Will of John Clarke
from Newfoundland will books volume 1 pages 590 & 591 probate year 1850

In re
     John Clarke      deceased.

In the name of God Amen, the twenty first day of January one thousand eight hundred and fifty. I John Clarke of the Town of Brigus in Conception Bay Planter being very sick and weak of body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body knowing that it is appointed once unto all men to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say, principally and first of all I give and recommend by soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the almighty power of God And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form,
First I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife Mary Clarke that portion of my property known as the Meadow Garden for her use and maintenance during her natural life at her death it is to be divided with the remainder of my property situated on the south side of the Public Road between my eight sons hereinafter mentioned also the use of a part of the Cabbage Garden adjoining my dwelling house and also I especially request that my wife do live in my house during her natural life.
Secondly I give and bequeath unto my beloved sons Isaac, Nathan, Samuel and George Clarke that portion of my waterside premises extending from the angle of the wharf westerly as far as Charles Mercer's Room and southerly as far as the public road. Also to my sons John, Moses, William and Caleb Clarke the same extent of water side as their brothers Isaac, Nathan, Samuel and George, extending easterly from said angle in wharf The remainder of my waterside premises to be equally divided between my eight sons before mentioned always considering that the said premises is situate on the Northside of the Public Road. Also I will that the remainder of my property situate on the south side of the said Public Road be equally divided between my before mentioned eight sons and if possible to be so divided that each of my sons that has a house built shall retain the ground the house stands on as his particular share And in case either of my daughters should become a widow and remain so I particularly request my sons (in case it should be required) to give her a piece of ground to build a house. I also give and bequeath unto my three sons Moses, William and Caleb Clarke the dwelling house and furniture that I at present occupy and the Cabbage Garden that is attached thereto I likewise request that their mother do live in the said house during her natural life. To Moses John William and Caleb I likewise give my pew in the Wesleyan Chapel I likewise constitute make or ordain my well beloved son Isaac Clarke my sole executor to this my last will and testament. And I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannul all and every other former testaments wills legacies bequests and executors by me in any ways before named, willed and bequeathed ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty first day of January one thousand eight hundred and fifty. John his x mark Clarke (LS)
Signed sealed published pronounced and declared by the said John Clarke as his last will and testament in the presence of us the subscribers, Thomas Chalker,     George Gushue.

Certified Correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar