Digest of the Early Connecticut Probate Records
(Hartford District),
Charles W. Mainwaring,
Hartford, 1902,
Vol 2, p 151-152
ARNOLD, Josiah, Haddam. Invt. £195-17-00. Taken 21 February 1711/12, by Simon SMITH, Benjamin SMITH, and William BRAINARD. Will dated 23 Nov 1708.
I, Josiah ARNOLD, of the Town of Haddam, yeoman, being often by Devine Providence brought to the brink of the pit, do make and ordain this my last will and testament: I give to Mary my wife a new Bible and the sum of £55 out of my moveable estate, with the use of my now dwelling house and homestead during her widowhood. I give to my son David ARNOLD a young horse. I hive my daughter Mary Arnold, she arriving at the age of 18 years, £16. It is to be understood, and it is my real honest meaning therein, that my wife shall have the improvement of the whole of my estate until my children come of lawful age; and if she need, I do hereby allow her to expend £25 of the remainder of my estate towards the upbringing of our children. And all the remainder of my estate shall be equally divided between my three sons, David, Josiah, and James. I appoint my wife to be executrix. And appoint my brethren James WELLS and Joseph ARNOLD to be overseers.
Josiah X ARNOLD, LS.
Witness: John SMITH
Thomas BROOKS, John CLARKE
In a codicil, dated 22 January, 1711/12, provision was made fo another child born after the will was executed. Her name was Irene.
Josiah X ARNOLD, LS.
Court Record, Page 221 -- 1st November 1714: Adms, with the will annexed is granted to James WELLS of Haddam.
Page 227-8 -- 6 December 1717: Capt. James WELLS of Haddam, Adms., exhibits an account of his Adms.
Paid in Debts and charges: £16-08-00
There yet remains a debt of £16-00
And also the 4 sheep contained in the invt. are lost. Capt. WELLS, Adms., is appointed to be guardian of Josiah ARNOLD, age 16 years, and Irene, age 5 years. This Court appoints Joseph ARNOLD of Haddam to be guardian of David, age 20 years, and Mary age 13 years. Recog. £50. Joseph SMITH of Haddam to be guardian to James ARNOLD, 8 years of age. Recog. £30.