Will of William Maurice Blake
from Newfoundland will books volume 3 pages 332-333 probate year 1874

In re
     William M. Blake deceased.

In the name of God Amen I William Maurice Blake of St. John’s Newfoundland Shopkeeper and Tin Plate Worker being weak in body but of perfect sound mind and memory do make this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say I principally recommend my soul into the hands that gave it and as to the interment of my body I leave to the discretion of my executors hereinafter named.     All my lawful debts are to be paid.     My stock in trade and household furniture are to be sold to the best advantage.     My house and tenements wherever to be found are to be let same are not to be sold.     The amount of rent arising from said house and tenements as well as the amount of my life policy are to be placed at interest on good security. My funeral expenses are not to exceed ten pounds.     A head stone to be provided also an iron railing for burial ground.

I give devise and bequeath unto my wife Eliza and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life the sum of fifty pounds p annum free of all deductions to be paid and payable by equal half yearly payments and all beds, bedding, table linen etc that I may be possessed of at the time of my decease also fifteen pounds, are to be allowed for her funeral expenses.

I also give devise and bequeath to the Right Rev. Dr. Thomas Joseph Power M.A. Lord Bishop of St. John’s ten pounds and I give devise and bequeath to the Revd John Scott of St. John’s aforesaid five pounds,

For William Henry Blake for clothes I leave at present to the discretion of my wife Eliza aforesaid.     And I give devise and bequeath to the aforesaid William Henry Blake provided he conducts himself properly whatever money or other property which may remain at the death of my said wife, same to be paid to him at the discretion of my executors hereinafter named at such time as they may deem prudent.     And I direct my said executors not to interfere with my said wife Eliza respecting the beds, bedding, table linen etc which I have herein devised to her whole use and benefit as it is not my intention that the same should be subject to the payment of my debts or funeral expenses unless my other estate should be found insufficient for that purpose,

And I do hereby nominate and appoint the Right Revd Dr. Thomas Joseph Power Lord Bishop of St. John’s aforesaid, James McLaughlin Senr and James McLaughlin Jnr executors to this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other wills and testaments by me at any time heretofore made.    And finally whatever sum of money arising from any source whatever including money in hand at time of my decease after payment of my debts legacies and funeral expenses I hereby direct my said executors also to place at interest on good security.     In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the eighth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy three.

William M. Blake (LS)     The above instrument consisting of one sheet was now here subscribed by William Maurice Blake in the presence of each of us; and was at the same time declared by him to be his last will and testament; and we, at his request, sign our names hereto as attesting witnesses,     Geo. F. Bown.    Alfred Alex Bown.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar