Will of John Brennan
from Newfoundland will books volume 2 page 405-406 probate year 1861

In re
John Brennan deceased.

In the name of God Amen. I John Brennan being weak in body and strong in memory do make this my last will and testament. I John Brennan first bequeath my soul to God my body to the earth and rotness and to be intered in the Catholic Church or Semetary of St. John's. I direct that all my just debts and funeral and testamentary expenses be paid and satisfied by my executor hereinafter named as soon as conveniently may be after my decease- I give devise and bequeath all my land to my two sons James Brennan and Michael Brennan the tillage and medowing land is to be surveyed or measured a division to be ran between each of the shares, and two acres of Michael Brennan's dry land to be taken off after the survey and given to James Brennan untill the remainder of the ground or land be cleared and then let there be two equal parts be made of the said land And Michael Brennan is to allow a car way or passage to James Brennan to any part or place he require and James Brennan for to allow the same to Michael Brennan for the conveyance of each I John Brennan also state that the bog or turf land is not to be prevented by one or the other But taken when wanted as long as it holds for each others use I John Brennan give devise and bequeath to my son Michael Brennan a new pair of box wheels and cart for his use. I also give devise and bequeath to my daughter Ann St. Johns one cow and one ton of hay. I also give devise and bequeath to my wife Catherine Brennan that she shall have the same liberty or authory as long as she lives as she always had but she my said wife is not to claim any part of the foresaid land mentioned, But should there in after time any dispute arise she my present wife is to be paid four pounds cash per year for her support by my son Michael Brennan. I John Brennan also give devise and bequeath the foresaid land mentioned to my two sons James Brennan and Michael Brennan and at the same time not leaving it in their power for to sell or mortgage the said land But to be left in succession from one heir to the other and should their any thing befall or happen to James Brennan or Michael Brennan in after time their wifes shall not have it in their power for to bring in any strange men for to possess the said land in their stead. I John Brennan also state that my two sons heretofore mentioned for to have the liberty of or from my son John Brennan for them to take whatever bog stuff or turf the require and for to have the liberty of a car way by Thomas Murphy's fence and not to sell any of the said bog to any one by one or the other of my sons. I John Brennan also state that neither one or the other of my sons or any of their families shall never have any claim over any part of Michael Brennans farm or property thereof. And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint Michael Brennan to be executor of this my will I declare this to be my last will and testament In witness where I the said John Brennan have to this my last will and testament set my hand the twenty forth 24 day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty. John this my or his X mark Brennan (LS) Signed by the testator. Signed and sealed & delivered in the presence of Michael this his my X mark Brennan, John Hackett, Attesting witnesses.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar