Will of John Keenan
from Newfoundland will books volume 2 pages 418-419 probate year 1861

In re
John Keenan deceased.

In the name of God Amen, I John Keenan of Saint John’s in the Island of Newfoundland being in a sickly and weak state of bodily health but of sound mind and memory but considering the uncertainty of this transitory life do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following, viz-    I first will and bequeath my immortal soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it and next my body to the earth to be entered in a decent and Christian like manner and I order all my just and lawful debts to be paid-    I next will and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Keenan after my decease one hundred and fifty pounds currency and also my dwelling house and stable which I now occupy, and all other dwelling houses, outhouses stables &c. which may be built hereafter during her lifetime from the funds of my estate and I also wish and empower my said wife Mary Keenan to carry on the business I now follow in the hiring of horses carriages and sleighs during her natural life and have the receipts payments control and management of her said business same as myself had during my lifetime and also shall one of my two beloved sons Andrew Keenan or Patrick Keenan get married prior to Mary Keenan their mother’s death- then I will and bequeath him the horse he follows- the carriage and sleigh &c. and half the stabling and carriage house for his use and benefit from the date of marriage and also to my second son after his marriage a horse carriage and sleigh in his possession then and hay stabling carriage &c. and after the death of my beloved wife Mary Keenan I will and bequeath all my interest in dwelling houses out houses stabling &c. then in her possession to my two beloved sons Patrick Keenan and Andrew Keenan in equal proportions say the one half to each and I nominate and appoint my beloved wife Mary Keenan my executrix and Mr. Michael Farrell Shopkeeper to be my executor to have this my last will and testament executed- and I appoint Mr. Thomas Murphy my joint executor also.     In witness whereof I the said John Keenan have hereunto my hand and seal subscribed and set at Saint John’s Newfoundland aforesaid the eight day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty one.    John his X mark Keenan (LS)     being read over and explained Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of us, James Hackett, James Donoghue.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar