Vessels and codicils
Thomas Overall made his will on 12 May 1795 and added codicils on 16 May 1795, 29 September 1799 and 7 October 1799. His nephew Thomas, son of Stephen Overall, was to inherit the vessel UNITY and its equipment after his grandmother Elizabeth’s death. The September 1799 codicil substituted BETSEY for UNITY. Probate was granted on 11 December 1799.
Oyster-barrel trade
Overall named his shipping, fishing equipment, oyster dredging and oyster-barrel business separately. He asked his executors to recommend his nephew to existing oyster customers, hoping the trade would continue after his death.
West Mersea properties
Overall owned Little Woolvetts and a second West Mersea property bought from oyster dredger John Hawes, then occupied by William Barrett and Jonathan Bumby. His mother Elizabeth was to have use of both during her lifetime. A final codicil redirected the John Hawes property from his nephew to his brother Samuel. The other named siblings were Stephen Overall, Elizabeth Sweeting and Dinah Spurden.
Samuel Overall
Samuel Overall was also recorded as an oyster merchant with boats and oyster layings.
Probate was granted to the three named executors: his mother Elizabeth and brothers Stephen and Samuel. The original will and codicils are preserved in National Archives record PROB 11/1334/104.