The one that is least old in the family group often gets a little more special attention, especially from the older, sometimes much older, adults. However, all the siblings of Tudor Trevor (JC-1) must have received some extra attention since their father died when all were still children [< 14]. The grandfather of these young'uns had already collected and grouped the customary principles of his day, and on page 99 it states:
"When brothers share their patrimony amongst them, the younger gets the special croft and eight acres, and all the buildings; and the cauldron and the fuel-axe and the coulter (for the father cannot give them or bequeath them except to the youngest son, and though they should be gaged they never fall forfeit). Thereupon let every brother take a croft and eight acres; and the youngest son divides, and choice goes from eldest to next eldest."
Wow, lots of special attention given here. Let's work through how each item is defined.
patrimony = inheritance in land, usually "fathers townland" p. 370.
special croft = fathers house implying a plot of land carrying a house and enclosed (permanently fenced) p. 386 under the word defined for toft.
cauldron = a large kettle or boiler.
fuel-axe = axe for chopping firewood.
coulter= arable land p. 328.
gaged= given as security p. 374 under word for prid
Now remember, Dingad (JD-3) is the youngest of male descent through Tudor Trevor (JC-1) and Anghard (JC-2). She happened to be the daughter of the fellow who started collecting and quilting together all the common and useful principles. The page numbers listed above come from my copy of this record translated and edited by Dafydd Jenkins published by Gomer Press, 1990. For those who might not remember, the cover of my copy is shown again:
It certainly provides a picture window to the past. It enables insight to all the sons, but especially for the youngest son, who is the direct line of my own male descent.
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