William Mullins Will
New England Historical and Genealogical Register (Vol. 42: 62) by Henry F. Waters, A. M., in his "Genealogical Gleanings in
England."
[Notes by George Ernest Bowman] The will was made after the arrival of the Pilgrims in New England (then considered a part of Virginia), otherwise the words "Allsoe if my sonne William will come to Virginia" could not have been used, and, as it was evidently a nuncupative will, it was probably written 21 February, 1620, old style, the day of William Mullin's death. The day "2 : April 1621" must therefore refer to the day on which was made the copy carried back to England on the Mayflower.
This date is of especial interest, as it establishes beyond question the fact that the Mayflower did not leave Plymouth, on the return voyage, until 2 April 1621 (old style), or later.
The probate record, made 23 July 1622, proves that the former residence of William Mullins was at Dorking, in the County of Surrey, and that he had left behind, in England, a married daughter, Sarah (Mullins) Blunden, who was appointed administratrix by the court. From the will we learn that his wife's given name was Alice, and that his eldest son, William, was left in England, also that the widow, Alice (—) Mullins, and her son Joseph were alive when the Mayflower sailed, as otherwise Governor Carver, in forwarding the copy of the will to be probated, would have annexed a statement of the death of these two legatees.
The second witness, Giles Heale, was the ship's surgeon and Christopher Jones was probably the captain of the Mayflower.
2 : April 1621.
In the name of God Amen: I comit my soule to God that gave it and my bodie to the earth from whence it came. Alsoe I give my goodes as followeth That fforty pounces in the hand of goodman Woodes I give my wife tenn pounces, my sonne Joseph tenn pounces, my daughter Priscilla tenn pounces, and my eldest sonne tenn pounces Alsoe I give to my eldest sonne all my debtes, bonds, bills (onelye yt forty pounces excepted in the handes of goodman Wood) given as aforesaid wth all the stock in his owne handes. To my eldest daughter I give ten shillinges to be paied out of my sonnes stock Furthermore that goodes I have in Virginia as followeth To my wife Alice halfe my goodes & to Joseph and Priscilla the other halfe equallie to be devided betweene them. Alsoe I have xxj dozen of shoes, and thirteene paire of bootes wch I give into the Companies handes for forty pounces at seaven years and if thy like them at that rate.
If it be thought to deare as my Overseers shall thinck good And if they like them at that rate at the divident I shall have nyne shares whereof I give as followeth
twoe to my wife,
twoe to my sonne William,
twoe to my sonne Joseph,
twoe to my daughter Priscilla,
and one to the Companie.
Allsoe if my sonne William will come to Virginia I give him my share of land furdermore I give to my twoe Overseers Mr John Carver and Mr Williamson, twentye shillinges apeece to see this my will performed desiringe them that he would have an eye over my wife and children to be as fathers and freindes to them;
Allsoe to have a speciall eye to my man Robert wch hathe not so approved himselfe as I would he should have done.
This is a Coppye of Mr Mullens his Will of all particulars he hathe given. In witnes whereof I have sett my hande John Carver, Giles Heale, Christopher Joanes.
Vicesimo tertio: die mensis Julii Anno Domini Millesima sexcentesimo vicesimo primo Emanavit Commissio Sare Blunden als Mullins filie natural) et legitime dicti defunct) ad administrand bona iura et credita eiusdem defunct) iuxta tenorem et effectum testament) suprascripti eo quod nullum in eodem testamento nominavit executorem de bene etc Jurat.
68, Dale.
Mense Julij Ano Dni 1621.
Vicesimo tertio die emanavit comissio Sare Blunden als Mullens filie nrali et Lime Willmi Mullens nup de Dorking in Com Surr sed in partibus ultra marinis def hentis etc ad administrand bona iura et credita ejusdem def iuxta tenorem et effcum testament) ipsius defunct) eo quod nullum in eodem nominavit exrem de bene etc iurat.
Probate Act Book, 1621 and 1622.
(Translation of the second Latin record)
In the month of July Anno Domini 1621. On the 23d day issued a commission to Sarah Blunden, formerly Mullins, natural and legitimate daughter of William Mullins, late of Dorking in the County of Surrey, but deceased in parts beyond the seas, seized &c., for administering the goods, rights and credits of the said deceased, according to the tenor and effect of the will of the said deceased because in that will he named no executor. In due form &c. swears.
