1. William Newton of Linley co Salop gamekeeper, Benjamin Newton of Claverley pig...

1. William Newton of Linley co Salop gamekeeper, Benjamin Newton of Claverley pig dealer, Edward Newton of Bilstone blacksmith, Matthew Newton of Hombourne co Staffs blacksmith, Thomas Han of Sutton Coldfield co Warwick pensioner and Sarah his wife, late Sarah Newton spinster, Samuel Bird of Birmingham greengrocer and Jane his wife, late Jane Newton spinster, Samuel Davies of Birmingham mercer and Elizabeth his wife, late Elizabeth Newton spinster, Edward Jones of Birmingham coachman and Mary his wife, late Mary Newton spinster (children of William Newton decd.), James Newton of Dudley co Worcs shoemaker, Richard Perks of Enville woodranger and Sarah his wife, and Thomas Milward of Stockton co Salop labourer and Frances his wife (James, Sarah and Frances being the 3 children of John Newton decd.)

2. John Barnfield and William Barnfield both of Ewdness in the parish of Worfield, gentleman.

Recital of articles of agreement 31 Dec. 1840 Edward Newton late of Stockton farmer To William Newton, Benjamin Newton, Edward Newton, Matthew Newton, Thomas Hann and Sarah his wife, Jane Newton, Elizabeth Newton, Mary Newton, James Newton, Sarah Newton, Thomas Milward and Frances his wife; reciting that James Newton late of Apley gamekeeper decd. son of John Newton grandfather of the parties of the 2nd part, made a will 18 March 1833 under which his brother Edward was to have the interest of what money was left after some bequests, with £100 after the testator's father and mother were dead, for his lifetime, and after the principal to be equally divided among the children of the testator's brothers William and John. Executors Mr. Worrall of Oldington and young Mr. Nicholls of Catstree. Testator died 1833. Both executors renounced probate and letters of administration with the will annexed were granted to John Newton the grandfather 8 Oct 1833 by the Prerogative Ct of Canterbury. After payment of debts etc and legacies, £600 remained. Sarah wife of John Newton the grandfather died November 1834. John Newton the grandfather made a will 4 July 1836. £500 3½% stock was then standing in his name of which he bequeathed £100 to his son Edward, the remainder to continue on such government security and interest paid to Edward for life, after to be divided among the grandchildren share and share alike. £200 then held by Mr. Thomas Worrall of Oldington on a promissory note to be called in and invested in public stock in the joint names of his executors and interest paid to Edward for life, and after the stock to be sold and divided amongst the grandchildren then living equally. His son Edward and his nephew John Newton of Wordsley to be joint executors. John the grandfather died 1839. He then held (independent of grain etc.) £490 in the 3½% reduced annuities and £200 due on the note. All this originally belonged to the testator James. John Newton during his life so mutilated his will that it was doubtful whether he was at the time of sound mind and whether probate could be obtained, so to prevent disputes the parties agreed to allow Edward to take out letters of administration to the estate and effects and that he should be entitled to the £200 in satisfaction of the legacy of £100 bequeathed by his brother's will and the legacy of £100 from his father, and should also be entitled to the whole of the remainder of the estate and effects upon his payment of the debts etc. and a legacy to James Newton party from his grandfather, and undertaking to invest the remainder in the names of trustees to be held in trust for the benefit of the parties entitled to the residue of the estate and effects of James Newton as children of William and John.

Cons: this agreement and covenants. Agreement to permit him to take out letters of administration or to procure probate of the will of John, Edward bound himself to invest the remainder in names of himself, John Barnfield and William Barnfield in trust to pay proceeds to Edward during his life and after in trust for the other parties. Edward died in Sept. last. John and William Barnfield have sold out the £510 which realised £470.0.3. which after deduction of expenses left £455. 2. 6. to be divided.

They have paid £41. 7. 6. to each of the 11 persons entitled

Cons: the foregoing.

They acquit John and William Barnfield and covenant to save them harmless etc.

Signatures of all parties except Thomas Milward (mark) (NB the Hans spell their name Hann)

Witnesses:- Arndell F. Sparkes, sol. Bridgnorth.

Enclosed 4 accounts in connection with this business.