Will of James E. Croucher
from Newfoundland will books volume 4 pages 484-485 probate year 1899
(The will index gives the probate year, for this will, as 1899, but it is filed chronologically with wills from 1886.)

In re
      James E. Croucher deceased.

This is the last will and testament of me James E. Croucher of Point Verde Placentia Bay, Light House keeper, hereby revoking all former wills and testaments made by me     First I give and bequeath to my two sons James and Thomas upon the conditions hereinafter set forth, all that land and premises with the buildings and erections thereon known as “The Downs” situate East and south of Point Verde Light House.     And also the garden situate near “The Downs” purchased by me from one Lamb and known as the “Beach Garden” and also all my right title and interest in and to the fishing room situate at Point Verde aforesaid and also all my boats and fishing gear and all farming stock and utensils horses cows carts sleighs carriages harnesses goods chattels and effects contained in and upon the said lands and premises and each of them Upon condition that my said sons James and Thomas shall and will support and maintain my wife Matilda Croucher during her natural life.     Second I give and bequeath to my said son Thomas all my household furniture goods chattels and effects contained in and upon the said Point Verde Light House.    Third.     I will and direct that all that piece or parcel of land situate at Placentia with the dwelling house thereon and all that other piece or parcel of land situate at Placentia aforesaid with the stores and wharves thereon and all the rest residue and remainder of the property of which I may die possessed of every nature and kind whatsoever be sold and disposed of and the proceeds thereof and all moneys of which I may die possessed after payment of all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses divided equally between my four children James, Thomas, Fanny wife of Jacob Hammond and Clara wife of David Morrissey     Fourth I appoint Donald Morrison of St. John’s executor hereto.    Dated at St. John’s in the Island of Newfoundland this tenth day of June A.D. eighteen hundred and ninety seven.    James E. Croucher.     Signed published and declared by the said testator as and for his last will and testament in our presence who in is presence at his request and in the presence of each other subscribe our names as witnesses hereto Chas. H. Hutchings, F.W. Knight.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar