8 // 00 // 00 by 6 acres & 3 roods 20 rod at [ ? ] 37 // 16 // 03   99 // 15 // 8

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John Wells, who died at age 54 in 1692, left no will. It was then necessary for the court to take action and proceed with the distribution of his estate. The distribution begins by awarding the widow her "thirds" of the "Moveables free of debt." It was customary for the widow to receive a third of the estate and to be entitled to live on the property so long as she pleased. This provision is indicated. Moveables are the household goods, that is, everything except land or real estate. The remainder of the estate is then parceled out to the children. The eldest son only, received a double portion.

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Distribution of the estate of John Wells

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