Family Matters - 16.The Will of William Goninan of St Just
This William Goninan was born in the Parish of St Just in Cornwall in 1809, the son of William Goninan and Elizabeth Casley. He died on the 9th November 1886 some years after the will was drawn-up (in December 1873). As a result several of his grandchildren are not mentioned (Ralph, Nancy and Mary):-
This is the last Will and Testament of me William Goninan of the parish of Saint Just in Penwith in the County of Cornwall, Tin Dresser. I give, devise and bequeath unto my wife Jane Goninan all my real and personal estate and all other property and effects whatsoever and wheresoever that I shall die in possession of, have securities for or be entitled to with all the residue and remainder, so long as she remains a widow, but on the day she marrieth again or on the day of her death in case she dieth a widow, I give, devise and bequeath all the above said real and personal estate, property and effects with all the residue and remainder as hereinafter mentioned. That is to say to my son Alfred Goninan all the three freehold houses with all appertenancy to the same belonging, situate at the South Place in Church Town of the said parish of St Just now in several occupations of John Trembath, John Nance and Mrs Old. Should he die before his wife then I give, devise and bequeath the three said freehold house with all the appertenances to them belonging unto his widow Rebecca Goninan so long as she remains a widow but on the day she marrieth again or on the day of her death in case she dieth a widow, I give, devise and bequeath the said three freehold houses with all the appertenances to them belonging to my three grandsons, namely William Thomas Goninan, Edward John Goninan and Alfred Goninan. William Thomas shall have the house and premises now in the occupation of Jane Trembath, Alfred shall have the house and premises now in the occupation of John Nance and Edward John shall have the house and premises in the occupation of Mrs Old. Neither of the said houses shall be mortgaged or sold excepting to some one or ones in the family by the name of one of the family. Also I give and bequeath the house and premises now in my occupation situate in Chapel Street in the Church Town of the said parish of St Just, also the house and premises formerly called ‘The Chandlers Hall’ situate near my house now in the occupation of William Humphreys unto my son William Goninan. Should he leave his wife a widow then unto his widow so long as she remaineth a widow but on the day she marrieth again or on the day of her death in case she dieth a widow, I give and bequeath the last two houses mentioned with premises unto my two Granddaughters namely Sarah Jane Hall Goninan and Elizabeth Ellen Goninan equally between them the two said houses and premises last mentioned, neither to be mortgaged or sold but to some ones or one by the name of Goninan or one of the family. Also I give and bequeath all of the undivided part share of the leasehold property unto my daughter Elizabeth Jane Thomas. Should she die leaving her husband a widower then I give the same to him so long as he remains a widower but on the day he marrieth again or on the day of his death in case he dieth a widower, I give and bequeath all the abovesaid undivided part of the leasehold property to his son Edward John Thomas. Should he beget a son or daughter to such as the case may happen to be. The property to be neither mortgaged or sold excepting to someone or ones in the family by the name of Goninan or one of the family. Also I give and bequeath all the household goods of whatever name, kind or sort, to my three children namely William, Alfred and Elizabeth Jane equally between them. I hereby make, nominate and appoint my said wife Jane Goninan, executrix and my son Alfred Goninan executor of this my last Will and Testament. Of witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred and seventy three:-
signed William Goninan
also signed by two witnesses James Gondall and William Leathan
at probate the gross personal estate was valued at £91 & 5 shillings
for more information on the Goninan Family please contact John Saunders email zgoninan1695 followed by @btinternet.com