Item 177 - Legatee : Ann Story

Ann Story, otherwise Mrs Beams, resided with J.W. Story as his wife, inherited an annuity under his will and was empowered to direct the sale or disposal of household furniture and effects "whether she shall be married or sole".
Ann had a daughter Martha Beams, later Mrs Martin, born about 1845, and Ann and J.W. Story had a daughter Emma, probably born about 1848, who married Charles Heathorn.
Ann Story died in 1874 in Melbourne. Her letters to Francis Cotton relate to her legacy, the property, family, etc.:- Mount Pleasant farm, near Launceston, sold by auction at Launceston (22/11/64, 5/12/64); Ponsonby vale property: tenant Burbury never paid rent until wool sold (1864), fencing (1866, 1871 ), family suggested trying at sale as Burbury's lease near termination with reserve of 35s (1868-9); Stone House repairs: agreement mislaid, house had given way in one of the gables before they left 13 years before, T. Burbury rented it for shepherd or servant, left it in shocking state, arranged matters with Ashton (1871); other legatees: J.W.S. had said George had had his share and neither son had claims on the property (3/1/65), George always in need of money, S.O. and Mrs Lovell, Lovell "here and there selling guano" (18/7/71 ), Mrs Liardet; A.S. would be willing to earn living but had to think of Martha and her children, thinking of taking post as housekeeper (2/9/71, 17 /11 /71); Martha troublesome (1870), Martha fell down stairs, recovered (7/1/71 ), Martha's husband released from prison so she "goes in fear" (7/1/71 ), Martha in debt (1873); Emma obliged to leave husband, gone to New Zealand (28/12/72); joined Emma in Victoria, Emma taking music pupils (?1873) .