Will of Laurence Geran
from Newfoundland will books volume 2 pages 161 to 163 probate year 1854.
(This name is spelled Laurence and Lawrence in the will, and Laurence in the will index.)

In re
     Laurence Geran      deceased.

In the name of God Amen, This is the last will and testament of me Lawrence Geran of Saint John's, Shipowner.
1^st I bequeath to each of my three children John, Lawrence and Mary Anne the sum of three hundred pounds currency for their sole separate and exclusive use and benefit and the sum of three hundred pounds to my beloved wife Catherine for the support of herself and the said children as long as they live together.
2^ly, I devise and bequeath the eastern half of the dwelling house being that part in which I now live with the yard attached thereto and the new store in the rear thereof to my son Lawrence and his heirs subject to the use for a residence in the dwelling for my wife and children including the said Lawrence as long as my wife shall remain single
3^ly I devise and bequeath the western half of the said dwelling house AND yard to my son John and his heirs.
4^thly I devise and bequeath thirty feet of the garden fronting on the firebreak in the rear of the above dwelling by fifty feet deep in such part as she may chose to my daughter Mary Anne for her sole and exclusive use and benefit and the remainder of the said garden to be equally divided between my sons John and Lawrence and their heirs
5^ly I devise and bequeath my house in Water Street to my wife and said children for their sole separate and exclusive use and benefit
6^ly I bequeath my vessel called the "Clipper" to my wife and said children to be equally divided between them for their sole separate and exclusive use and benefit.
7^ly I bequeath the Piano now in my house to my daughter Mary Anne.
8^ly I devise and bequeath my house and ground on the north side of Gower Street to my wife to hold as long as she shall remain single and my widow.
9^ly I bequeath my household furniture beds and bedding to my wife for the use of herself (and the children if they reside with her) as long as she remains single.     Provided always and it is my further will and desire that the rents issues and profits of all my land and houses shall be applied to the support of my wife and children as long as my wife shall remain single and be my widow and it shall please my children to reside with her and provided further that if my wife should not desire to reside in the said house left to Lawrence and in which I now live she may have and remove to the house devised to her situate on the north side of Gower Street and use and occupy the same as long as she shall be and remain single and unmarried after my death And provided further that in the event of her marrying after my decease all the bequests and devises hereinbefore made to her shall go equally among my said children for their sole and exclusive use and benefit.     I further direct that in the event of the death of any of the said children unmarried and without issue the share of such one shall go equally among the survivors of them subject to the like conditions as are hereinbefore expressed that the sum of Nine hundred pounds first bequeathed to my said three children shall be placed at interest on good security for their sole use and benefit as aforesaid, that my houses shall be kept secured that my executors shall consult my wife and family upon all matters relating to the estate, the sale of the vessel and her continuance at the seal fishery and the sale of the house in Water Street if the same should be deemed desirable by them and my executors shall pay out of my estate so much as my wife and children here at the time may direct for Masses for my soul and a tombstone for me.
I hereby finally revoke all former wills by me made and appoint my brother and friend Thomas Geran and Thomas Jackman my executors hereof.
As witness my hand and seal the 26^th day of October A.D. 1853. Laurence Geran (LS)
Signed sealed published and declared as and for the last will and testament of the said Laurence Geran in presence of who attest the same in his presence and at his request, P. F. Little.     Joseph I. Little. Item I desire that my wife and children shall be kind to my mother and contribute what they think proper to her support while she lives. Witness A. F. Little. Joseph I. Little.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar