Reference
Z210/90c
Title
Statutory declaration
By John Cooper, Tilsworth, labourer, George Olney, The Bull Inn, Upper Houghton Regis, publican, and Robert Olney, Bell Lane, Colney, St Albans, Hertfordshire, tailor
John Cooper declares:
is 76 years old
he remembers property at Tilsworth consisting of
- old thatched barn fronting the green, formerly used as a Wesleyan Chapel, now let to himself
- small grocer's shop, with small garden adjoining now let to Sarah Godfrey
- adjoining building in ruins
[3 other buildings crossed out]
for last 50 years 'and upwards' the same were the property of a Mr Gadsden of Eaton Bray, baker, and afterwards to John Olney of Tilsworth, farmer 'a cousin of my two co-declarants'. Sarah Olney, aunt of 2 co-declarants acquired same in 1874 and remainded apparent owner until her death. Believes that Sarah purchased it from nephew George Olney who inherited it from brother said John Olney
He identifies paper writing marked A as intended will of Sarah Olney. Signature 'John Cooper' is his. Remembers being applied to by Sarah Olney to sign 2 papers which she intended for her wills. She had been told that it would not do for relatives to sign the papers. He signed them both at the same time. Believes that she and other witness, Elizabeth Bessaker, had both previously signed both 2 papers. Certain that neither signed in his presence. Does not know what the other paper was that he signed. Elizabeth Bessaker had left Tilsworth at the time where she had been visiting
George and Robert Olney declare:
they confirm generally the statements of John Cooper
John Olney, a cousin of theirs and a former owner of the property, died intestate in 1861, leaving George Olney his eldest brother and heir at law, who sold property to aunt Sarah Olney, who remained in possession until her death
Sarah Olney died at Tilsworth on 27 September 1880 and was buried at Tilsworth Churchyard on 30 September 1880
No conveyance was made of property to Sarah by George
George Olney having since died, our late father was his heir to whom legal estate accordingly passed
Sarah Olney having died intestate left their father her only brother entitled to her beneficial interest in the property
George Olney was buried at Chorley Wood Cemetery, Rickmansworth, and John Olney at Tilsworth
Their father, William Olney, died on 29 March 1882 having made George Olney, and brother John Olney, trustees of said property
George Olney declares:
On death of aunt, Sarah Olney, came into possession of her private papers including A, B and Conveyance to John Olney and Abstract of title of 1849
Robert Olney declares:
The signature on B is his. The letter was written by him and he saw George Olney sign the same and receive 152 10s as purchase money for the property which he was informed had been lately inherited from John Olney
sigs of all
Wit Stephen D B Middleton
Date free text
25 October 188?
Production date
From: 1880 To: 1889
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
Level of description
item