Transcripts of Brews Wills from the Isle of Man - Braddan

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Permission to reproduce the following transcripts of Brew wills from the Isle of Man has been kindly granted by Jim Smith, Sue Pedersen, Brian Lawson and Tom Corteen. Most entries, however, have been reproduced with the kind permission of Joyce M. Oates in the United States. Special thanks to Sue Pedersen for her regular assistance in compiling and correcting entries in this database.

I would suggest the reader/researcher might like to commence with the Isle of Man Index of Wills, 1633-1920, from which I have added links to individual transcripts on this page. Otherwise, if readers which to browse this page, please note that wills are shown in rough chronological order. Therefore, some may find it easier to use their browser's search engine, located under the "Edit" menu on the tool bar, to search for a particular name or word on this page.

Please also note that not all wills are for Brews. Some wills are for women whose maiden name was Brew, or for people whose wills mention Brews as inheritors, creditors and/or witnesses.

If you find a family connection ALWAYS check the original records which are available from LDS family history centres on the film numbers which are given with most transcripts. Be aware that these are transcripts and therefore may have errors. Additionally, the original index entries for the two Courts - Archdeacon (LDS film 0106195) and Episcopal (LDS film 0106366) - sometimes include the residence of the deceased or other information which have not been included on Brian Lawson's website.

If you have a will transcript which mentions the Brew surname, and which you would be willing to allow me to add to this page, it would be most welcome. Please e-mail me; I look forward to hearing from you.

Archdeacon Will 1705 #17, Braddan of Isabel Cowle als Christian, made or proved 10 April 1706: “April the 10th 1706: The last will and testament of Isable Cowle als Christian of KK Braddan, being in perfect memory though weak in body committed my soul to God and my body to Christian burial. Item, to the poor five shillings. Item, to Will Kermott junr five shillings legacy. Item, to my brother’s son Edward Christian five shillings legacy. Item, to my brother Daniel Christian one six pence legacy. Item, to Mr John Cosnahan Vicar of KK St Anne eight shillings provided to preach my funeral sermon. And as for the rest of my goods moveable and unmoveable whatsoever, they are money or money worth, I bequeath to my sister Jony Kermott & daughter Margret Brew als Kermott of KK St Anne, and do appoint them both to be my whole and sole Executor of all as is above specified. Witnesses: John Cosnahan, William Crebbin. The Executors sworn in form of Law. Pledges in form of Law, Mr. John Cosnahan and William Crebbin.”

Archdeacon Will 1720/1 #40, Braddan, of Christopher Leece, weaver, died 20 Nov 1720: “Braddan: This is affirmed to be the last will of Christopher Leeze who departed this life the 20th of November 1720, being in good and perfect mind and memory. First, he committed his soul to God and body to Christian burial. Item, he left and ordered a firlet of meal to be distributed among the poor at Whitsontide next.  Item, he left and bequeathed to his brother Rober’s daughter viz., Isabell Leeze five pounds. Item, to the said Robert Leeze his son viz., John xxx shillings, and half of two sheep in the said Robert’s keeping, the other half of them to the maid Ellinor Brew. Item, he left to his mother a rug and his part of the bees at the Knockbane, and a thirdpart of the corn in the Haggart. Item, he left to his sister Ann ten shillings with eight sheep half males and half females, and what remained xxx paid by him to her of the twenty shillings promised at her marriage, and his part of the bees at KnockBule, and a quart of wool. Item, he left to his brother William his part of the bees at Robert Wains with what monies he owed him. Item, declared that John Killey owed him 5 shillings 10 pence, which he left to his brother William’s children betwixt them. Item, he left to his 2 godsons William Caralagh’s son, and his sister Ann’s son a lamb each.  Item, he left his looms and weaving utensils to Robert Curghey, the said Robert paying for them thirty shillings if he liked to take them upon that price to his Executor. Item, he left to his brother Robert his part of the bees at Nicholas Quine’s. To the minister a mutton.  Item, he nominated and appointed his two brothers Robert and Nicholas Leeze sole and joint Executors of all the rest of his goods moveable and unmoveable whatsoever, and ordered they should take no interest the year he died of any persons that had monies of his in their hands. Item, to the parish clerk a coat. Witnesses: George Gelling, Robert Curghey. The Executors sworn in Court in form of Law. Pledges Thomas Christian & David xxxx”

Archdeacon Wills 1726 #9, Braddan, of Joney Kermod als Christian, buried 1 February 1724/5: “This is affirmed to be the last will of Jony Kermod als Christian who was buried the first February ano 1724[1724/5]. Being in good mind and perfect memory at the making thereof having commended her soul to God and body to Christian burial, she disposed of her worldly goods and effects in manner following. Item, she left all her worldly effects of what nature soever betwixt her husband William Kermod and her grandchild Mary Brew equally. Item, she left her shaped linen and woolen clothes to her said grandchild Mary Brew. Item, to her grandchild Mary Kermod a white petticoat. Item, to Patrick Corkill’s wife a black gown and a petticoat belonging to it which she wore daily. Item, she left to her son William Kermod 5 pence legacy. Item, to the said Mary Brew her grandchild a feather bed. Witnesses: John Corkill, Philip Quay. The husband William Kermod and the grandchild Mary Brew sworn in form of Law. Pledges the witnesses of the will.”

Archdeacon Wills 1757 #29, Braddan, of Mary Moore als Kaighin, of Douglas: ‘In the name of God Amen. The fourth day of February one thousand seven hundred and fifty seven, that I Mary Moore otherwise Mary Kaghin of Douglas, being of good and perfect memory thanks be to Almighty God for the same, I commend my soul to Almighty God my Savior & Redeemer, and my body to Christian burial and do make this my last will and testament and leave my worldly goods in manner and form following. First I leave and bequeath to Emalea Halsay my niece the sum of eight pounds sterling which is in the hands of her father as legacy. Secondly, I leave and bequeath to Mary Brew als Halsay my niece all my pewter, a blanket & sheep as legacy. Likewise I leave and bequeath to Mary Hutton als Kaghin my niece a suit of my clothes & pair of shoes as legacy. Likewise, I leave and bequeath to Margaret Kewley als Garrett a whole suit of my clothes & hat and two handkerchiefs and aprons and two suits caps and to her son William a guinea as legacy. Likewise I leave and bequeath to Susanna Kaghin als Kissage a sheet and blanket and to her daughter Isable Kaghin half a guinea as legacy. Likewise I leave and bequeath to Cathrine Gelling als Kelly my best mantle and suit of best caps, a hudd[?], two handkerchiefs and to her daughter Cathrine Faylle  a petticoat, two shifts as legacy. Likewise I leave and bequeath to Cathrine Corlett als Christian a petticoat and to Ellinor Moore a petticoat. And to Mary Neail a pettycoat as legacy. Likewise and to Ann Corlett als Gelling one of my best gowns as legacy. And lastly, I leave and bequeath to all my creditors what sum so ever is due to me, that no persons or person can make no demand for etc. except Robert Quilling that I lent to him forty shillings and half is to be leaved according to xxx and the other half I do leave and bequeath to him and his mother as legacy. Likewise I leave and bequeath to all persons that will claim a six pence legacy and to the witnesses a shilling each. Lastly I leave and bequeath Silvester Halsay to be whole and sole executor of all the rest of my goods moveable and immoveable of what kind or denomination soever, hereby revoking, disannuling and making void all forms and wills and bequests by me made and to this I sign my mark to the aforesaid day and date. [signed her mark] Mary Moore. Witnesses: Henry Moore, Richard Curphy. At a Chapter Court held at Douglas June 7th, 1757, Silvester Halsall is sworn executor in form of Law and hath given pledges for payment of debts and legacies, vizt, Henry Moore and Richard Curphey the witnesses of the will.’

Archdeacon Wills 1758 #39, Braddan, of Margaret Halsall als Kelly, wife of Simon Halsall: ‘This is affirmed to be the last will and testament of Margret Halsal als Kelly of the town of Douglas, who departed this life about the 14th February last, of perfect mind and memory. First she commended her soul to God and her body to Christian burial. Item, she left and bequeathed to her son Philip as feather bed with six pence legacy. Item, she left and bequeathed to her daughter Cathrine Mallin als Kewley and her daughter Margret Brew als Halsal all her wearing apparel equally betwixt them with six pence legacy each. Item, she left to any person or persons that would claim any right to her goods six pence legacy. Lastly, she constituted and appointed her dear and loving husband Simon Halsal her whole and sole executor of all the rest of her goods and chattels moveable and immoveable of what kind or nature soever and this in the presence of us witnesses. Witnesses: John Christian, John Clark. At a Chapter Court in Douglas, June 19th, 1758, the executor is sworn in Court in form of Law and hath given pledges for payment of debts and legacies namely Thomas Brew and Isabel Quork both of Douglas.’

Archdeacon Wills 1758 #43, Braddan, of Joney Brew of Braddan: The last will and testament of Joney Brew of Braddan who departed this life about the first of February last being in perfect mind and memory at the making hereof. First, she commended her soul to God hoping through the merits of Christ to obtain pardon for all her sins and her body to Christian burial. Item, she left to her nephew John Radliff her feather bed. Item, she left to her both nieces Margret Radliff and Easter Radliff her best suit of wearing apparel, a black silk hood, a silk hook chief, and her muslin apron, equally between them. Item, she left to her cousin John Quark and the above named John Radliff a piece of flannel. Lastly she constituted, appointed, and ordained her both nieces Margret & Joney Keroon of KK Braddan joint executrices of all her goods and effects moveable and immoveable of what kind or nature whatever, cutting off all or any that can lay claim to any of her effects with six pence legacy each and allowing the two witnesses of this will one shilling apiece which the said is proved and this she declared to be her last will and testament before us. Witnesses: John Mahood, Ellinor Kelly. At a Chapter Court holden at Douglas June 19th, 1758, Joney Keroon one of the executrices being under age, Margaret the other executrix is sworn to bring to the Registry a perfect inventory and hath given pledges for payment of debts and legacies in form of Law namely John Keroon her father & Phil Kelly of KK Marown.’

Archdeacon Wills 1760 #53, Braddan, of Catherine Bridson of Douglas: ‘Douglas, February 15th, 1760. In the name of God Amen. I Cathrine Bridson in Douglas, being weak in body but in perfect memory, do make my last will and testament as follows: I leave to the poor of the town of Douglas three pounds. I leave to my sister Elizabeth Brew all my best wearing apparel, linen & woolen. I leave to my niece Margaret Craine what money was left her before in a former will which was twenty pounds. I leave to the two servant maids in the house Jane Caley & Christian Quark twenty shillings apiece besides my every day clothes both linen and woolen. Lastly I constitute & appoint my brother Captain Paul Bridson whole and sole executor of all the rest of my goods moveable & immoveable of what kind soever. Witnesses: Cathrine Kerruish, Isabela xxxymory. At a Chapter Court holden in Douglas June 16th, 1760, the executor is sworn in Court in form of Law and has given pledges for payment of debtrs & legacies namely Capt. Thomas Moore & Mr. Thomas Fargher.’

Archdeacon Wills 1776 #12, Braddan, of Catherine Brew, daughter to James Brew of Douglas: ‘This is affirmed to be the last will and testament of Catherine Brew, daughter to James Brew of Douglas who departed this life on or about the 18th day of January 1776, which was made in our presence being the witness present and declared in our presence by her on or about the month of October 1775. First, she left to her aunt Emilia Callow alias Halsall and her children all her wearing apparel of all kinds whatsoever to be divided between them. Secondly and lastly, she left to her father James Brew all the rest and residue of her worldly substance, be the same of what nature or kind soever, he paying to any claimer or claimers the sum of six pence, which she left to any person or persons pretending any right to her property, in the place of any such pretended right and she also nominated and appointed her said father James Brew whole and sole executor of all her worldly substance, moveable or immoveable to which she had any right. Witness: Margt Christian, Ann Neale. At a Court of Correction holden at Douglas 6th February 1776, the executor is sworn in Court in form of Law and hath given pledges for the payment of debts and legacies namely Paul Kelly and Paul Corran both of Douglas.’

Archdeacon Wills 1779, #13, Braddan, of John Moore of Pulrose, Braddan: In the name of God, Amen. I John Moore of Pulroish in the parish of KK Braddan being eak in body but of sound  mind and memory and willing to the utmost of my power to avoid all disputes and litigations among my children and family touching my worldly goods, do therefore make this my last will and testament as follows: FIRST, I commit my soul to God hoping for a pardon and remission of my sins through the merits of my Saviour Jesus Christ, and my body to a Christian burial. I leave and bequeath to my SONS PETER AND ROBERT MOORE four guineas each. I leave and bequeath to my DAUGHTER ISABLE GELLING ALS MOORE four guineas. I do also bequeath to my DAUGHTER ISABLE GELLING ALS MOORE four guineas besides a cow. I do likewise bequeath to my DAUGHTER ESTHER MOORE four guineas, a cow, a furnished feather bed and part of the manufactured linen and woolen that is in her mother's chests. I do also have and bequeath to my STEPSON THOMAS BREW of Mullin-e-quinney one guinea as a legacy together with his promissary note passed and payable to me and in my custody. I DO LEAVE and bequeath to Mrs. ALICE GELL one guinea legacy... [need rest of will; not in the microfilm] PURSUANT TO THE PETITION OF Mr. PHILIP MOORE of KK Braddan, I have lawfully charged EDWARD GELLIN AND HIS WIFE of Castletown appear at Ballavagher on Friday next at the suit of Mr. Philip Moore, as witness my mark to my name this 4th day of January 1780. [signed his mark] Edward Clauge, Sumner of Kirk Malew. BY VIRTUE OF THE REVD. VICAR GENERAL MOORE's reference granted on the petition of Mr PHILIP MOORE, I have served and charged the next of kin to the deceased namely MARY MOORE WIDOW TO THE DECEASED, MR. PETER MOORE, MR. JOHN GELLING & MARGARET GELLING HIS WIFE & ESTHER MOOR and also hath charged JOHN LEWN & CHRISTOPHER WATTERSON as witnesses to the will of the said deceased all to appear at a Court to be held at Ballavagher on Friday the first instant by ten of the clock in the forenoon at the suit of said petitioner, this I aver this 3 of January 1780, [signed James Eager Sumner of Braddan] BY VIRTUE OF THE REVD VICAR GENERAL MOORE's reference granted upon the petition of PHILIP MOORE, I charged ROBERT MOORE of Peeltown to appear at Court to be holden at Ballavagher on Friday the 7th January Instant by ten o'clock in the forenoon to answer the suit of said Philip Moore the petitioner. This I aver this the 3rd January 1780. [signed] John Dawson, Sumner of KK German.'

Archdeacon Will 1800 #7, Braddan, of Esther Waterson, made 16 February 1800: “In the name of God, amen. This the last will and testament of Easter Waterson of KK Braddan being weak in body  but of perfect mind and memory at the making hereof, she do commend her soul to the hands of Almighty God and her body to Christian burial. But with regard to such goods as she was possessed of, she disposed the same as follows, that is to say: First, she leave and bequeath unto her brother John Waterson two shillings and six pence. She leave and bequeath to her sister Margret Oates als Waterson two shillings and six pence and a black gown. She leave to her brother Thomas Waterson’s daughter Isabel Waterson, wife of Thomas Brew one silk gown. She leave and bequeath to her nephew’s wife Ann Waterson one blue cloak. She leave and bequeath six pence legacy to anyone that might or could claim any right to her goods or effects. Lastly, she do nominate and appoint her brother Thomas Waterson whole and sole Executor of all her effects, moveable and immoveable of what nature or denomination soever. This 16th day of February 1800. Witnesses: John Kewley, Bob Bridson.”

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