My Family Tree

Isaac Howland of Barnstable, yeoman, in his will dated 26 March 1751, probated 3 December 1751, bequeathed to his loving wife, Mary Howland, "during her widowhood or until my son, Samuel, arrives at the age of twenty-one years, if she remains a widow, till then and no longer, the use and improvement of all of my Estate . . . after debts are paid and after that time use of a third only of the real estate and half of the personal." If she married again, she was to have only one bed and furniture. Son Benjamin Howland was given half of the real estate and son Samuel received the other half. Son Benjamin was to pay his sister, Anna Lombart, 13sh 4d, and son Samuel was to pay their other sister, Sarah Hinckley, a like sum when he came of age. Daughter Rachel Howland was given half of his personal estate. All three daughters, Anna Lumbart, Sarah Hinckley and Rachel Howland were to share in the other half of his personal estate. Son Benjamin was named sole executor. Witnesses were David Crocker, Esq., David Parker and Alice Howland.17 On 3 December 1751, David Crocker, Esq., David Parker and Cornelius Crocker, were appointed to appraise the estate. The inventory was taken 7 February 1752 and presented to the court 3 March 1752.18 David Crocker, Esq., who was a witness to the will as well as an appraiser of the estate, was Mary’s step-uncle.19 David Parker was Mary’s cousin, a nephew of her mother, Sarah (Parker) Crocker. The Alice Howland who witnessed the will was the widow of Isaac’s brother, John* Howland (Isaac3. John2'1).20