Will of "Robert Evins sen'r off dover in the province off New Hampshire plant.", dated 19 Feb 1696[/97], inventory 4 Nov 1697, proved 5 Nov 1697, names "three sons viz Robert Evins, Jonathan Evins and Joseph Evins", "my other six children viz Elizabeth; Mary Hannah, Sarah Patience and Benjemen ... as they shall come to the adge of Eighteen years and Benjemens to be paid at one and twenty", "Ann my beloved wife", "son Edward Evins" [sole Executor].
The division of the children into two groups in Robert's will appears to signify nothing in particular, except perhaps male dominance. Only two of the three sons in the first group belong to the first wife, and Elizabeth is left off, so these are not children of the first wife. While four of the second group are known to be children of the second wife, and minors at the time the will was written, Elizabeth does not appear to be either, and Mary is unknown. Plus, the second group includes one son, Benjamin, so the division apparently doesn't just reflect gender. Thus, the will appears to be unhelpful in arranging the children, particular Mary, whose birth is unrecorded, but who is named in her father's will, leaving us wonder who her mother was?
