Will of Charles Bates
from Newfoundland will books volume 1 pages 465 to 467 probate year 1845

In re
     Charles Bates       deceased.

In the name of God Amen. I Charles Bates Wesleyan Missionary in the Island of Antigua in the West Indies being through divine mercy in perfect health of body and of a sound mind but knowing the frailty of human nature and my liability of being suddenly removed hence by death as wishful to prevent as far as in me lies any unpleasantness which may arise at my death from an unsettled state of my affairs do therefore appoint the contents of this document to be my last will and testament that is to say I give to my beloved wife Elizabeth Bates all my books wearing apparel including linen and whatsoever is usually worn about my person which may be found in my possession at my death trunks boxes and writing desk as also three watches one gold and two silver to be sold or kept for her benefit as she may think proper I give to the said Elizabeth Bates the interest of three hundred pounds of the currency of St. Christopher's West Indies which sum is due to me from the Wesleyan Chapel Basseterra of the above named Island and is now paying the annual interest of six per cent one year's interest being due the thirty first day of December 1836 but the principle must remain untouched by her or any other person on her account as it will be disposed of hereafter. Should the said Elizabeth Bates be joined in marriage with another man after my decease in that case my will is that she lost all her right title and claim which this document gives her to the three hundred pounds interest before named as in that case it will be otherwise disposed of But should she become a widow a third time in that case my will is that it revert to her again until the day of her death I give to the said Elizabeth for her use whatever money and Bills of Exchange (if any) may be found in my possession at my death after all my lawful debts are discharged such money alone being appropriated to that purpose.
I give to Elizabeth W. Bearns of Ashburton in the County of Devon England who is a sister to my late beloved wife Sarah the sum of 200 Spanish dollars otherwise called fifty pounds currency of Newfoundland which sum is in the hands of William Freeman and John Bulley both of Newfoundland and held by them for the use of the Methodist Chapel in Saint John's of that island and paying the annual interest of four per cent By this document she is empowered to call in the above named sum as it may suit her wish and convenience. I also give to the said Elizabeth W. Bearns all the money she has received for me from Mr. Thos. Barnes of Newfoundland as interest of money be holds of mine.
I give to the children of the Revd. George Ellidge Wesleyan Missionary which he now has or may have by his lawful wife Susan the sister of my late beloved wife and also to the children of the late Willm Bearns of Newfoundland deceased the sum of eight hundred Spanish dollars otherwise called two hundred pounds Newfoundland currency which sum is in the hands of Mr. Thomas Bearns Merchant of the above named place and paying the annual interest of five per cent two years interest being due on the twenty first day of September one thousand eight hundred and twenty six to be divided equally between them for their benefit. N.B. The above named sum may be called in after three months notice being given to Mr. Thos. Bearns according to agreement between us.
I appoint Mr. William Bearns of Ashburton of the County of Devon (England) and the Revd George Ellidge Wesleyan Missionary and the Revd. James Cox Wesleyan Missionary and the Revd Jesse Pilcher Wesleyan Missionary and Mr. Charles Thwaites Agent to the Ladies School Association and a resident in Willoughby Bay to be the executors of this my last will and testament. This is my last will and testament to which I set my hand this seventeenth day of Oct. one thousand eight hundred and thirty six. Charles Bates. We whose names are hereunto subscribed are witnesses this is the last will and testament of the above named testator.

Certified Correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar