Will of Richard Matthews
from Newfoundland will books volume 3 pages 521-522 probate year 1877

In re
     Richard Matthews deceased.

In the name of God Amen     I Richard Matthews of Saint John’s in the Island of Newfoundland, Shop Keeper, being in a good state of bodily health and of sound mind and memory but being about to make one or more voyages by sea in the way of my business, and considering the risk and uncertainty of life that frequently occurs on such occasions, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following, viz:     I first will and bequeath after my decease my immortal soul into the hands of the 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 Eliza Mathews after my decease all my property consisting of goods wares and merchandise money household furniture &c. and also all my interest in and arising out of my houses lands and premises situate in Water Street in the town of Saint John’s aforesaid and all other monies property &c. that may belong to me here or hereafter either in Saint John’s Newfoundland in England or elsewhere at the time of my death for her sole use and benefit- she binding herself to look to the comforts of my aged father and mother in England whilst they are living and to have them decently entered at their death-     And I also nominate and appoint my beloved wife Eliza Mathews to be my sole executrix to have this my last will and testament executed In witness whereof I the said Richard Mathews have hereunto my hand and seal subscribed and set at Saint John’s Newfoundland this twenty eight day of May Anno Domino one thousand eight hundred and sixty.

Richard Matthews (LS)     Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of James Hackett, Richard Noyle.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar