Will of John Lester
from Newfoundland will books volume 6 pages 44-46 probate year 1893

Last Will and Testament of
John Lester of St. John's
Farmer deceased.

      This is the last will and Testament of me John Lester of St. John's in the Island of Newfoundland Farmer.

First I desire that all my just and lawful debts and testamentary expenses be paid out of my estate.

Second I give devise and bequeath unto my two sons Edward and James all and singular my Farm known as "Fair Maid" as well as the Field called "the Rock" together with the buildings and all erections on said lands and all and singular the Farming tools and implements of whatsoever description appertaining and belonging to the same Also all wagons carriages and vehicles, cattle, horses, and live stock of every description which shall belong to said Farms at the time of my death to hold the same absolutely and forever Subject nevertheless to the payment of the sums hereinafter named to be paid by my said two sons Edward and James.

Third I give devise and bequeath unto my son John all and singular the Farm known as "Strawberry Farm" together with the buildings and all erections thereon and all and singular the farming tools and implements of whatsoever description appertaining and belonging to the said Farm and all wagons carriages and vehicles cattle horses and live stock of every description which shall belong to the said Farm at the time of my death to hold the same absolutely and forever subject nevertheless to the payment of the sums hereinafter named to be paid by him the said John Lester.

Fourth The above bequests are made to my said sons Edward, James and John upon the express condition that they shall pay off the mortgage of ($1160.00) Eleven hundred and sixty dollars now held by Alexander Taylor upon the said "Strawberry Farm" in the following proportions that is to say my son Edward to pay the sum of Four hundred dollars $400.00) my son James to pay the sum of Four hundred dollars $400.00 and my son John to pay the sum of Three hundred and sixty dollars $360.00) And that my son John shall pay the annual interest payable under the said mortgage until the same is fully paid off. And should any of the said principal sum be paid off during my lifetime then my said sons are to pay off the balance remaining due at the time of my death in like proportions

Fifth The above bequest of the "Fair Maid" and "The Rock" Farms to my said two sons Edward and James is made upon the further following conditions and subject to the payment of the sums hereinafter set forth that is to say -
First to pay to my daughter Jessie Anna the sum of Forty dollars per annum during the term of her natural life.
Second To provide my said daughter Jessie Anna with her present bed room accommodation and suitable board so long as she shall desire to remain and live upon the said Farm.
Third. To pay to my sons Henry Charles and William and to the children of my deceased daughter Elizabeth Whitten namely Alexander, Charles Mary Grace and Georgina the sum of one hundred dollars each (making in all the sum of seven hundred dollars) provided nevertheless that they my said sons shall not be obliged to pay any of these said bequests of one hundred dollars within a period of ten years from the date of my death but may pay the same within said period at such time or times as may be most convenient to them.

Sixth should my said daughter Jessie Anna desire at any time to leave the said "Fair Maid" Farm and reside elsewhere then and in such case my said sons Edward and James shall pay a further sum of Forty dollars per annum to her during the term of her natural life and my said John shall pay a like sum of Forty dollars per annum to her the said Jessie Anna during the term of her natural life and I hereby declare that the bequests of my said Farms to my said sons are made upon the express condition that these payments to my said daughter shall hereupon be made.

Seventhly In the event of the death of either of my said sons Henry Charles or William or of the death of either of my Grandchildren that is to say the children of my said deceased daughter Elizabeth then I will and desire that the sum of one hundred dollars so payable to them and each of them shall be paid to the child or children of such deceased son or grandchild and should such son or grandchild die without leaving lawful issue then the share of such son or Grandchild shall be equally divided amongst the survivors.

Eighth all the rest residue and remainder of Estate chattels and effects I give devise and bequeath to my said two sons Edward and James in equal parts.

Ninth I nominate and appoint Walter Clouston of St. John's Agent to be the executor of this my said last will and testament.
In witness whereof I the said John Lester have hereto set my hand at St. John's in the Island of Newfoundland this sixth day of July A.D. one thousand eight hundred and ninety three. (Sgd) John Lester. Signed published and declared by the said Testator as and for his last will and Testament in the presence of us who present at the same time in the presence of each other and of the said Testator and at his request have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses (sgd) J. Augustus Clift Solicitor. (Sgd) S. D. Blandford.

(Listed in the margin next to this will the following)
Fiat
J. S. Winter J.
Probate
granted to
Walter Clouston
of St. John's
the Exor.
Dated
Oct. 16: 1893
Estate
sworn under
$6000.00