The Last Will And Testament Of George West (1778 - 1841, Little York)
Liber 4 Folio 145
In the Name of God Amen I, George West of Little York in Prince Edward Island, farmer, being weak in body but of sound mind memory and understanding, and considering the frailty and uncertainty of this mortal life and the certainty of death, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following - (hereby revoking all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made) - Whereas I am possessed of two farms or tracts of land situate(d) at Little York aforesaid both held under Lease, for Nine Hundred and ninety nine years respectfully, one from Sir James Montgomery and Brothers containing One hundred acres being part of Lot No. (34) Thirty Four, and the other from M:-Winsloe containing Eighty acres being part of Lot No. (33) Thirty three, subject to a yearly rent of one shilling sterling per acre each, which said farms are in an improved state of cultivation, and upon which besides my dwelling house, out-house and household effects is a valuable stock of cattle and farming implements. Now, I do hereby give devise and bequeath the said two farms or tracts of land so held by me under lease with the dwelling House and the furniture and effects therein , Outhouse, Stock of cattle sheep and swine, implements of Husbandry and all other of my Goods Chattels Property and Effects whatsoever situate(d) thereon, unto my dearly beloved Wife Hannah so long as she shall remain my widow and unmarried, subject nevertheless to the payment of the following sums which I give to her and bequeath to my dearly beloved children and hereby charge upon said leasehold property estate and effects, that is to say, my Son Robert Fifty pounds, Prince Edward currency, to my son John Two Pounds of the like currency(,) to my Son Thomas Ten Pounds currency, to my Daughter Mary Twenty Eight pounds currency, to my Daughter Elizabeth Twenty pounds currency, to my Daughter Hannah Ten pounds currency, to my Son George Twenty pounds currency, to my Daughter Jane Fifty pounds currency, to my Daughter Martha Twenty pounds currency, to my Daughter Ann Forty Five pounds currency, and to my Son Martin Forty pounds currency as aforesaid - of which said sums of money the Six first mentioned shall be paid to my children to whom the same are respectfully bequeathed as and when they shall apply for the same after my decease, and the five last mentioned sums - being bequeathed to those of my children who are now minors, to be paid to such children as and when they shall respectfully come of age - Provided always and it is my will that if said wife (remaining my widow and unmarried) shall be minded to leave this Island with such of my children as are now under her care, and settle in Canada, where several of my Sons are now residing, and whither it was my intention to have proceeded, had the Lord prolonged my life, that in such case my said wife shall be at liberty and I hereby desire her to sell and dispose of to the best advantage my said leasehold farms & stock with my furniture, Goods, chattels and effects in this Island (or such part of my furniture and other movable effects as she may think advisable to dispose of) and the proceeds from this sale I hereby Will and direct shall be laid out and invested by said wife in the purchase of land in Canada with suitable stock, implements and other articles to farm the same, which said land and effects when so purchased I give devise and bequeath to my said wife so long as she shall remain my widow and unmarried Subject to the payment of the several sums of money to my children respectively as herein-before provided in case my wife should prefer remaining on this Island such sums to be paid in the Currency of this Island and at the time and in manner heretofore stated - And upon the death of my said wife or her marriage whichever shall first happen. I give devise and bequeath such land stock, farming implements goods chattels and effects as may be purchased or acquired in Canada, or such part thereof as shall remain after payment of the several sums of money charged thereon as aforesaid, to my children, to be divided equally between them share and share alike as tenants in common but not as joint tenants to hold the same to my said children respectively and to their respective Heirs Executors Administration and assigns forever - And should my said Wife continue to reside on this island, then upon her death or marriage whichever shall first happen, I give devise and bequeath my said farms stock household furniture goods chattels and effects whatsoever in the said island, (for such part thereof as shall remain after payment of the several sums of money to my children as aforesaid) unto my said children share and share alike, as tenants in common but not as joint tenants, to hold the same to my said children respectfully and to their respective Heirs Executors Administrators and assigns - And I do hereby constitute and appoint my dearly beloved wife Hannah West, so long as she shall remain my widow and unmarried, sole Executrix of this my last will and Testament - in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Twenty ninth day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty one. Signed sealed published and declared by the said Testator as and for his last Will and Testament hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses - the words "as tenants in common but not as joint tenants" being interlined on the third page, and also two words deleted on the same page at the time of execution.
(s) John Longworth
(s) J(---) (---) Garrett(s) George West