John Draper's Will.

Above: The will of murder victim John Draper, written five years before his demise at the Bald-faced Stag at Enfield Chase, Middlesex.

" In the Name of God. Amen. I, John Draper, of the parish of Enfield in the County of Middlesex, Wheelwright, being of sound mind and memory do make this my last will and testament, at the same time revoking all former wills made by me declaring this to be my last will and testament.

I desire my body to be decently interred in the churchyard of this parish as near to my former wife as possible and hereby direct that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be paid as soon as convenient after my decease by my executors hereinafter named.

First I give and bequest unto my son DAVID DRAPER, cordwainer of the parish of Edmonton in the County of Middlesex one half of my real and personal estates, money in the Bank of England and everything I am possessed of whatsoever or wheresoever for his sole use and benefit. I also give and bequeath unto my daughter ELIZABETH WAGER the other half of my real and personal estates and money in the bank of England and everything I am possessed of whatsoever and wheresoever In trust for ___ her heirs forever and I do hereby appoint my executors hereinafter named trustees to my said daughter Elizabeth Wager and her heirs. I do also give and bequeath unto my present wife FRANCES DRAPER one third of my freehold estate with the stock in trade, household furniture and effects which she now enjoys at her dwelling house at Forty Hill in this parish on condition of her paying and satisfying all the just debts which may have been __ by her at any time previous to my decease and I do hereby appoint my brother HENRY DRAPER, Carpenter, and DAVID BECK, Gentleman, both of this parish joint executors and trustees of this my last Will and Testament to which I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty sixth day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eleven.

John Draper. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of John Walker, Thomas Bliss and John Davis.

8 February 1817. Admin (will ann.) of the goods __ of John Draper late of the Parish of Enfield in the County of Middlesex was granted to David Draper the son and Elizabeth Wager(wife of Thomas Wager) the daughter the residuary legatees having been first sworn duly ___ Henry Draper the brother and David Beck the executors___first ___.