The Last Will and Testament of William Martin (-1840, Belfast, PEI)

In the name of God, Amen, I William Martin of Belfast Lot Number 57 Queens County Prince Edward Island North America Farmer being weak and sickley of body but of Perfect mind and memory do call to mind the mortality of my body that it appointed unto all men once to die but after that the Judgement to make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it. And my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors. And as "touching?" such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form. -

First, As John my son proved to be dissolute and disobedient I sent him off with five Shillings until such time as my executors herein after named will be satisfied that he is reformed and will rightfully apply his substance. - He is then entitled to Twenty Pounds this Island currency to be paid in installments. And also "to paid" in goods & chattels at the discretion of my Executors as the farm will be able to bear it.

Also I bequeath to my well beloved Daughter Jessy Martin the Sum of fifteen pounds Currency to be levied out of my Estate and paid in installments after her marriage or if she remain single she is entitled to the same after her mother’s death if she cannot remain in the family or any time when my executors shall think it needy. -

Again as my beloved Daughter Anne Martin has already received her portion I bequeath to her ten Shillings. -

Again I bequeath to my Sister Mary Martin a Cow whenever she is pleased to demand her. And if she is pleased to remain in the Family she is to be treated as one of the family and the said Cow notwithstanding. - Also I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Margaret the farm which I now possess situated and bounded as named in the deed thereof and in the will of my late father together with my dwelling house and outhouses household goods debts and moveable effects to be possessed by her during her lifetime. My Son Ewan alias Hugh Martin to dwell with her and work the farm provided they will agree and the whole to dissolve on him after her death and on his death on the lawful Heir and be it understood that all my lawful debts are to be raised levied out of my Estate but it also understood that after my wifes death Ewan my son will pay into the deacons of the Baptist Church Belfast or elsewhere the sum of twenty five Shillings annually to be applied to the Spread of the Gospel at home or abroad & after his death by his Heirs as far as it is possessed by the family. -

I also constitute make and ordain John Frazer & Samuel McLeod my Executors and I utterly disallow revoke and disannul all other testaments and Executors by me in any way named ratifying and confirming this to be my last will and testament. -

In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and Seal this Sixteenth day of July One Thousand Eight hundred and Forty.

Signed Sealed provisioned and declared By said William Martin in presence of us-

Samuel McLeod
John Frazer

Proved on the oath of Samuel McLeod 5 November 1840 D William Martin ?and testament ??? ??? ??? to Ewan Martin a sum of ??? the Executors and Executrix Mary unnamed

William Martin made his mark. X

PARO
Accession No.: R.G. 6.2
Item No.: Series 1
Probate Court Register of Wills: 1807 - 1920
Liber 4, Folio 51 (-53)