Will of The Reverend Richard Blake, Clerk, Farway, Devon - The National Archives PROB 11/1170/274, probated 24 Oct 1788

Richard Blake, the testator, has a memorial placed on Flicker:

“Near this place are deposited the Remains of the Reverend Richard Blake, A.M. Rector of this Parish, 31 Years, who Died much Lamented 22nd September 1788 Aged 66 Years. He was a liberal Benefactor to the poor. A sincere and Ready Friend. A vigilant and faithful Pastor. From his mind replete with Knowledge Flowed Instruction to all. And his Heart equally Benevolent Ever Expanded the Gate of his Hospitable Mansion. To whose memory this Monument is Erected By order of his affectionate Relative, Hannah Atkinson.”

The Parish Church at Farway is dedicated to St Michael and All Angels and the early Norman Church can still be seen (13th century).

This is a large wall plaque which can be found on Flickr (the sculptor was M. Eames and it is located in the parish church at Farway, Devon):  http://www.flickr.com/photos/sheepdog_rex/6153526529/

This is the third will mentioning John Stabback, Clerk. The other two were blogged earlier:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/07/will-of-martha-blake-widow-exon-devon.html

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/06/will-of-elizabeth-blake-widow-saint.html

In both wills, John Stabback has been entrusted with trusteeship as is also the case in this will. In the will of Martha Blake she names her sister as Elizabeth Stabback. John Stabback who is named as a Clerk is nephew to Martha Blake. Neither of these women have living children at their deaths.

Richard names his aunt: Alice Williams and his cousins: Thomas Williams, Hannah Atkinson, Richard Blake, William Blake, and Thomas Dodge.

This Richard is possibly the son of Richard Blake baptized 22 Sep 1722 at Saint David, Exeter, Devon. His donations to Charities in Exeter tend to make me think that he was from Exeter. Later in 1795 his cousin Miss Hannah Atkinson endowed a charity school at Farway:

http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=50578

There are references on the National Archives to Land deals in which both Robert Tarrant, Clerk, rector of St. Petrock Exon and John Stabback, clerk, rector of St Edmund upon the Bridge, Exon are mentioned:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=027-332a&cid=-1#-1

At St Davids Church in Exter there is a brass tablet remembering an earlier parishioner:

In memory of Richard Blake died 9th August 1746 aged 54. Hannah Blake his widow died 15th Aug 1673 aged 68.

http://www.archive.org/stream/pt2devoncornwall04exetuoft/pt2devoncornwall04exetuoft_djvu.txt


Searching for this marriage of Richard Blake and Hannah in the Marriage Allegations and will report back later if I find it.I believe it to be the marriage of Richard Blake and Hannah Matthews celebrated in Exeter Cathedral in 1721 from the Boyd's Marriage Index but am searching the allegations by Vivian at the moment for all Blake entries and will watch for that particular entry if they had a license. The baptism of Richard does fit in as it was likely in 1722 according to the memorial.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 10 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1170/274
Testator: The Reverend Richard Blake, Clerk
Place: Farway, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 11 Nov 1769, probated 24 Oct 1788
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: The Reverend
[Margin]: Richard
[Margin]: Blake

1    Be it remembered
2    That this is the last Will and Testament of me Richard
3    Blake of Farway in the County of Devon Clerk made this
4    eleventh day of November one thousand seven hundred and sixty
5    nine First I give and bequeath unto Robert Tarrant of the City of
6    Exon Clerk and John Stabback of the same City Clerk their
7    Executors and administrators all my Capital Stock of Moneys in
8    any of the Publick Companys or Funds of this kingdom and all my
9    right and Interest therein respectively upon the trust herein
10    after mentioned concerning the same that is to say upon trust that they
11    my said Trustees their Executors and administrators do and shall
    [Page 2]
12    by and out of the Yearly dividends Interest and produce
13    thereof in the first place pay unto my Aunt Alice Williams
14    widow the annual or clear yearly Sum of twenty five
15    pounds for and during her natural life free of all Rates
16    Taxes and other outgoings whatsoever and in the next place
17    do and shall by and out of the Yearly dividends Interest and
18    produce of my said Stocks pay unto Mary Davy my Servant
19    who now lives with me the annual or clear Yearly Sum of
20    Fifteen pounds for and during her natural life free of all rates
21    Taxes and other outgoings whatsoever and I do hereby
22    order and direct that both the said annuities shall be
23    paid and payable by two equal half yearly payments
24    and the First payment thereof respectively to begin and be
25    made at the End of six calendar Months next after my
26    decease and the residue of the clear and neat dividends
27    interest and produce of my said Stocks do and shall account
28    for and pay over unto my cousin Hannah Atkinson who
29    now lives with me to and for her own use and benefit and
30    upon this further trust that they my said trustees their
31    Executors and administrators do and shall by and out of my
32    said Capital Stock of Moneys in the Funds pay unto my
33    Cousin Thomas Williams Son of the said Alice Williams the
34    Sum of one hundred pounds of lawful British Money in six
35    months next after the death of his said Mother and also pay
36    unto my Cousin Richard Blake the Sum of two hundred
37    pounds of lawful British Money in six months next after the
38    deaths of both than the said Alice Williams and Mary Davy
39    and also do and shall pay unto the Treasurer or Treasurers
40    for the time being of a Society who now call themselves the
41    Governors of the Devon and Exeter hospital at Exeter the Sum
42    of thirty five pounds in six Calendar months next after the
43    deaths of both them the said Alice Williams and Mary Davy
44    which said Sum of thirty five pounds I desire may be applied
45    towards the carrying on the Charitable designs of the said
46    Society and also do and shall pay unto the Treasurer or
47    Treasurers for the time being of a Society who now call
48    themselves the trustees for the Charity Schools within the said
49    City of Exeter which were begun and established in the time when
50    Doctor Blackhall was Bishop of Exeter the like Sum of thirty
51    five pounds of lawful British Money in six Calendar months
52    next after the deaths of both of them the said Alice Williams
53    and Mary Davy which said last mentioned Sum of thirty five
54    pounds I desire may be applied towards the carrying on the
55    charitable designs of the said Society and also do and shall
56    pay unto the Treasurer or Treasurers for the time being of
57    a Society established for the support and maintenance of poor
58    Clergymens Widows and orphans within the archdeaconary
59    of Exeter the like Sum of thirty five pounds of lawful British
60    Money in six Calendar months next after the deaths of
61    both them the said Alice Williams and Mary Davy and my
62    express will and Meaning is that the said last mentioned
63    Sum of thirty five pounds shall be paid to and distributed
    [Page 3]
64    amongst such poor Clergymen’s widows and orphans only
65    who are not possessed of or entitled to more than two hundred
66    pounds in real or personal Estate or in both real and
67    personal or have not an income of more than ten pounds
68    a year such being the objects for whose benefit the said
69    Charity was originally begun and established and the
70    residue of my said Stocks or Moneys in the Funds after the
71    several payments and applications aforesaid do and shall
72    account for and pay over or otherwise transfer the same
73    unto my said cousin Hannah Atkinson her Executors and
74    administrators to and for her and their own use and benefit
75    and upon no other need and for no other intent or
76    purpose whatsoever also I give and bequeath unto my said
77    Cousin Richard Blake the further Sum of one hundred pounds
78    of lawful British Money to be paid to him by my Executrix
79    hereinafter named within one year next after my death if
80    he shall then have attained his age of twenty one years
81    but if not then to be paid to him when and so soon as he
82    shall attain that age also I give and bequeath unto my
83    Cousin Thomas Dodge the Sum of one hundred pounds of lawful
84    British Money to be paid to him by my Executrix herein after
85    named within one year next after my decease if he shall
86    then have attained his age of twenty one years but if not then
87    to be paid to him when and so soon as he shall have
88    attained that age and my will is that if any or either of them
89    the said Thomas Williams Richard Blake and Thomas Dodge
90    shall happen to die before his or their Legacy or Legacys
91    or any part thereof respectively shall become payable that
92    then the Legacy or Legacies of him or them so dying or such
93    part thereof as shall not be payable in his or their life time
94    shall sink for the benefit of my Executrix and not be paid or
95    payable also I give and bequeath unto my Cousin William
96    Blake Brother of the said Richard Blake the Sum of one
97    hundred pounds of lawful British money to be paid to him by my
98    Executrix hereinafter named within one year next after my
99    death also I give and bequeath unto the said Robert Tarrant
100    and John Stabback the Sum of Fifty pounds each of lawful British
101    Money to be paid to them respectively by my Executrix herein
102    after named in six months next after my death provided always
103    nevertheless and my Will is that they my said trustees or
104    either of them shall  not be answerable or accountable for the acts
104    Deeds Receipts of mismanagement of each other but each for
106    his own acts Deeds Receipts and mismanagements only nor for any
107    loss or losses that shall or may happen to the said trust Estate and
108    premises nor for any more money than shall come to their
109    hands respectively and my Will further is that it shall and
110    may be lawful to and for my said trustees respectively to
111    deduct retain and keep in his and their hands respectively out
112    of the said trust moneys and premises over and besides the
113    several Legacies herein before to them respectively Given all such
114    Costs charges damages and Expences as they or either of them shall
115    sustain be at or put into for or on account of the trusts hereby in
    [Page 3]
116    them reposed or their or either of their acting or intermeddling
117    therein or anything relating thereto together with so much
118    Money as they shall severally reasonably deserve for their labour
119    and trouble in and about the same also I give and bequeath
120    unto such poor people of the parish of Farway as have no
121    pay or relief from the said parish the Sum of ten pounds
122    of lawful British Money to be paid and distributed unto and
123    amongst such of them as my Executrix shall think proper
124    at the following times to wit one half hereof in two months next
125    after my death and the residue thereof within twelve months
126    next after my decease also all the rest residue and remainder
127    of my Goods Chattels Lands Tenements and hereditaments
128    Real and personal Estate whatsoever of mine hereinbefore
129    given devised or bequeathed my Debts Legacies and Funeral
130    Expences being first paid and discharged I give devise and
131    bequeath unto my said Cousin Hannah Atkinson her heirs Exors
132    administrators and assigns and her the said Hannah Atkinson
133    I make whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will and
134    Testament hereby revoking all former and other Wills by me
135    heretofore made and ratifying and confirming this to be my
136    last In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and
137    Testament contained in two Sheets of paper to the first Sheet
138    thereof set my hand and to the last my hand and Seal the day
139    and year aforesaid Richd Blake Signed Sealed published
140    and declared by the said Richard Blake the Testator as and
141    for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have
142    subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereto in the presence of
143    the said Testator and of each other Henry Venn Junr Jas
144    Townsend Jno Pratt
145    This Will was proved at London the twenty
146    fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand
147    seven hundred and eighty eight before the Right Worshipful
148    Sir William Wynne Knight doctor of Laws Master keeper
149    or Commissary of the prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully
150    constituted by the Oath of Hannah Atkinson Spinster the Sole
151    Executrix named in the said Will to whom administration was
152    granted of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of
153    the deceased having been first sworn duly to administer.

Will of Richard Blake, Merchant, Exeter, Devon - The National Archives PROB 11/468/152, probated 22 Jan 1702/03

Richard Blake, the testator, mentions his cousin Elizabeth Kimpe (daughter of Alexander Kimpe of Wellington, Somerset) and his sister in law (his executrix) Johanna Crosse (daughter of John Crose of Trull, Somerset).

When I do the Somerset wills this may fit in with that grouping of wills. This is one of the set of Somerset wills found in “Abstracts of Somersetshire Wills” from the manuscript collection of the late Rev. Frederick Brown, M.A., F.S.A.

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/04/abstracts-of-blake-somersetshire-wills.html

There was an Alexander Kemp married to Elizabeth Brifford 19 Jun 1682 at West Buckland. This is perhaps the Alexander Kempe baptized 23 Aug 1653 at Combe Florey, Somerset and the son of Alexander Kempe. I could not find an Elizabeth Kimp/Kemp record in Family Search or Find My Past that would fit into this time frame.

None of the Blake Somerset wills that I transcribed earlier relate to this will.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 9 Aug 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/468/152
Testator: Richard Blake, Merchant
Place: Exeter, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 31 Mar 1690, probated 22 Jan 1702/03
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: T[esta]m[ent]
[Margin]: Richard Blake

1    In the name of God Amen I Richard
2    Blake of the citty of Exeter Merchant being in reasonable good health of
3    body and of sound and perfect mind and memory (praised bee God) doe make and
4    ordaine this my last Will and Testament in manner following Imprimis and before
5    all things else I commend my soule into the hands of Almighty God my blessed
6    Saviour and Redeemer and my Body to the earth to be decently and Christianly
7    buried according to the discretion of my Executrix hereinafter named and
8    concerning The things of this present life wherewith God hath blessed mee
9    I give and dispose thereof in manner following Imprimis I give and bequeath
10    unto my Couzen Elizabeth Kimpe the daughter of Alexander Kimpe late of
11    Wellington in the County of Somerset Gent deceased the full Summe of Fifty
12    pounds of lawfull English mony Item All the Rest of my goods and Chattells
13    not hereinbefore given or bequeathed my debts Legacy and funeral charges
14    first desrayed and paid I give and bequeath unto my sister in law Johanna
15    Crosse the daughter of my Father in law John Crose of Trull in the said county
16    of Somerset Gent whom |I make and ordain sole Executrix of this my last will and
17    Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale this one and
18    Thirtieth day of March Anno D[om]ini 1690 And in the second yeare of the Reigne of
19    our Soveraigne Lord and Lady William and Mary by the grace of God of
20    England Scotland France and Ireland King and Queene Defender of the Faith
21    etc Richard Blake Sealed Signed and published in the presence of us Edward
22    Martin John Carter Jun.

Will of Martha Blake, Widow, Exon, Devon - The National Archives PROB 11/1017/267, probated 21 Mar 1776

Martha Blake the testator mentions her sister Elizabeth Stabback and an Elizabeth Stabback spinster was  mentioned in the will of Elizabeth Blake widow of Exeter blogged earlier but dated 1789:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2013/06/will-of-elizabeth-blake-widow-saint.html

Was Martha’s maiden name Stabback or was her sister married to a Stabback? In this case the Reverend John Stabback was implied as trustee in this testamentary schedule since it does not name executors and is undated. 

In the earlier will I hypothesized that Elizabeth, the then testator, was the wife of a Thomas Blake. The witnesses to her will were John Stabback and William Stabback. Elizabeth Stabback (spinster) provided testimony to prove the signature of the codicil.

It is perhaps just a coincidence that both of these wills signed by Blake widows mention the Stabback family.

There is a marriage in 1738 between Nicholas Blake and Martha Hickman 1738 at St Leonard Exeter. There is also a marriage between William Staback and Elizabeth Hickman in 1713 at St Mary Arches Exeter. This does seem quite a spread in years between the two sisters marrying (25 years) but Martha doesn’t mention any children so was perhaps a late marriage for her.

There is the possibility that Elizabeth Blake (testator in the earlier will mentioning the Stabback family) and married to Thomas Blake likely and Martha Blake (present testator) was married to the brother of Thomas named Nicholas and he would have been 52 years of age when he married Martha in 1738. Both Thomas and Nicholas were the sons of Reverend Thomas Blake mentioned in the earlier will. But this particular tree found online is speculative but it is interesting to discover this link between the two wills.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 31 Jul 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1017/267
Testator: Martha Blake, Widow
Place: Exon, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: undated, probated 21 Mar 1776
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Martha Blake

1    In the name of God Amen
2    I Martha Blake of the City of Exon Widow do make and ordain
3    This my last Will and Testament in the manner following first I
4    Recommend my Soul to the mercy of God hoping for the pardon and
5    Remission of all my Sins through the merits of Jesus Christ my
6    Saviour I give and bequeath unto my Sister Elizabeth Stabback
7    Five hundred pounds I give and bequeath unto my Nephew John
8    Stabback the presentation that I bought of Mr Courtise for him and

9    As much Money as will make it up five hundred pounds I give and
10    Bequeath unto my Niece Elizabeth Sturton five hundred pounds I
11    Give and bequeath unto my Niece Juliana Pasley five hundred pounds
12    I give and bequeath unto my Niece Bridgett Rocke five hundred
13    Pounds and I give and bequeath unto Sarah Edwards one hundred
14   Pounds to be paid to her in ten pounds a year to begin to be paid
15    At the time of my death Item I give and bequeath unto my Nephew
16    John Stabback the sum of fifty pounds upon trust and to the Intent
17    That he doth pay the same to the Treasurer or Treasurers for the
18   Time being of a Society who now call themselves the Governors of
19    The Devon and Exeter hospital at Exeter which said sum of fifty
20    Pounds I desire may be applied towards the carrying on the
21    Charitable designs of the said Society Item I give and bequeath
22    Unto my Nephew John Stabback one hundred pounds upon trust
23    And the intent that he doth pay the same to the Treasurer or
24    Treasurers for the time being of the Charity Schools now in this
25    City for the better carrying on the charity Schools In Witness whereof
26   I have hereunto set my hand
27    But if she should not live till the time of my death I give it to
28    Her Child or Children if Children to be devied be anno
29    In the name of God Amen I Martha Blake of the City of Exon
30    Widow do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in the
31    Manner following first I recommend my Soul to the mercy of God hoping for the
32    Pardon and remission of all my Sins through the merits of Jesus
33    Christ my Saviour I give and bequeath unto my Sister Elizabeth
34    Stabback five hundred pound I give and bequeath unto my Nephew
35   John Stabback five hundred pound I give unto my Niece Elizabeth
36    Sturton five hundred pound I give and bequeath unto my Niece
37    Juliana Pasley five hundred pound I give and bequeath unto
38    Mrs Bridgett Rocke five hundred pound
39    On the twenty first day of March in the Year of our Lord
40    One thousand seven hundred and seventy six administration (with
41    The Will or two Testamentary Schedules annexed) of all and singular
42    The Goods Chattels and Credits of Martha Blake late of the City of
43    Exeter Widow deceased was granted to the Revere[n]d John Stabback
44    Clerk
    [Page 2]
45    Clerk the Nephew Juliana Pasley Widow and a
46    Jane Ulayut Widow the nieces and only next of kin of the said
47    Deceased (Executor or Residuary Legatee being named in the said Will
48    They having been first Sworn duly to Administer

Will of Elizabeth Blake, widow, Saint David in Exeter, Devon - The National Archives PROB 11/1176/207, probated 12 Mar 1789

This next set of wills is for the Blake family of Devon and begins with Elizabeth Blake who lived at Exeter. In trying to locate her maiden name I consider the possibility she was Elizabeth Hatherly given the bequests in her will. Elizabeth in her will asks to be buried by the side of her husband who is buried at Saint Martin Church in Exeter, Devon.

World Connect does have a tree for a Hatherly family going back to a Narcissus Hatherly married to Elizabeth Galsworthy who were married 24 Apr 1668 in Parkham, Devon and four children are listed: Grace baptized 21 Mar 1669, Arthur baptized 2 Jan 1672, Narcissus baptized 9 Jul 1674 and Elizabeth baptized 12 Jul 1677 all at Parkham, Devon. Narcissus is further traced down with his marriage to Elizabeth Bruton 29 Sep 1708 in Alwington, Devon. The children of this marriage are listed below and Elizabeth baptized 3 May 1722 is listed as being married to a Thomas Blake (no further details other than 26 Oct 1752 at Kenton, Devon). No children listed for Thomas Blake and Elizabeth Hatherley. I have not verified the data at World Connect but certainly the will does bear out the relationships mentioned for the siblings of Elizabeth the Testatrix of this will.

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=hatters&id=I3

An online tree on The Blakes of Somerset that I have mentioned before

http://www.portbury-hundred.co.uk/admiralreport.htm

traces back a marriage of Thomas Blake (born circa 1697) and Elizabeth Hatherley which was celebrated in 1749 at Kenton, Devon (according to this website). Is this Elizabeth the testator? Elizabeth doesn’t mention any children and this site mentions there are five children for this couple. Thomas was 52 when he married Elizabeth Hatherley with children named: John, Martha, Mary, Kath., and Jane. The website further listst the three children of the Reverend Thomas Blake (born circa 1652 and died in Alwington 23 Nov 1713 at the age of 61) named George (bc 1682), Nicholas (bc 1686) and Thomas (bc 1697). The website then has Thomas the son marrying Elizabeth Hatherley and they have five children as mentioned but the numbering begins at iv instead of i. There is nothing further on the children of Thomas and Elizabeth. I can not find any children by these names baptized to Thomas and Elizabeth Blake. However, at this point I am not discounting the possibility that this Elizabeth Blake’s husband is perhaps descendant of the Somerset Blake family. This family is known to be in the Plymouth/Exeter area of Devon from the 1600s on. Did all five children of this couple die? Not impossible given the times but unusual for a family that had sufficient funds to provide the best but again it is not impossible so will not at this point discount the possible connection.

However, as with much of the Blake material online this website has some interesting features but tends to try to group together as many Blake families as possible. Using the unsourced early material perpetuates the errors that were created by Horatio Gates Somersby without adding any new material. I have already shown that some of these relationships as stated are not possible given the historical evidence in the Calendar of Patent Rolls.

The Hatherley family mentioned in the will and found on World Connect appear to be the descendants of Narcissus Hatherly married to Elizabeth Bruton 29 Sep 1708 at Alwington Devon) and their children were all baptized at Bideford Devon (Family Search website):

Narcissus baptized 16 Sep 1709 (from World Connect)

Elizabeth baptized 6 Mar 1711 (from World Connect) and probably died young

John baptized 17 Apr 1713

Arthur baptized 17 Aug 1715; buried 24 Dec 1715

Arthur baptized 17 May 1717 (from World Connect)

William baptized 12 Feb 1719

Elizabeth baptized 3 May 1722

Jane baptized 3 May 1722; buried 2 Jun 1722

Thomas baptized 6 Jan 1725

First mentioned in the will were the three nephews: Narcissus, John and William Henry. They would appear to be the children of Elizabeth’s brother Narcissus who was married to Honor Chope 18 May 1741 in Northam, Devon. Honor is mentioned in the will as a widow. They had seven children all baptized at Bideford namely(* marks nephews mentioned in the will):

*Narcissus baptized 18 Jul 1746
Grace baptized 11 Jul 1748
*John baptized 23 Aug 1750
Elizabeth baptized 6 Apr 1753
Henry baptized 8 Nov 1754
*William Henry baptized 24 Jun 1756
Thomas baptized 11 Aug 1758

*John is married to Elizabeth (mentioned in the will as the wife of John her nephew) and they had ten children between 1781 and 1807 but none mentioned in the will).

*William Henry is married to Elizabeth Fortescue Wells 13 Mar 1781 at Kingsbridge, Devon and they have 11 children between 1781 and 1800 (none of these children are mentioned in the will but Elizabeth wife of William Henry is mentioned).

Both of Elizabeth the Testatrix brothers Narcissus married to Honor and Thomas married to Grace are deceased as both women are mentioned as widows. The second wife of William is not mentioned.

Next to be mentioned is Elizabeth Hatherley (she is likely the sister of Narcissus, John and William Henry) married to Samuel Pyke and they were married 22 Apr 1776 at Abbotsham, Devon (Family Search M05015-1). Hence Elizabeth is also a child of Narcissus Hatherly and Honor Chowe shown above baptized 6 Apr 1753. The World Connect chart does not list her marriage to Samuel Pike.

Looking at the Herman Drewe family next mentioned in the will:  Married in Colyton Church 1 May 1775 Herman Drew, clerk, of the parish of Wootton Fitzpaine in the county of Dorset and Sarah Mary Hatherley of this parish married by licence in the presence of Elizabeth Hatherly, Jno. Rolle. Sarah Mary Hatherley is said to be the daughter of William Hatherley and Sarah Baker who were married 27 Sep 1753 at Modbury Devon and she was baptized 3 Dec 1755 at Kenton. According to the chart at World Connect William married a second time to Elizabeth Matthews 12 Sep 1758 at Bideford and they had one child Mary Ann Hatherly (not mentioned in the will) baptized 15 Feb 1762.

The children of Herman Drewe and Sarah Mary Hatherley (Sarah Elizabeth and Mary are mentioned in the will and if either of them die then the funds are to be shared by the rest of their children) are found on Family Search:

Sarah Elizabeth baptized 15 Jun 1776 at Wootton Fitzpaine, Dorset

Herman baptized 2 Jan 1778 at Wootton Fitzpaine, Dorset

Mary baptized 9 Feb 1780 at Wootton Fitzpaine, Dorset

Elizabeth Judith Hatherly also mentioned in the will lastly was the daughter of Thomas Hatherly and Grace and was baptized 18 Sep 1749 at Bideford (Family Search C05032-1). There are two possible marriages for Thomas Hatherly and both appear to be patron entries: Thomas Hatherly and Grace Smith 1748 and Thomas Hatherly and Grace Voisey 1751. Given the birth date of 1749 for Elizabeth Judith it is possible that Thomas married twice with the first Grace having died.


Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 19 Jun 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1176/207
Testator: Elizabeth Blake, widow
Place: Saint David in Exeter, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 9 Aug 1786, probated 12 Mar 1789
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Elizabeth
[Margin]: Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Elizabeth Blake of the parish of Saint David in the County of
3    the City of Exeter Devon do make this my last Will and Testament in
4    the manner following that is to say I desire that I may be
5    buried in a decent and plain manner in the parish Church of
6    Saint Martin in the City of Exeter by the side of my late
7    husband and that the Funeral Service may be performed by the
8    Curate for the time being of the parish of Saint David
9    aforesaid to whom I give three Guineas and one Guinea to the
10    Rector of Saint Martin I desire that ______ no outer
11    Bearers but that the Reverend John Quick Rector of Highley
12    the Reverend Mr Locker Rector of St Lawrence in the City of Exeter
13    the Reverend John Stabback Edward Cleave Esquire Robert Lydstone
14    Newcome Esquire and Mr Richard Thorn will each accept of a
15    Ring of the value of one Guinea I give and bequeath to my
16    three Nephews Narcissus John and William Henry Hatherly
17    one hundred and sixty pounds each of lawful Money of Great
18    Britain to be paid to them respectively by my Executor hereinafter
19    named at the end of eight months next after my decease
20    also I give and bequeath unto my Friend Mr John Codrington
21    of the City of Exeter apothecary the Sum of two hundred pounds
22    of like lawful money upon trust for such person or persons
23    and to and for the Ends Intents and purposes as my Niece Elizabeth
24    Pike wife of Samuel Pike of Northam in the County of Devon
25    Esquire shall by any writing or writings under her hand attested
26    by one or more credible Witness or Witnesses or by her last Will
27    and Testament in Writing or any writing purporting to be or in
28    the nature of her her last Will and Testament attested by two or
29    more Credible Witnesses notwithstanding her Couverture and whether
30    she be Covert or Sole order direct or appoint and for want of
31    and in the meane time until the said Elizabeth Pike shall
32    make some such order direction or appointment as aforesaid to
33    and shall stand possessed of and in the said Sum of two hundred
34    pounds and the dividends and Interest that will be made thereof
35    upon trust for the said Elizabeth Pike her Executors and Admors
36    to and for the Sole separate and peculiar use and disposal of the said
37    Elizabeth Pike and wherewith as with any part thereof her said
38    present or any future husband shall not in any wise intermeddle
39    neither shall the same or any part thereof be in any wise
40    subject or liable to the power Control debts or Engagements of
41    any such husband but the Receipt and Receipts of the said
42    Elizabeth Pike alone or of such person or persons to whom she
43    shall so order direct or appoint the said Sum of two hundred
44    pounds and the Dividends and Interest thereof or any part thereof 
45    to be paid as aforesaid shall from time to time be a sufficient
46    and effectual discharge and discharges to the said John Codrington his Executors
47    and administrators for the same or so much and such part
    [Page 2]
48    and parts thereof as to such Receipt and Receipts shall be
49    mentioned expressed or acknowledged to be received Also I give
50    and bequeath unto the said John Codrington the like Sum
51    of two hundred pounds upon trust for the separate and peculiar
52    use of my Niece Sarah Mary Drewe the Wife of the Reverend
53    Herman Drewe of Wootton in the County of Dorset with the
54    like power of disposal and appointment and in the same
55    manner as I have hereinbefore declared touching the Legacy
56    of two hundred pounds hereinbefore given for the use of the
57    said Elizabeth Pike also I give and bequeath the like Sum
58    of two hundred pounds unto my Niece Elizabeth Judith Hatherly
59    and I do hereby direct that the aforesaid three several
60    Legacies of two hundred pounds shall be paid by my Executor
61    at the end of eight months next after my decease also
62    I Give and bequeath unto the said Herman the
63    sum of three hundred pounds old South Sea Annuities now
64    standing in my Name upon trust that he the said Herman
65    Drewe do and shall from time to time receive the dividends
66    thereof and lay out and invest the same Dividends in the
67    purchase of other stock or on good Securities until his two
68    daughters Sarah Elizabeth Drewe and Mary Drewe shall
69    attain the age of twenty one years or be married which shall
70    first happen and then do and shall transfer assign
71    and make over the said Sum of three hundred pounds
72    old South Sea annuities and the Dividends thereof and
73    all Stocks Funds and Securities wherein the same shall be
74    invested into and between his said two Daughters
75    Sarah Elizabeth and Mary equally to be divided
76    between them share and share alike and I do hereby
77    declare it to be my Will that if either of them the said
78    Sarah Elizabeth Drewe and Mary Drewe shall happen
79    to die before attaining her said age of twenty one
80    years or being married then the share of her so
81    dying shall go and belong to the Survivor of them
82    and shall be paid and payable to her at the
83    same time as the original Share and I do hereby
84    further declare that in case both of them the said
85    Sarah Elizabeth Drewe and Mary Drewe shall die
86    before having attained such age or have as aforesaid that
87    then the said Herman Drewe his Executors and
88    Administrators shall stand possessed of the said Stocks
89    Funds and Securities and the Dividends and Interest
90    thereof upon trust for all and every other the Child
91    and Children of the said Herman Drewe and Sarah
92    Mary Drewe his Wife equally to be divided likewise
93    then if more then one share
94    and share alike and if but one such Child then to such
95    one only Child the share and shares of such of
96    them as shall be a Son or Sons to be paid and payable
97    to him and them at his or their ages or respective
98    ages of twenty one years and the share or shares of
99    such of them as shall be a daughter or daughters
    [Page 3]
100    to be paid and payable to her or them at her or their
101    age or respective ages of twenty one years or Day or
102    respective Days of Marriage which shall first
103    happen and in case any or either of the aforesaid
104    Children shall happen to die without having
105    attained such age or time as aforesaid then the
106    share or shares of him her or them so dying
107    shall go and belong to the Survivors and
108    Survivor of such Children in the same manner
109    as is hereinbefore declared touching his her or
110    their original portion or portions and in case all
111    such Children shall die without attaining sucvh age
112    or time as aforesaid then I give and devise the
113    same Stock Funds and Securities unto the aforesaid
114    John Codrington his Executors Administrators and assigns
115    upon trust for the separate and peculiar use of my said
116    Niece Mary Drewe and with the same power of
117    appointment and in the same manner as I have
118    hereinbefore declared touching the said Sum of two hundred
119    pounds hereinbefore given to the said John Codrington
120    for the use of the said Sarah Mary Drewe
121    Recommending it nevertheless to her to give the same
122    to some part of my family and whereas it is my
123    intention to lay out the Sum of Fifty pounds more
124    during my life in old South Sea Annuities now I do
125    hereby bequeath such Sum of Fifty pounds in case I
126    shall so lay out the same to the said Herman Drewe
127    upon the same trusts as I have hereinbefore
128    declared touching the said Sum of three hundred
129    pounds and in case I should not in my life time
130    lay out such Sum of Fifty pounds in the manner
131    aforesaid I do hereby direct my Executor herein after
132    named to lay out that Sum out of the residue of
133    my personal Estate in the name of the said Herman
134    Drewe who shall stand possessed thereof Upon the
135    trusts aforesaid also I give and bequeath to
136    my two Sisters Honour Hatherly widow and Grace
137    Hatherly widow the Sum of five Guineas each as a
138    token of my affection for them I give to Joan
139    Thomas Six Guineas and to Mary White Sister of Mr
140    Arthur White Apothecary Mrs Waldrond widow of the
141    late Doctor Walrond deceased Mrs Margaret Coles Mrs
142    Isabella Weeks and Miss Francis Broom two
143    Guineas each I give to each of my Maid Servants
144    they shall have lived with me twelve months before
145    my decease three Guineas over and above the wages
146    which may be due to them and Mourning at the
147    discretion of my Executor I give to Ann Mortimer
148    one Guinea if she continues to be employed in my
149    service at the time of my death I give to Mrs
150    Joan Stooke Widow and her three daughters Mrs Margaret
151    Cleave Mrs Margaret Baker Mrs Mary Codrington Mrs
    [Page 4]
152    Locker wife of the Reverend Wm Locker Mrs Hannah
153    Newcombe Mrs Frances Stabback the aforesaid Herman
154    Drewe and Samuel Pike Esquire Mrs Elizabeth
155    Hatherley wife of my nephew John Hatherley and
156    Mrs Hatherley wife of my nephew William Henry
157    Hatherley a Ring of the value of one Guinea
158    each I give to the said John Codrington the
159    sum of thirty Guineas a Ring of the value of
160    one Guinea and a Suit of Mourning and do
161    appoint the said John Codrington Sole Executor of this
162    my last Will and Testament and I give and devise
163    unto the said John Codrington his heirs and assigns all
164    and every the Messuages Lands Tenements and hereditaments
165    which are vested in me by any mortgage or Mortgages
166    in Fee with their and every of their Rights Members
167    and appurtenances upon trust to convey the same upon
168    payment of the principal Sum and Sums and Interest
169    thereby respectively secured I give and bequeath unto my
170    aforesaid three Nieces Elizabeth Pike Sarah Mary Drewe
171    and Elizabeth Judith Hatherley my watch and all my
172    Plate Jewells wearing apparel household Goods
173    and Furniture and all other the Goods and Chattells
174    whereof I shall die possessed except my Monies and
175    Stocks Funds and Securities for Money equally to be divided
176    between them share and share alike all the rest and
177    residue of my Estate and Effects whatsoever and whereso
178    ever I give and bequeath unto my aforesaid
179    three Nephews Narcissus John and William Henry
181    Hatherley all my aforesaid three Nieces Elizabeth Pike
182    Sarah Mary Drewe and Elizabeth Judith Hatherley
183    equally to be divided between them share and share
184    alike and I do hereby declare that the respective Shares
185    of the said Elizabeth Pike and Sarah Mary Drewe of
186    and in my aforesaid watch plate Jewels wearing
187    apparel household Goods and Furniture and the residue
188    of my personal Estate and Effects shall be for the respective
189    sole and separate use of my said two Nieces exclusive of
190    their respective husbands in the same manner
191    as I have hereinbefore declared touching the said two
192    several Legacies of two hundred pounds and two hundred
193    pounds hereinbefore bequeathed to the said John
194    Codrington in trust for them as aforesaid and lastly I
195    do hereby declare it to be my Will that the aforesaid
196    John Codrington and Herman Drewe respectively or either
197    of them their or either of their heirs Executors or admors
198    shall not be charged or chargeable with or
199    accountable for any more of the said trust monies
200    and premises than they or he shall respectively
201    actually receive by virtue of the trusts aforesaid nor
202    with or for any loss which shall happen of the same
203    monies and premises or any part thereof so as
204    the same respectively happen without their wilful
    [Page 5]
205    defaults or neglects and that my said Trustees their
206    Executors and administrators respectively shall and
207    lawfully may deduct retain to and reimburse
208    themselves respectively out of the said trust monies
209    and premises all such Costs Losses Charges
210    damages and Expences whatsoever as they or
211    either of them shall or may bear sustain or be put
212    unto in or about the Execution or management of
213    the trusts hereby in them respectively reposed or any
214    thing relating thereunto and that it shall and
215    may be lawful to and for the said John Codrington
216    his Executors and administrators to compound any debt
217    or debts that shall or may be due to my Estate
218    and release the person or persons who may be
219    debtor or debtors therein and sign and subscribe this
220    or their consent to the allowance of the Certificate
221    or Certificates of any Bankrupt or Bankrupts
222    and submit to arbitration any matter in dispute
223    relating to my Estate and perform the award to
224    Be made in pursuance to such submission and
225    I hereby revoke all former Wills by me made
226    declaring this to be my last Will and Testament
227    In Witness whereof  I the said Elizabeth Blake
228    The Testatrix have to the three first sheets of
229    this my last Will and Testament contained in four Sheets
230    of Paper subscribed my name and to this fourth and
231    last sheet thereof set my hand and Seal the ninth
232    day of August in the year of our Lord one
233    thousand seven hundred and eighty six Eliz: Blake
234    Signed Sealed published and declared by the said
235    Elizabeth Blake the Testatrix and for her last
236    Will and Testament in the presence of us three whose
237    names are hereunto subscribed and who subscribed
238    our names as Witnesses hereto at the desire
239    and in the presence of the said Testatrix and in
240    the presence of each other Rv Lydston Newcombe
241    John Stabback Wm Stabback
242    June the 23rd 1788 I Eliz: Blake give to Mr John
243    Codrington the Sum of thirty pounds over and
244    above what I have given him in my Will in
245    consideration of his great care and attention to me and
246    I also give to Frances Broom twenty pounds over and
247    above what I have given her in my Will provided
248    she lives with me at the time of my Death likewise
249    such Mourning as my Executors or relations shall
250    judge proper this paper I desire may be
251    considered as part of my Will written by my own
252    hand Eliz: Blake
    [Page 6]
253    The second day of March 1789
254    Appeared Personally James Pitts of
255    The City of Exeter Ironmonger and Elizabeth Stabback
256    of the said City Spinster and being severally sworn
257    on the holy Evangelists to depose the truth made
258    oath and say that they very well knew and
259    were acquainted with Elizabeth Blake late of the
260    Parish of Saint David in the City of Exeter Widow
261    deceased for several Years before and to the time of her
262    death and also with the manner and Character of
263    hand writing and subscription of the said deceased
264    having often seen her write out witness and subscribe
265    her name to writings and declaring now seen and
266    carefully perused the paper Writing hereunto annexed
267    purporting to be a Codicil to the last Will and Testament
268    of the said deceased beginning thus June the 23rd
269    1788 Eliz: Blake ending thus written by my own
270    hand and thus subscribed Eliz: Blake They these
271    deponents say that they truly and in their consciences
272    believe the whole Body Series and Contents of the
273    said Codicil to the said Gifts of the said deceased and also the Subscription
274    hereto to be of the proper hand writing of the said
275    deceased James Pitts Eliz:Stabback Same Day the
276    said James Pitts and Elizabeth Stabback were duly
277    sworn to the truth of this affidavit before me Mr
278    Shore Commissioner
279    This Will was proved at London with a Codicil
280    The twelveth day of March in the year of our Lord
281    one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine before the
282    Right Worshipful Sir William Wynne Knight Doctor of
283    Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative
284    Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oath of John
285    Codrington the Sole Executor named in the said Will to
286    whom Administration was granted of all and singular the
287    Goods Chattels and Credits of the deceased having
288    been first sworn by Commission duly to administer

Will of William Buller of Exeter - The National Archives PROB 11/1541/14, probated 1 Feb 1813

It always pleases me when I can tie wills together and this third will following the will of William Buller, Surgeon and Mary Buller, Widow both of Honiton does just that. This is William, the eldest son of William Buller and his wife Mary and within his will are references that take me back to both of these wills. By this time Ann Buller has married Robert Pearce and there are three children John Buller Pearse, Maria Pearse and Ann Pearse. He mentions Elizabeth Maynard and Janet Bradbord. A nice linking will but I, at this time, have no ideas on the parentage of William Buller. Living in the Honiton area they are both close geographically to the Buller family in Somerset and the Buller family in Exeter and other parts of Devon.

Elizabeth Buller Maynard married Thomas Colyer at Honiton in 1784 (Boyd's Marriage Index - Find my Past).

Anne Buller married Robert Pearce 4 Dec 1780 at Honiton On Otter, Devon.

William must have drifted away from his family. His father mentioned that he had been very well educated and set up in business and the results of his labour show in his benevolence towards his siblings' children. One nephew has been named and he is John Buller Pearse leaving one to wonder if John Buller (son of William and Mary) did not survive. The three daughters have married and Ann is widowed with three children John Buller Pearse, Maria Pearse and Ann Pearse, Elizabeth has perhaps died although her daughter is mentioned and has married a Thomas Colyer and they live in America, Mary Broadford/Bradford has one daughter Janet whom William also mentions. Although the link between William Buller, Surgeon is somewhat tentative, the link between Mary Buller, widow and William is proven with the mention of the married names of his sisters.

The parentage of William Buller, Surgeon is not known by me.

http://www.familydeeds.org/DT17.php is a rather interesting document that is a transfer of mortgage. The actual document may pertain to these wills but especially the date and two of the signers namely,  4 Jan 1780 and the two signers Richard Buller Surgeon of Honiton in the County of Devon and Robert Pearse also Surgeon of Honiton in the County of Devon. They are friends of one of the signers Thomas How. The document is for sale for £4.25 but the actual content doesn't actually interest me. It is just interesting to see these two names in this time period. Richard Buller was a son of William Buller Surgeon and Robert Pearse was the name of the husband of Ann Buller. 

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 10 Feb 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1541/14
Testator: William Buller
Place: Exeter, Devon, England
Date of document:  16 Sep 1811, probated 1 Feb 1813
Read: Electronic copy images
Document quality: 19th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: William
[Margin]: Buller

      I William Buller now
1    residing in the City of Exeter do make this my Will and Testament
2   I give and bequeath unto my Sister Ann Pearse and unto
3    my Nephew John Buller Pearse and unto my esteemed
4    friend the Reverand J Douglas one thousand pounds on trust
5    that they place out the same on good security either on a
6    Mortgage of land or on Government Security as they may
7    Judge expedient and pay the interest thence ensuing to
8    my Niece Maria Pearse during her life the same to be
9    independant of the debts contract or Engagement of any
10    person whom she may hereafter marry and at her decision
11    the said principal sum of one thousand pounds to be
12    disposed of as she may or will direct I give and bequeath
13    unto my said trustees above named the farther sum of
14    one thousand pounds on trust for the use and benefit
15    of my Niece Ann Pearse to be secured and paid in like
16    manner as above directed respecting her Sister Maria
17    Pearse I give and bequeath unto my said trustees above
18    named the farther sum of one thousand pounds for
19    the use and benefit of my Niece Janet Bradford to be
20    secured and paid in like manner as above directed for my
21    other Nieces during her life but in case she should dye
22    without issue only one moiety thereof to be at her disposal
23    by will the other moiety to revert to my residuary Estate
24    I give and bequeath unto my said trustees above named
25    the farther sum of Five hundred pounds In trust for the
26    use and benefit of Ann Brott daughter of my late Niece
27    Margaret Brott to be secured and paid in like manner
28    as above directed for my Niece during her life and at
29    her decease to be disposed of as she may by will direct
30    and whereas Thomas Collier who married my
31    Niece Elizabeth Maynard and now resides in America
32    is indebted to me for his bond dated the ninth day of Feb[uar]y
33    1789 for the sum of three hundred and twenty pounds
34    I give and bequeath the said bond to my trustees above
35    named in trust for the use and benefit of his wife the s[ai]d
36    Elizabeth Collier during her life and at her decease to
37    be disposed of as she may by will direct I give and bequeath
38    to my trustees above named the farther sum of Five
39    hundred pounds in trust for the use and benefit of my
40    said Niece Elizabeth Collier in case she should return
41    to reside in England the interest thereof to be paid to
42    her during her life and at her decease the said principal
43    sum to be by her will disposed of to such child or
44    children as she may have but if she should die
45    without any surviving issue the said principal sum
46    to revert to my residuary Estate I bequeath unto my
47    Sister Ann Pearse the use of such part of my household
48    furniture as she may chuse to retain during her life and
49    the residue to be divided between her daughters Maria
50    and Ann in such time in manner and proportion as she may
51    In expedient I desire that no part of my household
52    furniture be disposed of by auction or sale and all the
53    residue of my Estate and Effects of what nature or kindsoever
54    I give and bequeath unto my Nephew John Buller
55    Pearse except such part thereof as I may otherwise dispose of
    [Page 2]
56    of by Codicil annexed to this my will and testament
57    and I hereby constitute and appoint my Sister Ann
58    Pearse and my Nephew John Buller Pearse Ex[ecut]ors
59    of this my will written with my own hand this sixteenth
60    day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand
61    Eight hundred and Eleven William Buller
62    I William Buller do make this Codicil to this my will
63    I bequeath unto my faithful servant Mary Blate one hundred
64    pounds towards purchasing an annuity for her life
64    and all the Furniture of the room on the attic story which
66    she is accustomed to occupy as her Bedchamber and
67    all such part of my wearing apparel as is suitable and
68    ten Guineas for suitable mourning
69    In the goods of William Buller deceased
70    January 27th 1813
71    Appeared personally James Townsend of
72    Honiton in the County of Devon Gentleman and
73    Thomas Maunder of the same place Gentleman
74    and made oath they knew and were well acquainted
75    with William Buller late of the City of Exeter Esquire
76    deceased for some time previous and up to the time of his
77    death and also with his manner and character of
78    handwriting and subscription having several times
79    seen him write and subscribe his name and having
80    now carefully perused the paper writing hereunto
81    annexed purporting to be and contain the last will
82    and testament with a Codicil of the said deceased the
83    said will beginning thus I William Buller now
84    residing in the City of Exeter ending thus written with
85    my own hand this sixteenth day of September in the
86    year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred
87    and Eleven and thus subscribed William Buller and
88    the said codicil beginning thus I William Buller
89    do make this Codicil ending thus and Ten Guineas
90    for suitable mourning they further made oath
91    that they verily and in their consciences believe the
92    whole series and contents as well of the said will as
93    of the said Codicil to be of the proper handwriting
94    and subscription of the said deceased Jas Townsend
95    Thos Maunder Same say the said James Townsend and
96    Thomas Maunder were duly sworn to the truth
97    hereof before me Richard Lewis Cornet
98    Proved at London on the 1st February 1813 before the Judge by
99    the oath of John Buller
100    Pearse the Nephew and one of the Executors having been first
101    sworn by Commission duly to administer power reserved
102    to Ann Pearse Widow the Sister and other Executor.
103    Proved at London with a Codicil of 8th January 1823 before
104    the Judge by the Oath of Ann Pearse Widow the Sister and
105    other Executor to whom Adm[inistrati]on was granted having
106    been first sworn by Com[missi]on duly to admi[niste]r

Will of Anne Buller, widow of Exeter - The National Archives PROB 11/1347/83, probated 16 Dec 1800

This next set of wills is for the Devon Buller family and for ease of transcription will be alphabetical beginning with Anne Buller, widow of Exeter whose will was probated 16 Sep 1800.

Anne Buller, widow, Exeter, PROB 11/1347/83, probated 16 Sep 1800
Dame Susan Buller, widow, Churston Court, PROB 11/1517/130, probated 3 Dec 1810
Husey Buller, wife, Downes, PROB 11/945/349, probated 20 Feb 1769
James-1 Buller, Kings Nympton, PROB 11/908/371, probated 23 May 1765
James-2 Buller, Downes, PROB 11/975/309, probated 3 Mar 1772
James-3 Buller, Downes, PROB 11/1731/161, probated 10 Oct 1827
Mary Buller, Honiton, PROB 11/1011/73, probated 6 Sep 1775
William-1 Buller, Surgeon, Honiton, PROB 11/894/43, probated 15 Dec 1763
William-2 Buller, Exeter, PROB 11/1541/14/probated 1 Feb 1813

There are a variety of wills here (some again very long) which may provide information on my Buller family. I do not know if all of these wills are for individuals who descend from the Cornwall line although definitely James Buller of Downes is a descendant of the Cornwall family.

James Buller of Downs (died 1765) was the son of John Francis Buller and Rebecca Trelawny. He married first Elizabeth daughter and coheir of William Gould of Downes (she died 1742) and their single child was James Buller who left his will in 1772. His second wife was Lady Jane Bathurst and their sons included John-2 Buller of Morval and Sir Francis Buller, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas (of whom more later). The will for the James Buller dying in 1765 is perhaps the James Buller at Kings Nympton. I have listed below the Buller wills on Genuki for Devon. There are quite a few that would have been rather interesting but all of these were lost during the bombing of the Exeter Record Office in WWII. Some are still available located in other documents and if I find that I am still pursuing the Buller family of my own following all of this transcription I may yet look at these to see if I can find other documents that might help me. Again Christopher was born circa 1763.

List of Wills from Genuki Devon for the Buller family:
http://genuki.cs.ncl.ac.uk/DEV/DevonWillsProject/DWP-Br-By.html

Buller                 [DEV?]           17C     W     ab           PWDRO-A     1/642/66     17th century page from a draft will
Buller           [Plymouth?]     [DEV?]           17C     W     ab           PWDRO-C     1/642/66     page from a draft will
Buller     Anna Sophia     Exeter     DEV     widow     1845     W     co     PCC     PROB11     2010    
Buller     Anne     Exeter     DEV     widow     1800     W     co     PCC     PROB11     1347    
Buller     Anne     Exmouth [Littleham (near Exmouth) or Withycombe Raleigh]     DEV     widow     1851     W     co     PCC     PROB11     2128    
Buller     Anthony     St Dominick     CON           1680     W     le     EPRE     SOG     Glencross Index    
Buller     Audley Cecil     Crediton     DEV           1894     W     co           DRO-W     2065 M/F2/7     also of Mexico
Buller     Audley Cecil     Downes [Crediton]     DEV           1894     W     co           DRO-A     2065M/F2/7     2 copies, copy will; (pr. in Mexico)
Buller     Charles Reginald                       1879     W     ab           MUR1     Vol. 4    
Buller     Emma H                       1845     W     co           DRO-W     2065 M/F3/7    
Buller     Emma H. (Miss)           [DEV?]           1845     W     co           DRO-A     2065M/F3/7     will
Buller     Francis     Dartmoor     DEV     judge     1800     W     co     PCC     PROB11     1345     of the Court of Common Pleas
Buller     Francis     Launceston     CON     esquire     1615     O     ab           TAPS     13 James. I. Ser. II. Vol. 356 (108)     Inquisition post Mortem; See also Ser.II. Vol.105 (5), Richard Buller
Buller     Francis (Sir)     London     LND           1800     W     co           DRO-W     1496 M/Settlements 2    
Buller     George William     Ipplepen     DEV           1846     W     co     PCC     PROB11     2029    
Buller     Georgiana     Exmouth [Littleham (near Exmouth)]     DEV           1875     W     co           DRO-W     2065 M/F2/8    
Buller     Gertrude     Torquay [Tormoham]     DEV     widow     1849     W     co     PCC     PROB11     2102    
Buller     Husey     Downes [Crediton]     DEV     wife     1769     W     co     PCC     PROB11     945    
Buller     Husey     [Downes, Crediton?]     DEV           1768     I     co           DRO-A     2065M/E6/1     inventory; wife of James Buller
Buller     J W     [Downes, Crediton?]     DEV           1861     W     co           DRO-A     2065M-1     will
Buller     James     Cliffden, Teignmouth     DEV           1879     W     co           DRO-W     DD.59829    
Buller     James     Crediton     DEV           1772     W     co           DRO-W     2065 M/F2/10    
Buller     James     Downes [Crediton]     DEV           1772     W     co     PCC     PROB11     975    
Buller     James     Downes [Crediton]     DEV           1827     W     co     PCC     PROB11     1731    
Buller     James     Downes [Crediton]     DEV           1827     W     co     PCC     MISC     Berkshire RO - Miscellaneous Unofficial Collections, Cat. No. 7 Ref. D/EX 636/34     office copy of the will
Buller     James     Downes [Crediton]     [DEV]           1843     W     ab           PWDRO-W     1276/113     abstract of will and settlement
Buller     James     [Downes, Crediton?]     DEV           1772     I     co     COC     DRO-A     2065M/E6/2     inventory of goods and furniture
Buller     James     Kings Nympton     DEV           1765     W     co           DRO-W     2065 M/F2/9    
Buller     James     Kings Nympton     DEV           1765     W     co     PCC     PROB11     908    
Buller     James     Kings Nympton     DEV     esquire     1765     W     ab     PCC     DRO-U     5331 [Box 12264]     names son John Buller as executor; mentions codicil; no other details
Buller     James     Plymouth     DEV     seaman, R.N.     1803     W     le           NAVY     ADM 142/2, f. 208     H.M.S. "Belliquence"; executor - Jenny Buay, wife; [NB - 'Place' shows executor's abode]
Buller     James     Shillingham     [CON]           c1710     W     ab           DRO-A     2065M-4/F42     petition, quoting will
Buller     James     Shillingham [Saltash]     CON     esq     1716     O     or           PWDRO-A     69/M/3/157     case and opinion by Thomas Lutwyehe re: the will
Buller     James Howard     Crediton     DEV           1874     W     co           DRO-W     2065 M/F2/11    
Buller     James Wentworth     Downes [Crediton]     DEV           1831     W     co           DRO-W     2065 M/F1/4    
Buller     John     Exeter     DEV     gentleman     1560     W     co     PCC     PROB11     43    
Buller     John     Exeter     DEV     the elder; gentleman; alderman     1560     W     ab     PCC     MUR1     Vol. 4; two copies     'duplicate'
Buller     John     Exeter     DEV           1827     W     co           IRW     B 1778    
Buller     John     Winkleigh     DEV           1723     [W?]     le     BARN     BECK          
Buller     Laurence     City of Exeter     DEV           1562     A     co     PCC     JHA     Glencross Vol 1 - 6 November 1562    
Buller     Louisa     Cliffden, Teignmouth     DEV           1860     W     co           DRO-W     DD.59828    
Buller     Margaret     Okehampton     DEV     widow     1576     O     ab           TAPS     18 Eliz. Ser. II. Vol. 173 (22)     Inquisition post Mortem
Buller     Mary     Honiton     DEV           1775     W     co     PCC     PROB11     1011    
Buller     Mary     Keverall     CON           1722     A     co           DRO-A     2065M-8/F6/2     admon (detached from will)
Buller     Mary     Keverall     CON     widow     1722     W     co           DRO-A     2065M/F2/12     will; widow of John Buller
Buller     Mary     Keverall [St Martin by Looe]     CON           1722     W     co           DRO-W     2065 M/F2/12    
Buller     Mary     Keverall [St Martin by Looe]     CON     widow     1722     A     co           DRO-A     2065M-9/F6/2     admon (detached from will) of will
Buller     Mary     Keverall [St Martin by Looe]     CON     widow     1722     A     co           DRO-W     2065 Madd8/F6/2     admon
Buller     Peter     Egloshaile [Egloshayle]     CON           1697     W     ab     ECCE     VIV     Vol 2, f. 201     will made at Pelynt?
Buller     Richard     Colyton     DEV     clerk and vicar     1807     A     ab     EPRE     DDR1     IR 26/333    
Buller     Richard     Lanrack [Landrake]     CON           1555     O     ab           TAPS     2-3 Ph. & Mary Ser. II. Vol. 105 (5)     Inquisition post Mortem
Buller     Richard     Tavistock     DEV           1555     O     ab           TAPS     2-3 Ph. & Mary Ser. II. Vol. 109 (20)     Inquisition post Mortem; See also Ser.II. Vol.105 (5), Richard Buller
Buller     Richard     Winkleigh     DEV           1725     W     le     BARN     BECK     A.    
Buller     Robert     Exeter     DEV           c1578     O     ab           MOGT     Series 1, p. 31     cause of proof of will between Gentile Buller and Gilbert Dennys
Buller     Susan     Churston Court [Churston Ferrers]     DEV     widow     1810     W     co     PCC     PROB11     1517    
Buller     Thomas     Exeter St David     DEV           1826     W     co           IRW     B 1779    
Buller     Thomas     Staple Fitzpayn     SOM     gentleman     1568     W     ab     PCC     MUR1     Vol. 4     1 Sheffeld
Buller     Thomas Wentworth     Strete Ralegh [Whimple]     DEV           1852     W     co     PCC     DRO-A     48/22/21     probate of the will
Buller     Thomas Wentworth     Strete Ralegh [Whimple]     DEV           1852     W     co           DRO-W     48/22/21    
Buller     Thomas Wentworth     Strete Ralegh [Whimple]     DEV           1852     W     co     PCC     PROB11     2162    
Buller     Thomas Wentworth     Strete Raleigh [Whimple]     DEV     esq     1852     W     co     PCC     DRO-A     48/22/21     probate of the will
Buller     Thomasin     Ospringe     KEN           1677     W     co           DRO-W     2065 M/F2/13    
Buller     Thomasin     Ospringe     KEN     widow     1677     W     co           DRO-A     2065M/F2/13     will and probate; widow of Francis Buller
Buller     William     Exeter     DEV           1813     W     co     PCC     PROB11     1541    
Buller     William     Honiton     DEV     surgeon     1763     W     co     PCC     PROB11     894    
Buller     William     Honiton     DEV     surgeon     1765     W     co     ECC     MISC     ScotlandsPeople - CC8/8/120: CC000800008-00120-00072     Testament Testamentar
Buller     John     Exeter     [DEV]     the elder; gentleman     1560     W     co     PCC     JHW     56 Mellershe    
Buller     Robert     Exeter     [DEV]     gentleman     1577     W     co     PCC     JHW     35 Daughty    
Buller     Robert     Exon [Exeter]     [DEV]     gentleman     1577     W     co     PCC     JHW     28 Daughty     sentence
Buller(?)     Richard     Devon     DEV     esq     1556     W     co     PCC     JHW     F.6 Ketchyn     Cornwall; died in London

This will for Anne Buller was probated in 1800 and she lived at Exeter. She was widowed at the time of writing the will and names her children Susanna Catherine, Richard and Georgiana. She then also names her daughter Ann married to James Buller of Downes. According to the Visitation this Anne was the daughter of the Bishop of Exeter. James Buller and Anne Buller married 6 Jun 1791. Working back in the visitation this Anne is the daughter of William who married Anne Thomas daughter of the Right Reverend John Thomas, D.D. Bishop of Winchester 19 Apr 1762. This William is a son of John Francis Buller and Rebecca Trelawyn. William was a brother to James Buller who was married to Elizabeth Gould and hence they were first cousins. The Anne Buller testator of this will is the daughter of the Bishops of Winchester, the Right Reverend John Thomas, D.D.

Unfortunately the Visitation does not follow all of the children of William and Anne Buller (parents of Anne Buller married to James Buller of Downes). Only Susanna Catherine is mentioned and she married Admiral Sir John Duckworth Baronet, GCB, MP.

Richard Buller married Anna Sophia Marshall and he was the vicar at Colyton, Devon apparently according to an online tree. Their children were Anna Sophia Buller and William Buller (Anna born 26 Oct 1801 and William born 22 Nov 1803). This line then does not lead to my Christopher as Richard would be a contemporary of his having been born circa 1776 as was Georgiana his sister who was also not followed down in the Visitation.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 6 Feb 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/1347/83
Testator: Anne Buller, widow
Place: Exeter, Devon, England
Date of document: 16 Dec 1797, probated 16 Dec 1800
Read: Electronic copy images
Document quality: 18th century English, legible copy

 [Margin]: Anne Buller

1    This is the last Will and Testament
2    of me Anne Buller of the City of Exeter Widow
3    as to all and singular my Messuages Tenements
4    and Lands whatsoever Freehold leasehold Goods
5    Chattels Monies in the Funds securities for
6    Monies and all other my real personal and
7    testamentary Estate and Effects whatsoever and
8    wheresoever of which I shall die possessed seized
9    or intitled unto Subject to the payment of my
10    just debts and funeral Expences I give devise
11    and bequeath the same and every part thereof
12    unto and between my beloved children Susanna
13    Catherine Richard and Georgiana and their
14    several heirs Executors and Administrators to
15    be equally divided between them share and
16    share alike as Tenants in Common and not as
17    joint Tenants provided that if the real and
18    personal property and Effects of which I shall
19    die seized or possessed be more than sufficient
20    to pay my said three children the sum of four
21    thousand pounds each after discharging my just
22    debts and Funeral Expences Then and in such case
23    I do hereby direct and my express will is that
24    the overplus or Surplusage of my said Real and
25    personal property and effects after payment to
26    my said three children of the Sum of Four
    [Page 2]
27    thousand pounds each as aforesaid and my said debts
28    and funeral Expences shall be equally divided and
29    shared between my said three Children Susanna
30    Catherine, Richard and Georgiana and my beloved
31    daughter Anne Buller wife of James Buller of
32    Downes Esquire and their several
33    heirs Executors and Administrators as Tenants in
34    Common and not as joint Tenants and I do hereby
35    make nominate constitute and appoint my said three
36    children Susanna Catherine Richard and Georgiana
37    Executors of this my last Will and Testament And it
38    is my Will and desire that the said James Buller
39    shall have the sole Management and direction of
40    the Charity called Maynards Charity and I do hereby
41    as far as I lawfully can vest in line the sole
42    Management and direction thereof In Witness whereof
43    I the said Anne Buller have to this my last Will
44    and Testament contained and written on one sheet
45    of paper set my hand and Seal the sixteenth day of
46    December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
47    hundred and ninety seven Anne Buller Signed
48    sealed published and declared by the said Ann Buller
49    as and for her last will and Testament in the presence
50    of us who at her request in like presence and in the
51    presence of each other have hereunto subscribed
52    our Names as Witnesses Samuel Davis Thos
53    Turner Attorney at Law Exeter John Suxin his Clerk
54    This Will was proved at London the sixteenth
55    day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand
56    Eight hundred before the Right honourable Sir
57    William Wynne Knight Doctor of Laws Master
58    keeper or Commissary of the prerogative Court of
59    Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oaths of the
60    Reverend Richard Buller Clerk the son and Catherine
61    Buller and Georgiana Buller spinsters the daughters
62    of the deceased and the Executors named in the said
63    Will to whom Administration of all and singular the
64    Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased was
65    granted they having been first sworn by Commission
66    duly to administer.