Will of Patrick Canning
from Newfoundland will books volume 2 pages 350-351 probate year 1859

In re
     Patrick Canning      deceased.

In the name of God Amen, I Patrick Canning of St. John's do make the following as my last will and testament.

1. I will and direct that my executors hereinafter named shall pay all lawful debts due by me at my decease.
2. I give and bequeath unto the Right Reverend Doctor Mullock Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of St. John's Newfoundland and to his successors in the Bishoprick thereof, the sum of twenty pounds currency for High Masses for the good of my soul.
3. I give and bequeath unto my mother Catherine Canning of and in the County of Kilkenny Ireland the sum of twenty pounds currency for her exclusive use and benefit.
4. I give and bequeath unto my wife Judith Canning the sum of eighty pounds currency and all my household furniture beds bedding for her own exclusive use and benefit free of the control of any person whomsoever.
5. I give and bequeath unto the Rt. Rev. Doctor Mullock and to his successors in the Episcopacy of the said Diocese the sum of ten pounds currency for the support and maintenance of the Catholic Orphanage under the care of the Sisters of Mercy near the Cathedral in St. John's-
6. I will and desire that after my decease my executors shall at such time as will be most convenient to them, sell and dispose of my dwelling house land and premises in which I now reside together with the stock in trade and my tools remaining at my death either at public or private sale and out of the proceeds thereof first to pay all expenses, debts, and liabilities then due by me or my estate and next out of such proceeds of sale to pay and liquidate all the foregoing legacies and bequests and thereafter to divide the residue of such proceeds and of the remaining part of my estate not hereinbefore disposed of into two equal parts or shares and that my said executors shall pay over to my son Cornelius Canning the one half part of the residue of such proceeds of sale after satisfying the bequests aforesaid and that my said executors shall pay over to my daughter Mary Canning the other half part of the said residue of such proceeds of the sale of my said last mentioned real and personal property after satisfying the said bequests secondly thirdly fourthly and fifthly hereinbefore mentioned and that she shall take and hold the said remaining half part of such residue of said proceeds of said sale free of the control of any husband she may marry.

I hereby revoke all former wills made by me. I appoint the Rev. Jeremiah O'Donnell and Mr. John Sheehan executors of this my last will and testament
As witness my hand and seal at St. John's this tenth day of April 1857.
Patrick his X mark Canning (LS)
Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator as and for his last will and testament in our presence the same being first read over to him and approved of by him, in his perfect senses, before us,
John Little     John Sheehan.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar