Notes on the Will of George Sproule of Curraghamulkin 12 July 1836

 Some things that I came across in PRONI were really quite moving. Being in PRONI is quite different to finding things online. You are handling the document that they handled – the will, the deed, the receipt, the note. So somehow it makes the whole thing more real, more personal. The will of George Sproule of Curraghamulkin is one that moved me, and moves me still.

It was in a box of documents from the solicitors Sproule & Ors, and it was brief, as are my notes on it. George Sproule was a farmer and a businessman who seemed to be in business with two other Sproules. I have deeds where Andrew Sproule of Magheracrigan, his brother, and Charles Sproule of Grennan are acting together, buying and selling land. George was an affluent man, and yet there is something sad and pathetic about these items in his will.

Poor James and Andrew, I wonder what happened to them.

 

Will of George Sproule of Curraghamulkin died 12 July 1836, Executors Robert and Oliver Sproule of Curraghamulkin.

1. Bequeaths to beloved wife Ann, my farm in Curraghamulkin in possession of self, and Henry Mc Canney and Harpurs Meadow also the farm in Tappahan allowing her to pay the chief rents on lands in Cooel and Curraghamulkin and Harpurs Meadow together. Also the lands in Dullaghan.
2. To the two sons Robert and Oliver lands in Dellichan in Cooel.
3. The two sons must pay 20 pounds per year to his illegitimate son James
4. Another son Andrew, 3 pence per day and to keep him warm and clothed and make sure that he gives up the old clothes when he gets the new.

Title :     Name: A Sproule & Ors, County Tyrone, Record Number EC 07049, Box 1819.

PRONI Reference :          LR1/1819/1