Robert Read

     Robert was born in Devonshire, England. Robert married Alice Cornish, daughter of George Cornish and Mary Lawrence, on 5 November 1591 in Tiverton at St. Peter's Church.¹ The couple had no children. Robert made his will on 24 September 1621.

Robert Reade of Tyverton in the County of Devon, clothier 24 September 1621.
Five pounds to be distributed among the eldest and poorest people of Tyverton.
Within five months of decease 100 pounds, for the good of Weavers and Turlers as follows: His overseers upon receipt pf the 100 pounds, to lend upon 20 poor Weavers and Turlers in Tyverton five pounds apiece for the term on two years, they paying no interest. At that time the process to continue forever.
To Humfrey Read’s children as follows: To This son Robert Read 20 of pounds. To the rest of his children 40 shillings apiece except Joane, the wife of Barnard Goddard. To be paid 3 months after the decease of he and his wife. To Robert Vynycomb his children 12 pence each within 3 months after the decease of he and his wife. To James Cornish his children 12 pence each within 3 months after the decease of he and his wife. To Thomas Cornish his children 12 pence each within 3 months after the decease of he and his wife. To Richard Cornish his children 5 pounds each within 3 months after the decease of he and his wife. To George Cornish his children 12 pence each within 3 months after the decease of he and his wife. To Johane the daughter of George Hartnell, his goddaughter, 40 pounds within 3 month after the decease of he and his wife. To Thomasine Piddesleye’s children 12 pence each within 3 month after the decease of he and his wife. To sister-in-law Margaret Libbetts children as follows: To Thomasine his goddaughter 5 pounds, and the rest of them 3 pounds each within 3 months after the decease of he and his wife. To Humfrey Morgan, who is deceased, his children 12 pence each within 3 months after the decease of he and his wife. If any of those given legacies should die before he and his wife, then to be void.
To brother Humfrey Read two of his meaner suits apparell and his second cloake immediately after his decease. To his godchildren 2 shillings each except to those by this will he has given a better gift. To the members of the parish that fetch him to the church 12 pence each, and the Clarke likewise pence. His executrix shall bestow 6 pounds 13 shillings 4 pence in a pulpit cloath to remain for the use of the church of Tyverton. Mr. Chambley to take three pence to preach the funeral if he been then living, if not whoever his executix appoints to have 20 shillings. The remainder of all goods and chattals and credits to Alyce his wife whom he makes his sole executrix.
Desires his cousins John Hartnell and Richard Dayman, Walter Levitt, and Richard Cornish to call upon his executrix for the performance of his will, and for that to receive 10 shillings each to be the overseers for the bequests to the poor and the100 pounds for the Weavers and Turlers. To Peter Coullings 5 pounds after the decease of he and his wife. To James Helleyer three pounds after the decease of he and his wife.                          Signed Robert Read.²

Robert departed this life in Tiverton. His will was probated on 9 September 1623.