Thursday 1 June 2023

Miss Eliza Benning (abt 1811-1888) of Magheradonnell in Knockanboy, Dervock

 Just recently I noted the name of Miss Benning as a neighbour in an old Lyle farm map. I've discovered that she was the daughter of Captain Conway Benning and granddaughter of the Rev Conway Benning, rector in Glenavy Parish Church. Her father was an officer in the 66th Foot regiment and he perished in the Battle of Albuera in 1811 during the course of the Peninsular War.


I Eliza Benning of Magheradonnell in the Parish of Derrykeighan and County of Antrim do this Twenty eighth day of June in the year 1876 (six) make this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills and Testaments at any time heretofore made by me. I leave and bequeath to Mrs Jane Field (alias Wilson) of Knockanboy my Zebra Wood Work Table. I leave and bequeath to Allen E Douglas Esquire Medical Doctor of Warrenpoint in the County of Down all my Framed pictures and all my Drawing Materials and all things connected with Drawing which I possess absolutely also my old gold watch, Gold Medal and Clasp and miniature of my Father in Gold and I direct that at the death of the said Allen E Douglas the said old gold watch shall be given to some museum previously named by him together with an historical account of it. To Mrs Grace Brooke (alias Ledlie) I leave and bequeath my small gold brooch containing the hair of my dear friend Miss Annie Stuart also my two Indian broochs which she be so disposed she may give to any of her daughters she may select for the gift. To Marcus Allen Esquire Surgeon in the Royal Navy I leave Stackhouse's History of the Bible which History belonged to his Greatgrand Father Benning also my Grandmother's likeness in Gold Ring taken previous to her marriage. Also six silver Tea Spoons, Six Desert ditto one pair of Sugar Tongs, Two Salt Spoons with my grandfather's crest. Two Table Spoons, Six large Forks,Six Small ditto (not silver) an old fashioned Cross for Centre of Table a pair of Telescope Candle Sticks with silver edges and a large Mahogany Chest with handsome brass Mounting which came from the State of Vermont (Capital Bennington) America. I leave and bequeath to Miss Millicent Douglas of Rostrevor County Down my Aunt Higginbotham's Writing Desk also Jane Martin's Work Table which once belonged to Anne Martin (alias Higginbotham) was the first Rosewood worked in Dublin and originally cost Forty Guineas. To the wife of the aforesaid Allen E Douglas I leave my Cameo Brooch. To Miss Ellen D Allen and Miss Amelia Allen of Lisconnan I leave any of my clothes which they may wish to have. To Messrs William Johns and Alexander Johns of Carrickfergus I leave all my Books in remembrance of their dear Father and Mother's Kindness to me. I leave and bequeath to Richard Maginnis Douglas Esquire of Portballintrae my Hall Clock which formerly belonged to the old family of Lyle of Knockanboy. I direct that the Tenant right of my farm in the Townland of Magheradonnell shall be realized in such manner as to my executors shall be considered best and the proceeds thereof as also whatever other monies I may die seized possessed of or entitled to after the payment of my just debts and Funeral expenses I leave and bequeath to the aforesaid Allen E Douglas Medical Doctor of Warrenpoint County Down whom I appoint residuary Legatee. Having received permission to be buried in the vault of the Stuart family in Derrykeighan Grave Yard I direct that I shall be buried there. And I hereby appoint Alexander Johns Esquire of Carrickfergus and the aforesaid Allen E Douglas Executors of this my last Will and Testament. In testimony whereof I hereontu attach my hand and seal the day and year herein before mentioned.

E Benning (seal)

Signed and sealed in presence of us who in the presence of Testratrix and of each other and being both present together attach our signatures as subscribing witnesses thereto the words "in such manner" being inserted in first line of third page ___ Alexander Field __ Mary Robinson.