The Will of Thomas Belben of Ringwood

Hampshire Records Office – 1710 P6

In the Name of God Amen. I THOMAS BELBEN of CARBONEAR, Planter, being att this present sick and weak in body butt of sound and perfect memory doe constitute and appoint this my Last Will and Tesament. Viz. Imprimus I recommend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God and my body to Earth to be decently buryed and Secondly I give and bequeath to my ELDEST SON JAMES BELBIN the sum of ssixtey pounds to be paid him att the age of twenty one years. Item, I give and bequeath to my DAUGHTER EADETH BELBEN the sum of ssixtey pounds to be paid her at the day of her marriage or at the age of eighteen years. Item, I give and bequeath to MY YOUNGEST CHILD the sum of ssixtey pounds if a son to be paid him at the age of twenty one years but if a daughter att the day of marriage or at the age of eighteen. My will and request is ? my money to pay the aforesaid legacies shall be taken outt of the hands of MR. MOSES KITCHER (transcriber’s note, likely KITTIER) and to be putt into any sufficient mans hands or left in the hands provided he or they will allow interest for the saim until my childring shall arive to theyer ages above mentioned and also all other of my esteatte both reall and parsonall to be maniged att my dear WIFE EDETH BELBIN dueration for the bringing upe and education of my childring, I autherizing and impouring and appointing her to be my Wholl and Sole Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament. And as for what goods and debts I have in NEWFOUNDLAND at the last of the year to be received by MR. THOMAS WILLIAMS or MR. PETER MIRKING and they to discharge and pay the debts I am owing to my wife this my Last Will and Testiment as witness my hand and seal CARBONEAR ISLAND Feberuary 23, 1709.

Signed, seald & Delivered in presence of

PETER MIRKING

THOMAS WILLIAMS

PETER LEVICENT

JNO CAMPBELL