The Last Will and Testament of James Cousins (1789-1858)
Submitted by Marilyn Clay Adair

In the name of God, Amen.
I, James Cousins, Senior, of Township Number Twenty, 20, in Queens County in Prince Edward Island in British North America, Yeoman.

Being in perfect health of body and perfect in mind and memory, Thanks be given unto God, but knowing the uncertainty of this life, ordain this my Last Will and Testament, that is to say:

I Devise and Bequeath to my eldest son John Cousins One Hundred Acres of Land which he now lives upon the same lying and being Township Number eighteen in Prince County, Prince Edward Island.

I also devise and Bequeath to the second son James Cousins Two Hundred Acres of Land upon Township Number Twenty, 20, in Queens County, Prince Edward Island, and is bounded as follows, that is to say, running North One Hundred Chains from the South West River adjoining land belonging to Thomas and John Milman on the East by the piece or parcel of Land being Twenty Chains in width being by admeasurement Two Hundred Acres with all the Buildings there on and all the livestock on the said premises, likewise all household furniture and farming implements. Also it is my Will that all Monies, Bills, Bonds and Debts which I may have or due me at my decease are to be given to my son James Cousins.

It is my Will that my second son James give to each of his sisters that are married or may marry in my lifetime the sum of One Hundred Pounds Currency of this Island each by instalments and any of them that may have received some part of the said sum since marriage it is my will that at my demise my son James make up to each the said sum of One Hundred Pounds Currency.

It is my Will also if any of my Daughters shall never marry that my son James is to find them a comfortable home during their lifetime or pay them One Hundred Pounds currency each.

I also Devise and Bequeath to my son William Twenty One Acres of land on Township Number Twenty purchased by me from Mefs. Cunard & Co.

It is my Will also that my son James is to afsist his Brother William in Erecting necefsery buildings upon his farm and to give him also a reasonable quantity of Live Stock.

I also constitute and appoint the following persons Executors of this my last Will and Testament that is to say my brother William Cousins also my son-in-law John Bentley and John Green son of the Late Geo. Green.

In Witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Twenty nineth day of April, in the year of Our Lord One Thousand and Eight Hundred and Fifty Six.

James Cousins

Signed and sealed
in the presence of
'Wm Cousins'
'John Bentley' 'John Green'