Archdeacon Wills 1794, #41, Rushen, of John Bell:

‘This is affirmed to be the last will and testament of John Bell of the parish of Rushen who was both weak and infirm in body but of a sound mind and memory at the making hereof. First, he committed his soul to God and his body to Christian burial. Secondly, to his eldest son John Bell he left and bequeathed the sum of four pounds and his great coat and breeches and the parcel of sheep which his said son claimed as his own. Thirdly, to his son Thomas Bell and his daughters Elizabeth Margaret & Catharine Bell he bequeathed and left the sum of four pounds to each respectively. Lastly, he nominated constituted and appointed his loving wife Catharine Bell his sole executrix of all the rest of his goods, chattels and effects moveable and immoveable of what kind or nature soever, depriving any person or persons who should claim right in his effects with six pence legacy. This the twenty-eighth day of November in the year of our Lord 1793. Witnesses: Isabel Shimmin, Margaret Kelly.

At a Chapter Court holden at Castletown xxx, the executrix is sworn in Court in form of Law, also guardian and supervisor of the children under age and hath given pledges for the payment of debts and legacies namely Robert Woods and John Taylor both of Rushen.’