Transcripts of Brews Wills from the Isle of Man - Maughold

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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.

Kath: Brew deptd this life about ye 20th of Janry 1673 intestat[e] whereof ye Church haveing Intelligence hath decreed her 3 sones Gilbrt, Wm and Tho: Corteen Adminrs of all her goods m[ov] =able, and unmovable whatsoever who are at lawfull yeares an[?] A Legacie to ye husband upon sight of ye Invent:

This is affirmed to be ye last Will & Testament of Jo. Corteen who departed this life ye second of February Ano 1687. Imprimis He comitted his soul to god, and his body to christian buryall. It. He proposed to his sone Gilbert whether he would undertake ye care of his aged and decrepid sister margaret Corteene, & his said sone replyed yt he had looked to her ere then, & would alsoe for ye future take care of her: upon this resolve he bequeathed to his said sone his part of ye [farme] 
& Crop of Corne, with all implements and husbandry gears therin his occupation: 
Item. He bequeathed to his sone Will: four yeards of gray woollen cloathe, and twenty shillings in mony. 
Item. To his Grandchild Robt one sheep & yearlinge. 
Item. To Jo: Ceanish one yearlinge. 
Item. To Alice Brew ye cropt horned Heffer. 
Item. To Uxor Jo: Kerrish att ye Milne a firlad or three half firlads of Barley, as his sone Gilbert would be pleased to give her.
Item. To the witnesses (of this his last will) one mutton betwixt ym. 
Item. He said yt ye tyth Corne was not paid for: however ye Corne was to ye fore for ye purpose. 
Item. He constituted his 3 sones viz: Gilbert, Will & Tho: Corteene his Lawfull Executors of all ye right of his goods and chattles.

This is affirmed to be the last will and Testamt of Alice Brew of Kk Maughold who departed this life the 30th of aprill 1721 being of Good & perfect memory. first she committed her soul to God and her body to Christian Burial.
Imprs she left to her cousin Cathrine Corteen fourteen pence.
Item she left and bequeathed to John Corteen Brother to the afforesd Catherine Corteen a sheep. 
Item she left one shilling leggassey to Margrett Corrin alias Moore of Kk Lonnon. 
Item she left 6 pence apiece leggasey to John Collister & Jane Collister.
Item she left six pence leggassey a-piece to the next of kindred yt shd crave any right to her goods to break this her will. 
Item she left on William Corrin and Margt his wife of Kk Lonnon in the Raa to pay to her cousin Robt Corteen of Kk Maughold Thirtey shills wch they owed her.
Item she left & Bequeathed her sd cousin Robt Corteen sole Execr of all the rest of her goods moveable and unmoveable of wt nature so ever & to serve her to the ground. And she bequeathed to ye witnesses fourpence each Legacy.

This is the last will and testament of John Brew of Ramsey in the parish of Kirk Maughold in the Isle of Man and of Alice his wife conjointly and severally made and dated the day and date underwritten.

In the first place the said John Brew and Alice his wife do will and direct the whole of the estate whether real or personal which may be in their possession at the time of the decease of either of them shall and may be enjoyed by the survivor of them for and during the full end and term of his or her natural life and that at the time of the decease of the one or the other of them then a full and perfect inventory and valuation shall be made of all and singular such estate and effects which said inventory shall be again produced at the time of the decease of the survivor of them in order that no undue advantage shall be taken by the survivor during the time of his or her tenancy thereof and then and immediately after the decease of the aforesaid survivor of them then and at that time this conjoint will of the said John and Alice Brew shall take effect in manner following.

First We give and devise to our daughter Catherine Brew the house and premises we recently purchased situated in Kirk Maughold Street in the town of Ramsey aforesaid and commonly called "John Sayles House" and formerly the property of Isabella Sayle for her own absolute use and benefit we also give to our said daughter Catherine Brew all and singular the rents profits and emoluments that may arise from the house adjoining the one we now occupy and which is now in the occupation of Mrs Summers for and during the full end and term of eight years from the day of the date of the decease of the aforesaid survivor  of us for her own absolute use and benefit.  We also give to our said daughter the sum of one pound to be paid to her by our executors hereafter named immediately after our decease.

Further we give to our said daughter Catherine Brew the whole of our household furniture as it may stand at the time of the decease of the survivor of us saving and excepting what articles may be hereinafter named for her own use and benefit.
Furthermore our joint will is that within twelve calendar months from the day of the decease of the survivor of us the testators before named our executors do and shall faithfully pay or cause to be paid unto our daughter Christian Holden unto our daughter Mary Anderson and unto our daughter Margaret  Travis respectively and to each the sum of thirty pounds in good and lawful money for each of their respective uses and benefits.  To our daughter Elizabeth Proudfoot we give the sum of three pounds to our son William Brew the like sum of three pounds to our daughter Ann Sayle the like sum of three pounds and our second best feather bed which three last named bequests we wish paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently may be after our decease.

Again we jointly give and devise to our son John Brew the house and premises we now occupy together with the house and premises adjoining situate and being in Ballure Road in the town of Ramsey aforesaid and which said adjoining premises are now in the occupation of Mrs Summers for his own absolute use and benefit subject nevertheless to the provision in behalf of our aforesaid daughter Catherine Brew and herein before named. We also give to our said son John Brew our Family Bible our clock and one set of chest of drawers now forming a part of our household furniture.

We also give to  our aforesaid son John Brew that is to say place in his hands all and singular our book debts, ready money, securities for money that there may be in our possession at the time of the decease of the survivor of us subject to the bequests herein before named and also that out of such amounts he our said son John shall together with our executors hereinafter named pay and satisfy all our just debts funeral expenses and whatever charges may arise in recording or registering this our last will and testament in the court proper for such matters and then when all and each of the aforesaid bequests legacies debts and expenses are all fully paid and satisfied should there be any surplus arising from such book debts ready money or securities for money we will and direct that such surplus shall be by our joint executors equally and fairly divided amongst our legatees before named saving and excepting our aforesaid daughter Elisabeth Proudfoot and our son
William Brew.

And Lastly I John Brew aforesaid do on my part nominate constitute and appoint my friend James Corlett and my son John Brew executors to this my last will and also I Alice Brew do on my part nominated and appoint my friend Charles Walworth and my daughter Catherine Brew executor and executrix to this my last  will and we the aforesaid John Brew and Alice Brew do hereby jointly revoke and make void all former will or wills by us at any time before  made and do declare this alone to be our last in witness whereof we the said testators have set and subscribed our respective hands and seals this Third day of April One thousand eight hundred and forty nine.
John Brew his X
Alice Brew her X

Signed sealed and delivered by the aforesaid testators in the present of B B Arnold and James Corlett.

In consideration of my son John Brew taking administration of the estate of my late husband John Brew deceased with his will annexed I hereby ratify and confirm the devise of the properties made to him by his father and me and that he shall enjoy the whole of the said properties in strict accordance with the devise in the said will.  As witness my name this 19th July 1849.
Alice Brew my x mark
Witness by A. B. Clucas and James Corlett.

I hereby renounce the executorship of the foregoing will to and in favor of John Brew Junior the other executor therein named as witness my name this 9th day of November 1849. James Corlett
Witnessed by A. B. Clucas

At a Chapter Court holden at Ramsey the 9th day of November 1849. James Corlett one of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing paper writing purporting to be the last will and testament of John Brew late of Ramsey deceased.  Having  sound and disposing mind memory and understanding duly executed the same in presence of deponent and of B.B. Arnold the other subscribing witness as and for his last will and testament, John Brew one of the executors appointed by said deceadent the other executor having renounced is thereupon sworn well and truly to fulfill and execute said will according to law, to pay all just debts, legacies and funeral expenses of the testator so far forth as the goods and effects will extend and the law bind him, and to return to the Episcopal Registry a full true and perfect inventory of said estate with an accurate account of his acts and  proceedings in the premises when thereunto lawfully required, and to these ends he hath given pledges James Corlett and Charles Kissack who have executed a bond to that effect bearing equal date herewith.
Probatum Est            T. A. Corlett

Christian Holden widow 9 Nov 1849 received 30 pounds.
Margaret Turton, alias Travis, alias Brew widow received 30 pounds 22 Feb 1865.
Robert Cowle and Mary Cowle alias Anderson alias Brew received 23 Feb 1865 £30 twelve shillings and six pence in full
Catherine Brew received from her brother John Brew one pound 23 Feb 1865.
Willliam Sayle and Ann Sayle alias Brew his wife received from John Brew 3 pounds and a feather bed on 9 Mar 1865.
Christen Holden alias Brew received 31 December 1866 thirty pounds twelve shillings and six pence in full.

This is the last joint will and testament of us John Brew of Ramsey butcher and Catherine Brew formerly Kennish his wife which we make publish and declare this 29th day of May One thousand eight hundred and seventy nine. We constitute nominate and appoint the survivor of us and our sons John and William and our daughter Catherine executors and executrix and trustees of this our will.

We give devise and bequeath the whole of the real and personal estates so far as the rents issues and profits thereof are concerned unto the survivor of us for and during the term of the natural life of such survivor to be held or enjoyed by him or her as the case may be as tenant for life without impeachment of waste provided nevertheless that such portion of the real estate as shall be included in a certain indenture in the nature of a settlement upon our said sons John and William and bearing equal date herewith shall remain and be subject the provisions of such indenture respecting the same. We give devise and bequeath the house and premises in which we now reside situate in Ballure Road. Also the whole of the lands and premises in Maughold and Lezayre purchased from John Cottiman and Catherine Cottiman. Also certain lands and premises part of Mount Sayle in Maughold purchased from John Stephen ------- ------ one son John Brew junior and we direct that he shall upon his becoming possessed thereof of the rents issues and profits thereof by virtue of this devise and pay to each of our three daughters the sum of twenty pounds and in the event of the decease of any of their issue the amounts become so payable without leaving lawful issue who shall be living at the time of payment the share or shares of such deceased daughter or daughters will be paid to the survivors or survivor of them and until such sums are paid we hereby constitute the same liens and charges upon the lands and premises acquired by purchase from John Cottiman and Catherine Cottiman as aforesaid . We further leave to said son John the sum of fifty pounds, also five shares in the Ramsey Water Works and a feather bed, bolster pillow and bed clothes complete for one bed. We give devise and bequeath unto our son William these lands and premises in the parish of Maughold acquired by purchase from W. Clumie now or lately tenanted by John Kerruish, Edward Kerruish, Francis Lowey, Robert Lowey's son and William Hampton, also the Slaughter House and land adjoining it in the town of Ramsey in College Street also that house lately occupied by Thomas Ellison adjoining College Street and Market Lane.  We also leave our said son William five shares in the Ramsey Water Works Company. We give devise and bequeath to our son Robert the whole of the property situate on the Quay in the town of Ramsey lately tenanted by W. Hanney accrued by purchase from Robert Kennish and adjoining Robert Kewins Warehouse and the lane leading from Parliament Street to the Quay. We also leave to our said son Robert five shares in the Ramsey Water Works Company. Also the house, yard, shed and premises adjoining the premises now occupied by Morrison the shoemaker and also adjoining Parliament Street and which said house is now occupied by -------- the printer. We give devise and bequeath to our son Edward that house and premises in ------ Street in the town of Ramsey occupied as offices by John Bridson auctioneer and adjoining the premises of Alexander Cummins and Thomas Caley also a certain meadow in the parish of Lezayre purchased from John Christian and adjoining the properties of the Misses Christian, Mrs James Corlet and others. We also leave to our said son Edward five shares in the Ramsey Water Works Company and the sum of One hundred pounds. We give devise and bequeath to our son Frederick those lands and premises in the parish of Maughold purchased from John Curphey and Dinah his wife adjoining the lands of Messr Cowin and Quilleash and the Rev Stephen and Harrison and the road leading to Maughold Church; also a certain house and premises in Ramsey tenanted by John Quirk and Enos Corkil joining College Street and Market Lane also the house and premises in -------- Lane which was purchased from Mrs William Christian. We also leave to our said son Frederick five shares in the Ramsey Water Works Company and the sum of one hundred pounds. We give devise and bequeath to our daughter Catherine that house garden and premises situate at Summerland in the town of Ramsey now occupied by Mr Toale as tenant.  Also  the pianoforte and a mahogany chest of drawers and five shares in the Ramsey Water Works Company and the sum of two hundred pounds. We give devise bequeath to our daughter Alice that house and premise in Ballure Road tenanted by Mrs Summers with the garden ----- and premises thereof belonging adjoining the property of the late Robert Oates Christian also a certain meadow part of Ballajilley joining the road leading from the Douglas Road to Robert Moore's house at Ballaherna.  Also a small Curragh in the parish of Maughold joining William Kissack's Curragh and which was purchased from Mr Kissack of Liverpool also a cheffineer and sofa now in the parlour also four and three quarters shares in the Ramsey Water Works Company and the sum of four hundred pounds. We give devise and bequeath to our daughter Margaret that house gardens ------ and premises situate in Ballure Road formerly occupied by Mr Carstairs as tenant and which adjoins the house hereinbefore devised to our daughter Alice. Also that house and premises in College Street in the town of Ramsey bounded by Douglas Lane and William Christian's house and four hundred pounds. Also a mahogany chest of drawers and one share and three quarter of a share in the Ramsey Gas Light Company and five
share in the Ramsey Water Works Company. We leave and bequeath to each of our children one feather bed bolster pillow
and bed clothes complete for one bed as already specifically mentioned in the case of our son John Brew Junior. We declare that the several legacies and bequests hereinbefore contained shall rest absolutely in each child respectively on his or her attaining the age of twenty one years or being a daughter upon having lawful issue under that age but in the event of any child dying under that age and without leaving lawful issue who shall be living at the time of the decease of the survivor of us such child's share shall go to and be equally divided amongst the other children who shall be living at the time of the decease of the survivor of us share and share alike. If any one or more of our children shall dispute this will or litigate and question respecting the provisions the legacies or bequests herein contained in favor of such child or children shall be -------- as though such child or children had died before attaining twenty one years and without lawful issue as aforesaid.  And the share or shares of such child or children shall be equally divided amongst such of our children as shall have been content to take under the provisions of this will. All the residue or our estate real and personal we leave to be equally divided among such of our children as shall be living at the time of the decease of the survivor of us. In the event of the survivor of us dying before our son Frederick attains the age of twenty four years we direct that such of the others devisees under this our will shall contribute ------- and ------  --- towards his maintenance and support the sum of three pounds each to his ----- a fund for that purpose in addition to the income arising under any bequests hereinbefore made to him until he attains the said age of twenty fours years. We leave to our son John the Family bible and the clock standing in the kitchen. If any new shares in the Ramsey Water Works Company shall be allotted to the holders of present shares we direct that such as shall be allotted in respect of the shares already held by us, shall be taken up by the executors, paid for out of the personal estate and at once divided equally among our daughters who may then be living.  As witness our subscriptions the day and date first before written.
John Brew
Catherine Brew her x mark
Signed published and declared by the testator as and for their last will and testament in our presence who in their presence  at their request and in presence of each other have herewith subscribed our names as witnesses.
W. Dumbell
Thomas Callow

The humble petition of Catherine Brew of the town of Ramsey spinster and Robert Brew of the said town grocer and Frederick Brew of the said Bank Agent.
Sheweth
1. John Brew and Catherine Brew his wife did on the 29th day of May 1879 execute and publish their joint last will and testament where they nominated constituted and appointed the survivor of them John Brew and William Brew their sons and their daughter your Petitioner Catherine Brew executors there under.
2. The said Testator John Brew departed this life on the 25th day of August 1879 and the said Joint will was at a Chapter Court holden at Ramsey on the 24th day of October 1879 proved as the last will of the said testator John Brew by said Catherine Brew Widow of the said John Brew, John Brew and William Brew the executors therein named (Your petitioner the said Catherine Brew the other executrix therein named having renounced probate thereof so far as the said paper writing of the 29th day of May 1879 represented the will of the said testator John Brew).
3. The said William Brew departed this life some time ago having predeceased the said Catherine Brew.
4. The said Catherine Brew widow died on the 16th day of November 1905 having also made and published a further will and testament in writing bearing date the 13th day of November 1899 with a Codicil thereto annexed bearing date  the 29th day of November 1904 whereof she appointed Your Petitioner the said Catherine Brew and the said Robert Brew and Frederick Brew executors thereof.
5. The said John Brew one of the executors as aforesaid has renounced probate of the said recited joint will bearing date the 29th day of May 1879 so far as the same represents the will of the testatrix Catherine Brew.
6. The said Robert Brew and Frederick Brew two of the Executors named in the said will bearing date the 13th day of November 1899 and the said Codicil thereto annexed bearing date the 29th day of November 1904 have renounced probate of such last named will.
7. Your petitioners are desirous of obtaining probate of the said wills bearing date respectively the 29th day of May 1879 and the 13th day of November  1899 and the Codicil to the latter annexed bearing date the 29th day of November 1904 as together constituting the last will and of the said testatrix Catherine Brew and that probate thereof be granted to the said Catherine Brew the executrix name in both said paper writing. Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray a hearing hereof and that your Honor may be pleased to grant probate of the said paper writing bearing date the 29th day of May 1879 and the 13th day of November 1899 with the Codicil to the latter annexed bearing date the 29th day of November 1904 as together constituting the Last Will and Codicil of the said Testatrix Catherine Brew to the said Catherine Brew the executrix named in both the said paper writing.  And Your Petitioners will every pray.
J. W. Hugh for Petitioners.

Ordered that this petition do come on to be heard at a Court to be held at Ramsey on Monday the 29th day of November 1905 at 10:30 o'clock forenoon. Whereof all proper parties and persons are to have due and lawful notice.

Given at Ramsey this 29th day of November 1905.
Charles W. C. Callow.
Codicil
This is a codicil to the foregoing will of me Catherine Brew which will bears date the 13th day of November 1899 I hereby appoint my son Frederick Brew to be an executor of my said will to act along with my son Robert Brew and my daughter Catherine Brew the other executors named therein.  I give devise and bequeath the share or interest which my son William Brew who has predeceased me would have taken or become entitled to under my will to his widow Jessie Brew absolutely for her sole and separate use and so that she shall have full power to dispose of the same by an deed or deeds by her duly executed or by her last will and testament.  In all other respect I confirm my said will.  In witness where of I have hereunto subscribed my named this 29th day of November One thousand nine hundred and four.
Catherine Brew her x mark
Signed by the testatrix as and for a codicil to her last will and testament in our presence in her presence at her request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our name as witnesses the said Codicil having first been read over to the  Testatrix.
Charles Kissack
Ann Kewley

This is the last will of me Catherine Brew widow of the late John Brew of Ramsey butcher. I appoint my son Robert Brew and my daughter Catherine Brew executor and executrix of this my will.  I leave and bequeathed all moneys ------ to my credit at the Manx Bank at the time of my decease and the sum of one hundred pounds owing to me by my son William Brew on a Promissory Note but ----- interest thereon to and amongst the whole of my children including Thomas and William equally between them share and share alike. I bequeath unto the said William Brew all interest on the said sum of one hundred pounds which may be due to me at the ---- of my decease. I leave and bequeath my shares in the Manx Bank and all arrears of rent and proproation of rent down to the date of my decease which may be due to me in respect of as Rent Estate in which I  have a ---- interest under my late husband's will or otherwise and all arrears of interest and -------- of interest due to me at the time of my decease in respect of certain deeds of bond and security recurred upon the property of Mr Priestland the late John Dinwoody and Thomas Callow and of a certain promissory note owing by John Thomas Murray of Crow Creen Maughold. Also the whole of my household furniture, plate, linen, china, and effects of the like description (with the exception of a good feather bed and bedding which I leave to my son Frederick) to my said daughter Catherine Brew absolutely. I leave and bequeath my wearing apparel to my daughter Catherine Brew to apportion the same amongst my said daughters and her sisters Alice and Margaret as my said daughter Catherine may see fit.  I authorize and ------- my said executors at their own was absolute discretion to arrange compromise and agree with my sons John and William as to what  sum or sums of money if any shall be owing or shall be paid by my said son¹s John and William respectively in respect of interest due or payable to me by my said sons or either of them at the time of my decease and the decision of my said executors as to such sum or sums of money or as to the ------------ of my said sons John and William in respect of such interest shall be ------ and binding upon my residuary legatees and such sum or sums of money as may be so found to be due or may be agreed upon as aforesaid shall form part of my residuary personal estate.  I give devise and bequeath the whole of the residue of my real and personal estate unto and amongst the whole of my children equally between them share and share alike.  I direct and it is hereby provided that any real or personal estate hereby devised or bequeathed to my daughters Alice Naylor and Margaret Joughin shall be for their own sole and separate use free from the debts control or interference of any husband either of my said daughter own have or hereafter may  have with full --------- to my said daughters to dispose of such real and personal estate by deed or will notwithstanding continue and the receipt or receipts of my said daughters alone shall be sufficient receipts to my said executors In any sum or sums of money payable by my executors to my said daughters respectively I revoke all wills by me heretofore made.  As witness my name this Thirteenth day of November  One thousand eight hundred and ninety nine.
Catherine Brew her x mark
Signed by the testatrix as her last will and in our presence who in her presence at her request and in presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names ad witnesses the said will having first been read out to the testatrix Chas Kissack Clerk to above.
Know all men by these present that we Robert Brew of the town of Ramsey Grocer, Frederick Brew of the said town Bank Manager, Catherine Brew the said town spinster, John Brew of the said town Butcher and Victor Charles Joughin of the said town Ironmonger are jointly and severally and two of us jointly bound unto our Sovereign Lord the King in the sum of seven hundred pounds to the payment whereof  well and truly to be made to our said Lord the King his heirs and successors, we bind and oblige ourselves jointly and severally and any two of us jointly, our executors and administrators, firmly by these presents. As witness our subscriptions the 21st day of December in the year of Our Lord One thousand nine hundred and five. The condition of our obligation is such, that if the above named Robert Brew, Frederick Brew and Catherine Brew (hereinafter called the executors who seek to obtain a grant of Probate of the last will and testament of Catherine Brew late of Ballure Road in the town of Ramsey widow but now decease, who died at Ballure Road aforesaid on or about the Sixteenth day of November 1905 do, when lawfully called on in behalf, make or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the personal estate and effects of the said decease which have or shall come into their hands, possession, or knowledge; or into the hands of any other person for them and the same so made do exhibit, or cause to be exhibited, into the Registry in that behalf whenever required by law so to do:  And the same personal estate and effects of the said deceased which shall at any time come into the hands or possession of the executor or into the hands of any other person or person for them or which without default might have come into the hands or possession of the executor do well and truly administer according to law, that is to say, do pay the debts and liabilities of the said deceased so far as the said personal estate will extend and the law bind the executors then this obligation to be void and of no effect, or else to remain in full force and virtue.
Robert Brew
Frederick Brew
Catherine Brew
John Brew
Victor C. Joughin

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