Stainshaw May the 11th 1780

From a mature consideration and fully sensible of the instability of all human affairs I being in perfect possession of my senses think it is not only proper but absolutely necessary to make my last will and testament not only to prevent all disputes but in justice to my wife whose conduct I have ever found unexceptionable.  In the first place I with the utmost gratitude commit my sole to the Omnipotent Being who gave it me trusting alone to his mercy for its happiness to eternity respecting my body when dead I leave its interment entirely to the discretion of my wife Mary Ballard respecting at my effects whether in lands houses movables or money I give and bequeath everything that I am now possessed of to my wife Mary Ballard for her sole use and it is my will that she become immediately <????> on my decease of all of the money movables lands or effects which during my life and at my decease I can claim as my property.  This I declare to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I sign my name in presence of my friends who witness this last solemn act of my life.  John Ballard witnessed by me Jno Reade Robinson & Mark Robinson Junr.

The second day of August 1781, administration of all and singular the goods and chattels rights and credits of John Ballard late of Stainshaw in the county of Southampton and diocese of Winchester deceased together with his last will and testament annexed was granted and committed to Mary Ballard widow of the said deceased there him being of no executor named in the said will and the said Mary Ballard was sworn well and faithfully to administer the said goods and chattels accordingly before me Joseph Noice Surrogate

On the 12th day of October in the year of our lord 1802 administration (with the will annexed) of the goods and chattels and credits of John Ballard late of Stainshaw in the parish of Portsea in the county of Southampton deceased granted to Mary Hall widow formerly Ballard relict of the said deceased and universal legatee named in the said will no executor having been first sworn by commission duly to administer.