5TH AUGUST
Today, 5th August, marks the 156th anniversary of the death of Robert Weaver, a boot and shoemaker of Curry Rivel, Somerset, just one day short of his 80th birthday. Robert was my 4 x great-grandfather and he is buried with his wife in St Andrew’s Churchyard in the heart of the village.
Robert and Sarah Weaver’s Headstone
Robert’s final wishes, penned on 28th January 1865, laid out a clear plan for his estate. He appointed his wife, Sarah Weaver (née Street), and a local currier named George Crease as his executors. A currier was a craftsman who prepared and finished tanned leather. This process, known as ‘currying’, prepared the leather for use by other trades, such as shoemakers and saddlers. It’s very probable that Robert would have relied on a currier like George for his raw materials, or at least had frequent dealings with him. This business relationship could explain why Robert chose George Crease to be one of his executors and a trustee of his will.
Robert left all of his household goods, furniture, business stock, and personal effects to his wife for her “absolute benefit”. More significantly, Robert instructed George Crease to hold in trust the family’s property, including houses, gardens and an arable plot called Croftland. Sarah was to receive the rents and profits from this real estate during her lifetime. It was after Sarah’s passing that the real estate was to be sold, with the proceeds carefully divided.
Robert had several specific legacies in mind. His son, Henry Weaver, was assigned £19 19s in monthly payments of ten shillings, a sum that many in the 1860s would recognize as strategically chosen to avoid a higher probate tax. This clause may have been influenced by Henry’s reputation – he’d had frequent brushes with the law throughout his life. Spreading the payments across months perhaps reflected concern for financial stability or accountability. The will outlined that if Henry died before receiving the full amount, the remaining balance would be divided among Robert’s surviving children.
Robert’s daughter, Ann Willshire, was to receive a legacy of £10 for her sole and separate use and if she was to die before Sarah, the legacy would pass equally to her surviving children. The remainder of the money was to be divided equally among Robert’s other children and one granddaughter; Jane Payne (wife of John Payne), James Weaver, Elizabeth Wheller (wife of George Wheller), Amelia Weaver and Emley [sic] Weaver (daughter of Robert’s son, Alfred). There was a protective clause ensuring that the daughters’ inheritances remained theirs alone, shielded from marital debts or entanglements. A debt from Alfred would be deducted from Emily’s share.
Perhaps the most fascinating detail of this historical document comes from the probate process itself. George Crease, in his sworn oath, revealed that when Robert signed his will, he was suffering from a severe case of “acute Rheumatism in his hands and arms”. His initial attempt to sign his surname was unintelligible so he had to write it again directly underneath his Christian name. George testified that Robert fully understood the will’s contents, which had been read aloud prior to signing. The will was witnessed by Henry Hartnell and Joseph Billing and was eventually proved a few months after Robert’s death on 22nd November.
A copy of the will’s signature, demonstrating the
severe rheumatism Robert Weaver suffered in 1865
Robert Weaver wasn’t wealthy and his estate was modest by any measure, noted as being under £100. Nevertheless, within these documents lies the character of a man who thought ahead. He worked with what he had, arranged fair and specific legacies and sought to shield his loved ones from hardship.
