Rabson
Ash was the first of the local parishes to get a school in 1735 and Richard Rabson was the schoolmaster in the 1790s. It is likely he taught children from Hartley too, in 1818 some Hartley children were sent by subscription to the school at Ash. See history of education page.
In the name of God, Amen. I Richard Rabson of Ash next Ridley in the county of Kent, schoolmaster, being of a sound and perfect mind, memory and understanding, praise be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following.
Item: I give and devise unto my beloved wife Amelia Rabson, all that my messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell and also all that messuage or tenement adjoining in the occupation of William Hook, and also all thate messuage or tenement near to the other which I purchased of John Fish, gentleman, together with all buidligns, land and appurtenances thereunto belonging. To hold to her, my said wife Amelia Rabson, for and during the term of her natural life and from and after here decease, then I give an devise all and singular the said messuages or tenements, lands and premises with their and every of their appurtenances unto my brother William Rabson and to the heirs of his body lawfully to be begotten, adn for want of such issue, then to my nephew Richard hook and to his heirs forever. But in case my brother William Rabson shall happen to die without issue before my said nephew Richard Hook attains his age of 15 years then I direct that he shall be put apprentice to some trade and the issues and profits arising therefrom to be applied in finding him clothes and necessaries and the overplus (if any) to be secured twoards setting him up in business at the expiration of his apprenticeship. also all the rest, residue and remainder of my ready money, securities for money, h9uosehold goods and furniture, plate, linen, china and all other my personal estate of what nature, kind or quantity soever and wheresoever after payment of my just debts and funeral expenses I give and bequeath unot my said wife Amelia Rabson and my said brother William Rabson, executors of this my will and I appoint Mr Charles Whitehead of Ash aforesaid trustee to see that this my will is duly executed hereby revoking all former and other wills by me at any time heretofore made and so declare this only to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I the said Richard Rabson the testator have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day of January .... 1796 (S) Richard Rabson
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Richard Rabson the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto (S) William Warren, (S) Joseph Olliver, (S) Thomas Wadlow.
Proved at London 27.3.1798 by William Rabson one of the executors named.