Will interpretation - brother in law?

[bugbear]

I have a will from 1817; John Fisk of Snetterton in Norfolk.

In the intro I have this transcription:

I appoint Richard Howell now of Thetford Gentleman my Brother in Law William Bailey of Kenninghall Farmer and my son William Fisk Executors

I know that in this period "brother in law" can also mean (what we would call) half brother.

But - in this will who's the brother in law - is it Richard Howell or William Bailey. If lawyers used punctuation, this would be easy (there'd be a comma after "Gentleman" OR after "Law").

But lawyers don't use punctuation (I'm told this is to avoid ambiguity!!!).

So - who's the brother in law, and (for extra credit) what sort of brother in law is he?

   BugBear

[Christine53]

I think the Brother in Law is William Bailey. If it were Richard Howell I think it would say " I appoint my Brother in Law Richard Howell..."   .

[Gadget]

I agree with Christine as it goes on to say My son William Fisk

[Christine53]

William Baley and Sarah Fisk 22 May 1788 Shelton / Starston

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NFTM-GQP

Stretching a point maybe !

[Bookbox]

I believe the name is Richard Fowell (with 2 small fs), not Howell. I suggest you compare the letter-forms for other known names beginning F.

[bugbear]

I believe the name is Richard Fowell (with 2 small fs), not Howell. I suggest you compare the letter-forms for other known names beginning F.

Such as "Fisk" which occurs several times in this will. I believe you are correct; thank you.

 BugBear

[a-l]

I agree that William Bailey is the brother in law.

[bugbear]

I believe the name is Richard Fowell (with 2 small fs), not Howell. I suggest you compare the letter-forms for other known names beginning F.

Textually speaking, you are right. And historically, (it turns out) Richard Fowell was quite a figure;

(@BNArchive,  Norfolk Chronicle - Saturday 26 April 1788)

 BugBear

[Bookbox]

Good find