Will of James Brennan
from Newfoundland will books volume 5 page 71 probate year 1886

1886

Estate of James Brennan
Late of St. John's
In the Central District
Dealer deceased

Dated 12^th October 1886

Probate granted to Rev. John Ryan and Michael Tobin

The executor named in the Will

Estate sworn under $5,500.00

Volume 4
Folio 371

To the Honourable the Supreme Court of Newfoundland or anyone of the honourable the judges thereof.

The petition of the very Reverend John Ryan of St. John's Roman Catholic priest and of Michael Tobin of same place, Merchant.

Humbly Sheweth

that James Brennan, late of St. John's aforesaid, dealer, died there on or about the first ____day of September now present having first made and executed his last will and testament as hereto annexed and which will been duly proven(?) in common form. That said deceased left him surviving as his next of kin, one daughter Mary now aprofessed??? Him and servant in Albany in the United Stated of America and one brother and two sisters ______.

And died possessed of property situated within the jurisdiction of the honourable court of the probable value of about five thousand dollars. That no probate or administration to the estate of the said deceased has been hitherto granted. That in and by his said last will and testament he nominated and appointed your petitioners as executors thereof.

I ??? therefore pray that probate of the said will may be granted unto them and ??? ??? they will ever pray &c &c

Dated at St. John's this tenth day of September A.D. 1886.

Robert J. Kent
??? for said petitioner

Last will and Testament of
James Brennan of St. John's Dealer

In the name of God. Amen.

I James Brennan of St. John's in the island of Newfoundland, dealer, do make publish and declare the following as and for my last will and testament.

Second, I will and bequeath to my daughter, Mary Brennan, the sum of fifty pounds currency to pay for her board in the convent, and a further sum of three hundred pounds currency.

Third, I will and bequeath the sum of thirty pounds currency for masses for the repose of my soul.

Fourth I will and bequeath to my brother, Edward Brennan, my estate and land on Topsail Road at present occupied by my said brother Edward during his natural life.

Fifth, I will and bequeath my house on Patrick Street at present occupied by Mr. Ledingham for the use of the orphanage at Villa Nova near Topsail.

Sixth, I will and bequeath my house on Patrick Street at present occupied by Mr. M. O'Flanagan to my sister, Mary Fitzgibbon.

Seventh, I will and bequeath to the Rev. John Ryan, St. Patrick's River Head St. John's the sum of ten pounds.

In the fifth clause I make the following alteration namely the rent of the house on Patrick Street bequeathed the orphanage at Villa Nova is for a period of six years to be devoted towards educating my nephew, Patrick, son of my brother Edward.

Eighth, see the rest residue and remainder of my lands, moneys, chattels and
effects, I will and bequeath to my sister Mary Fitzgibbon aforesaid
for her sole and separate use behoof and benefit.

I do hereby revoke and declare null and void, all former and other wills by
me, made and do hereby nominate and appoint the Rev John Ryan, St. Patrick's
and Michael Tobin, Merchant, executors of this my last will and testament.

Dated at Saint John's this 26^th day of August AD 1886.

Signed with his mark (X) James Brennan

Witnesses to the above having been first read over
James D. Ryan
Bridget Tobin

I certify that the foregoing is a correct copy
Prescott Emerson
Regr.