The Will of John Mercer 1798
(Part 1)

I John Mercer Sen'r, being at Present in Perfect Soundings of Mind and Memory, Do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament - I give my Dwelling house to Mrs. Elizabeth Snow during her natural life (with this resolve namely the Preaching of Gods word must be therein by the Methodist Preachers and the Room and Bed and Bed Cloths in the North East Corner of the House for the Preachers use) and after Mrs. Elizabeth Snows Death than the House must be a Preaching house for the Methodists for ever, I give unto Mrs. Elizabeth Snow all the Hay that is in the Lower Meadow. I give unto Jonathan Mercer the Garden upon the Hill near John Mercer's Jun'r - I give unto James Mercer the Garden before his own house. I give unto Jonathan Mercer the Garden behind the Cellar and upon the hill I give unto my four Sons all my Meadows to be Divided equally betwixt them. I give unto my Daughter Patience my Beds and Cloths belonging to the same. I give unto my six Children all my Pewter to be Divided equally to each. I give unto Mrs. Elizabeth Snow all my Cash that is Remaining after my Decease. I give unto my daughter Mary Buttler the Large Pair of Silver Buckles. I give unto my Daughter Patience the small pair of Silver Buckles. I give unto my Six Children, Three Silver Cups, one Silver Table Spoon, Six Silver Tea Spoons, a pair Silver Sugar tongs, three Gold Rings, one Silver Ring, one pair Silver Sleeve Buttons, these to be Divided Equally - I give unto my sons Thomas & Jonathan Mercer my Fishing Room, from James Mercers to each of them a half - I give unto my Son Jonathan, my New Stores upon the Fishing Room. I give unto my son Charles, all my wearing Apparel, I give unto Mrs. Elizabeth Snow all the Remains & Residue of my house hold furniture or goods together with the New Cellar

(Part 2)

behind the House, and I Constitute and appoint Mr. John Stretton and James Cowan to be my Executors to see this my Last Will and Testament Performed -
Given under my hand and Seal this 22 Day of June 1798 -

Signed, Sealed and Declared
to be the Last Will & Testament of          John Merser Sen'r(LS)
John Mercer Sen'r - by him in the
Presence of us where no Stamp paper
is used -

Wm? Thoresby
Edward Baldion

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     This is to Certify that I do give unto Mrs Elisebh Snow my Dwelling house and all the provishons of all Kinds that is in my house and all the Garden ?? ?? meddow below the Dwelling house and the seller and all the peoteates and the box and healers and my black weascoat and my red Trunk and Shirts that is in the trunk and one Jug and 1 Looking Glass and ? Gold Rings all all those things I Desire Mrs Elizebh? Snow shall have and be quitly passed with with them.          Given under my hand in Bay Roberts this 15 Day of December 1798 -

J John Merser Sen'r

and after Mrs Elisebh Snow Deceases all to be order according as the will Directs