Will of Joseph Jeffers
from Newfoundland will books volume 4 pages 487-488 probate year 1887

In re
      Joseph Jeffers deceased.

The last will and testament of me Joseph Jeffers of Freshwater District of Bay de Verd in the Island of Newfoundland Planter    After the payment of all my just debts and funeral and testamentary expenses
First. I will devise and bequeath That my beloved wife Elizabeth Jeffers is to have full and undisputed possession of my dwelling house and use of the furniture contained therein while she remains a widow but in the event of her marriage again said dwelling house and furniture shall immediately become the property of my son Joseph Jeffers, The organ in my dwelling house to be the property of my daughter.
Second I will and bequeath my old dwelling house and land thereunto belonging to my son Francis Jeffers the Barn and cattle to be divided between my two sons Francis and Joseph Jeffers.
Third. I will and bequeath to my nephew Samuel Jeffers all my share of my late father’s dwelling house, stable and the cabbage garden in front of said dwelling house, with the proviso that my two sons aforesaid are at all times and forever to have free access by a lane or cart road from the front road to the back land of said property the said cart road being for the mutual benefit of my said nephew and my two sons aforesaid.    I bequeath the said back land to my two sons Francis and Joseph Jeffers, as well also as all the remainder of my lands in Freshwater, not hereinbefore bequeathed and devised, in equal parts, and in the event of the death of either of my said sons the survivor shall become entitled to all the bequests hereinbefore devised and bequeathed between them-     It is my particular wish and desire, that my son Francis shall have especial care of his young brother Joseph and that they shall at all times continue to live on brotherly terms.
Fourth, I will devise and bequeath my Fishing Room at Labrador together with all my fishing Gear Netts Sets together with all boats and material to be the joint property of my two sons aforesaid Francis and Joseph Jeffers.
Fifth I will and devise that my daughters shall be maintained and supported out of my estate untill they arrive at the age of 21 years provided that if any or either of them should be married before they arrive at that age they are to have no claim in my said dwelling house but in the event of either or any of them remaining single they are to have a home during their life time in my said dwelling house.     And to be supported from the provision hereinafter mentioned for them.
Sixth. All moneys, cash in Bank, Bank stock, and other securities for money which shall or may be in my possession or belonging to me at the time of my decease shall be at the sole disposal of my said wife while she remains a widow and during her lifetime as such the interest accruing from the same to be used for the support of herself and my children.
Seventh, After the death of my said wife all my said moneys, cash in bank, bank stock and other securities for money shall be divided between my children at and after the apportionment of two pounds to each son and one pound to each daughter of the whole amount to be so divided provided that if at any time prior to such final division of my estate either of my sons or daughters should be in want they are to be relieved in such amount as may be deemed necessary by my said wife, any such money so advanced to be chargeable to their share at the final division of my estate.
Eighth. I will and ordain that my wife Elizabeth Jeffers shall have sole control and management of my estate while she remains a widow and in accordance with the terms and provisions hereinbefore mentioned and set forth.    And I further will and appoint my trusty and well beloved friend Frederick T. Bemister as joint executor with my said wife in the execution of this my last will and testament.    In witness whereof I the said Joseph Jeffers have to this my last will and testament hereunto my hand and seal subscribed and set at Carbonear in the Island aforesaid the first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty three. Joseph his X mark Jeffers (LS)     Signed by the said Joseph Jeffers the testator first read over and explained as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us both present at the same time, who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses, Israel L. McNeil,     Fredk. T. Bemister.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar