Will of William Carter
from Newfoundland will books volume 1 pages 347 to 349 probate year 1840

In re
     William Carter       deceased.

In the name of God Amen. I William Carter Judge of the Vice Admiralty Court of Newfoundland at present residing in the District of Ferryland being sick and weak of body but of sound mind memory and understanding do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) I recommend my soul to God hoping his gracious acceptance of it through the merits of Jesus Christ and my body to the earth to be decently buried.
Firstly I will the just payment and discharge of all my lawful debts as soon as conveniently may be after my death.
Secondly I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Catherine Carter the interest of two thousand pounds lawful money of Great Britain with such rents as may be collected from my fishing rooms and plantations wheresoever situate during her natural life.
Thirdly after the demise of my beloved wife I give and bequeath unto my daughter Catherine Carter one hundred pounds sterling p annum to be paid out of any monies I may have at Interest or from the rents of my fishing rooms or plantations.
Fourthly I will and desire that all monies at interest and property of whatsoever nature or kind shall (provision being first made for the payment of one hundred pounds sterling per annum to my daughter Catherine) be equally divided between my sons Peter Weston Carter one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the Central District of this Island Robert Carter Lieutenant in His Majesty's Navy and Arthur Hunt O'Brien Carter their executors administrators and assigns.
Fifthly I will and devise to my son Peter Weston Carter the house and grounds he at present occupies in Saint John's he his heirs executors and administrators paying seven hundred and seventy pounds currency being the purchase money of the said property together with the Conveyances (Mr. Wakehams) accounts and fee for recording the same to my executors administrators and assigns with interest of five per cent p. annum until the purchase money &c. shall be paid.
Sixthly I give and bequeath to my daughter Catherine Carter the use of the house I at present reside in commonly called Dr. Moores house with the fields in front and rear of the same, Maxeys Field, and such furniture, plate, cattle, horses, farming utensils and sheep as she may be desirous of keeping or using during her natural life; but should my said daughter prefer any other place of residence the house, fields, cattle, plate, &c. to be divided equally between my sons aforesaid. In the event of my daughter marrying and having lawful issue then and in that case the annuity of one hundred pounds sterling with the privileges aforesaid shall cease and determine and she shall be entitled to share alike with my sons before mentioned otherwise during her coverture she shall be entitled to the sum of one hundred pounds sterling p annum as aforesaid.
Seventhly it is to be understood that the purchase money and interest to be paid by my son Peter Weston Carter for the house and grounds occupied by him in Saint John's is not to interfere in any manner with the share which he will be entitled to from monies, landed or other property which I now or hereafter may possess but that he his heirs executors and administrators are to receive an equal share thereof with my other children.
Eighthly, I require that an Inventory of my property of whatsoever kind be taken immediately after my death and delivered to my executors.
Ninthly, All my rooms and Fishing Establishments are to be let to hire by my executors immediately after my death and lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint Thomas Bennett Esquire, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Robert Carter Esquire Sub-Collector of His Majesty's Customs, and Peter Weston Carter of Saint John's Magistrate, Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and seal this eighth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six. Willm Carter (LS)
Signed sealed published and delivered by the said William Carter the testator as and for his last will and testament in presence of Robert Carter,   Betsy Paul.   Cath. Carter.

Certified Correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar