The Last Will and Testament of Catherine Baker (-1865, Bedeque)

In the name of God Amen I Catherine Baker of Bedeque in Prince county Prince Edward Island widow of Joseph Baker late of the same place Farmer deceased being of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding but considering the uncertainty of human life do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say. In the first place I resign my soul into the hands of that Almighty Being who gave it in sure and certain hope of a joyful resurrection at the last great day and my will is that after my decease my mortal remains be committed to the earth with as little expense and ceremony as decency will permit and that any funeral expenses and all my just debts be paid with the least possible delay after my decease and with respect to such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with I will and dispose of the same as follows, To each of my sons Philip Baker John Baker Stephen Baker Joseph Baker and James Jesse Baker I give and bequeath the sum of Twenty one pounds making in all one hundred and five pounds. To my Son-in-law James Green I give and bequeath the sum of Thirty six pounds. To my daughter Margaret wife of Jacob Buskirk I give and bequeath the sum of sixteen pounds fifteen shillings.To my daughter Matilda wife of Richard Bagnall I give and bequeath the sum of sixteen pounds fifteen shillings.To my son in law Stephen Strang I bequeath the sum of sixteen pounds fifteen shillings for the use and benefit of his children – My further will and desire is that a seat be purchased in the New Baptist Meeting House for the use of my children – after all the foregoing legacies and bequests are paid my will and desire is, that all monies belonging to me shall be equally divided by my executors hereafter named among all my sons and daughters with the exception of my son William – My household furniture and wearing apparel are to be divided according to a memorandum prepared by my Son Isaac previous to the execution of this my will. In the foregoing disposition of my property I have omitted the names of my Sons Isaac and William not from want of regard or natural affection for them but because they are otherwise provided for. And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my son Philip Baker, Soloman Schurman and my son John Baker to be Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking annulling and making void all former or other will or wills by me at any time heretofore made and do declare these presents only to be and contain my solemn last will and Testament. And lastly I hereby authorize empower and desire my said executors of this my will to execute and carry into effect the intentions of this my said will with as little delay as possible after my decease. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal this Twenty forth day of January in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two.

Signed sealed published ) And declared by the said ) Testatrix Catherine Baker ) As and for her last ) Will and Testament ) in her presence and in ) the presence of each ) other at her request ) have subscribed our ) names as witnesses ) hereto

Signed her) Catherine x Baker) mark)

Sgnd

John B. Schurman)
Thomas Murray)

Memorandum by Isaac:

April 26^th 1859

All of my books are to be equally divided between my six sons William excepted. Philip is to have Bunyons works towards his part. Philip the chest and family register, John the stove, Stephen the drawers, Isaac the glass, Joseph the bed, Joseph and James J. the bedding equally divided. Hannah and Jane the two rings and all my dishes. Margaret my parrisole and porcupine boxes. Matilda my table and umbrella. My clothing and other little articles equally divided between my four daughters.

Catherine Baker

Will Presented for Probate by Philip Baker and John Baker on the second day of March 1865.