Will of Thomas Clift
from Newfoundland will books volume 4 pages 302 to 304 probate year 1884

In re
      Thomas Clift deceased.

This is the last will and testament of me Thomas Clift of St. John’s in the Island of Newfoundland Merchant and I hereby revoke all wills and testamentary dispositions heretofore made by me.
First I desire that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid out of my estate-
Second. I bequeath to my wife Lavinia Clift during the term of her natural life a sum not to exceed Two hundred and forty pounds sterling per annum to be paid out of my general estate for her maintenance and support -
Third I bequeath to my niece May Emerson in addition to any wages that may now hereafter be due her the sum of one hundred pounds currency.
Fourth- I bequeath the following sums of money namely: To my brothers as follows. Theodore Clift one hundred pounds Alexander Clift twenty five pounds and to Henry Clift twenty five pounds- and to Jessie wife of George Carter I bequeath the sum of fifty pounds- to Jessie Emerson twenty five pounds to John R. Hughes twenty five pounds to Robert Mitchell twenty five pounds to John Brienmy gardener five pounds and to Patrick Fleming ten pounds
Fifth I give devise and bequeath to Robert H. Prowse of St. John’s Merchant all my right title and interest whatsoever that I now have or may hereafter have in and to that landed property situate on the south side of Water Street in the town of St. John’s known as the “waterside premises” and also the land with the dwelling house thereon and all the household furniture and effects therein in which I now reside and occupy known as “Clifton” and also all the Bank stock which I may die possessed of or hereafter may become entitled to     to hold the same in trust nevertheless for the sole use and benefit of my children and the survivors of them share and share alike
Sixth I give devise and bequeath to my executors hereinafter named all the trust residue and remainder of my estate and effects to hold the same in trust for the sole use and benefit of my said children and the survivors of them share and share alike-     And with such rest residue and remainder of my estate the majority of my executors may should they deem it advisable carry on the business of the firm of Clift Wood and Company so far as my interest therein is concerned for the benefit of my said children and the survivors of them share and share alike but on no account shall the landed property effects and Bank Stock mentioned in the fifth clause of this my will be invested or put into the said business-     And I hereby authorize my said executor Robert H. Prowse to continue with his co-executors the said business now carried on under the firm of Clift Wood and Company for a period of five years from the first day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighty-five and should the said Robert H. Prose at any time during the said five years wish on behalf of my estate to retire from said firm he is hereby authorised to do so or to continue my interest in the trade for a further term of five years if agreeable to his said co-executors.
I hereby appoint the said Robert H. Prowse, Charles N. Clift and Shannon M. Clift to be the executors of this my last will and testament.   In witness whereof I the said Thomas Clift have to this my last will and testament set my hand this 25^th day of October Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and eighty four.    Thomas Clift. Signed by the said testator and acknowledged by him to be his last will and testament in the presence of us present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses, J. Augustus Clift, W. H. Horwood.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar