Will of John French
from Newfoundland will books volume 4 pages 176-177 probate year 1882

In re
      John French deceased.

In the name of God Amen.     I John French Fisherman of Scilly Cove in the Island of Newfoundland being of perfect mind do make this my last will and testament     First, I surrender my immortal soul into the hand of my Heavenly Father, beseeching him to accept it for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, And my body I request may be decently buried in the Church Yard, Second, I will that my worldly property be disposed of in manner hereinafter mentioned.     The Room on which my house stands I desire shall be divided between my beloved wife Grace and my three sons Francis, Joshua and John; that is to say one-half to be the joint property of Grace French and my youngest son John during his minority but when he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years it shall be equally divided between them the other half nearest to and south west from William Pitman to be the property of my sons Francis and Joshua to be divided by them when desirable, in the event of my wife’s death or her marrying to another man her portion of the room to be divided between my three sons.    The house and furniture to be the joint property of my wife and son John and Joshua to be permitted to live in the house so long as may be agreeable and convenient.    To my son Francis I give and bequeath either the Hill Garden, or the Inside Garden by the brook which he pleases, the other I give to my son Joshua; the large garden and the Middle garden to be the property of Grace French so long as she continues my widow and after her death the Middle garden to become the property of my son John.    I also request that my land at Jones’ Cove be equally divided between my three sons Francis, Joshua and John, the eldest to have choice of lots.    My three meadows to be enjoy’d by my widow Grace French, and after her death to be given to my sons or either of them as she may direct.    My largest Boat I will shall become the joint property of my widow and my two sons Francis and Joshua, and my smallest boat to be given to my youngest son John when his mother shall see proper     The interest of one hundred pounds currency which I intend shall be placed in the Colonial Bank shall be at the disposal of my beloved wife and should she at any time require further assistance in bringing up my two children Eliza and Eunice she shall be authorized by the consent of my two executors to draw from the principal a sum not exceeding ten pounds currency in one year & should any part be left at her death to be equally divided between my surviving daughters    I give to each of my daughters Elizabeth, Sarah, Caroline and Amelia the sum of five pounds to be paid at my death, provided that amount of cash be remaining after the one hundred pounds be placed in the Bank as aforesaid, and all expenses of my funeral and administering to my will be paid.    I hereby appoint Henry Lind Episcopal Missionary and John Hannan Fisherman my executors.     John French.    In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal this first day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.    Sign’d and seal’d in the presence of us and of each other this first day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, James Parrott,    James Kelland.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar