Questions About Joan Valler's Will

Becky Bradshaw

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I have been reading this will for Joan Valler and trying to understand the wording used. (And yes, this is tough will to read.) This will was written about 1709. In this will, Ann Smyth, wife of Henry Smyth my late husband's daughter is mentioned. I know what these words would mean in today's language, but during this time period, is it stating that Ann would have been Joan's step-daughter? Also, towards the end of the will, it mentions a son-in-law, William Valler. Would this mean that William was married to a daughter of Joan Valler and that he was not a son of Joan's deceased husband? The only marriage record for Joan I have been able to find is for a Joan Steere married to a Thomas Valler about 1671. If William Valler was a son-in-law based upon what that phrase means today, would that mean that Joan would have been married previously and that Steere would have been her first spouse's last name? Or is this another way of stating that William Valler was a son of Thomas Valler? Thank you so much for your help!

Becky Bradshaw

I think I have solved this. I think Joan Valler was her husband’s 2nd wife. Even though this will does not state all the relationships, there were three, all step-daughters, mentioned. Also, William who was listed as her son-in-law, was Joan’s executor as well as a step-son. This has been quite a challenging research project for me, but I have had some major breakthroughs with this family today.