Will of Thomas Butler
from Newfoundland will books volume 3 pages 249-250 probate year 1872

In re
     Thomas Butler deceased.

In the name of God Amen.     Dated at Port de Grave, Conception Bay in the Norther District of the Island of Newfoundland this first day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy two.       I Thomas Butler of Port de Grave, Conception Bay aforesaid Merchant, being weak of body but of perfect mind and memory (thanks be given unto God) therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say:

First and principally of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it and my body to the earth to be interred in decent Christian burial, And as to my worldly estate wherewith God has blessed me with in this life, I give and devise and bequeath the same in the following manner and form.       I give devise and bequeath unto my dearly-beloved wife Ellen and my son Peter Butler all my estate both real and personal, messuages lands hereditaments, tenements and premises, goods and chattels debts due to me and all other property and effects of whatsoever nature or kind soever which I am or at my death shall be seized and have power to dispose of by will in such proportions and subject to the payment of such legacies and expenses as are hereinafter mentioned and contained

• 1^st I desire and request that my funeral expenses and (other lawful debts due of me, if any) shall be paid and discharged as soon as possible after my interment.

• 2^nd I give and bequeath to the Port de Grave Chapel the sum of ten pounds currency.

• 3^rd I give and bequeath to the Parish Priest of Brigus who shall be attending at Port de Grave at the time of my decease the sum of ten pounds currency.

• 4^th I give and bequeath to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Saint John’s the sum of twenty pounds currency.

• 5^th I give and bequeath the sum of ten pounds to be paid for offering up masses for my soul at the discretion of my wife Ellen.

• 6^th I give and bequeath unto my said dearly beloved wife Ellen two thirds of the nett proceeds of all my property (after the above legacies and expenses are paid) for her own private use with power to dispose of the same or part thereof at her discretion and whatever portion thereof shall be remaining at her decease shall become the property of my beloved son Peter Butler.

• 7^th I also give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved son Peter Butler one third of the net proceeds of all my property (after the above legacies and expenses are paid) for his own private use with liberty to dispose of the same by will or otherwise.

• And 8^th I give and bequeath ten pounds towards the erection of a chapel at Northern River.

And I do hereby nominate and appoint my two friends the Revd Jas. C. Harvey and Mr. John M. Maddock both of Port de Grave aforesaid executors of this my will and testament; hereby revoking and declaring null and void all wills legacies and bequests by me at any time made heretofore declaring this and no other to be my last will and testament.       In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written (First day of May 1872)

Thomas Butler (LS)      Signed sealed pronounced and declared by the said Thomas Butler as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto
Patrick Kenny,       Matt. O’Reilly.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar