Part 1 - Contributed by Judy Benson as part of the wills project

Will of Mary Brennan
from Newfoundland will books volume 3 pages 351-352 probate year 1874

In re
     Mary Brennan deceased.

In the name of God Amen, I Mary Brennan of Saint John’s Widow do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say viz:     I will direct and impose as a charge on my estate lands chattels and effects the payment of a sum sufficient to defray the charge of the celebration of at least four Masses annually for the repose of my soul and that of my late husband Thomas-     I will and bequeath to my daughter Catherine the sum of sixty pounds currency free of the control of her husband or of his debts or liabilities-     To my daughter Mary Farrell I will and bequeath the sum of fifty pounds (£50)    All the rest residue and remainder of my estate I leave to my son James Brennan and his daughter Mary I will and desire that a memento be purchased out of my estate of the value of five £5 pounds and given by my executors to Mrs. John McGrath-     To my son Edward I bequeath the sum of five pounds in addition to what he has already received from his father’s estate.     I appoint Thomas Raftis Planter my executor- Dated this 21^st November A.D. 1874
Mary Brennan X her mark.     Witness, J. Scott,     Jos. I. Little.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar

Part 2 - Contributed by Jeanette Squires

1874

Estate of Mary Brennan late of St. John's Widow
Dated Dec 7/74

Volume 4
Folio 100

To the Honorable the Supreme Court of Newfoundland or any one of the Honorable the Judge thereof.

The Petition of Thomas Raftis of St. John's, Planter

Humbly sheweth

that Mary Brennan late of St. John's aforesaid Widow died there on or about the twenty second day of the now present month of November having first made and executed her last Will and Testament hereto annexed. That said deceased left her surviving two sons James and Edmond and two daughters both of whom are married. That testatrix died possed of property situated within the jurisdiction of the honorable court of the probably value of about two thousand dollars. That no probate or administration of her estate has been hitherto granted. That in and by her last will and testament she nominated and appointed your petitioner executor thereof. Petitioner therefore prays that probate of the said will may be granted unto him and are in duty bound he will ever pray .

Dated St. John 's this 28^th day of November A.D. 1874

Little ???

Proctor for Petitioner

Thomas Raftis

In the name of God, Amen. I, Mary Brennan of Saint John's widow do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say viz.

I will direct and impose as a charge on my Estate lands, chattels and effects the payment of a sum sufficient to defray the charge of the celebration of at least four masses annually for the repose of my soul and that of my late husband Thomas. I will and bequeath to my daughter, Catherine, the sum of sixty pounds currency free of the control of her husband or of his debts or liabilities. To my daughter Mary Farrell, I will and bequeath the sum of fifty pounds (£50).

All the ??? and remainder of my Estate I leave to my son James Brennan and his daughter Mary. I will and desire that a momento be purchased out of my estate of a value of five (£5) pounds and given by my executor to Mrs. William McGrath. To my son Edward, I bequeath the sum of five pounds in addition to what he has already received from his father's estate.

I appoint Thomas Raftis Planter my Executor. Dated this 21^st November AD 1874

Signed by her mark X
Mary Brennan