Will of Rev. Thomas O'Connor
from Newfoundland will books volume 4 pages 321 to 323 probate year 1884

In re
      Rev. Thomas O'Connor deceased.

In the name of God Amen.     I Thomas O’Connor of Portugal Cove in the Island of Newfoundland Roman Catholic Priest do make publish and declare the following as and for my last will and testament.
First. I will and direct that all my just debts and testamentary expenses shall be paid by my executor hereinafter named.
Second, I will and bequeath to my nieces Bridget and Catherine daughters of my late brother Patrick O’Connor of Kedra parish of Cahir and County Tipperary Ireland the sum of Seven hundred and fifty pounds sterling as follows, the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds sterling to pay for their education and the sum of six hundred pounds sterling should they have a call for a convent life, but should only one be inclined to enter a convent then she is to receive the sum of three hundred pounds sterling and the other to receive a similar sum provided that she will be guided by my executor and her uncle Reverend John O’Connor.
Third, I will and bequeath to my nephew Edward J. Ryan Student Thurles College the sum of one hundred pounds sterling.
Fourth, I will and bequeath to my nephew Thomas son of my late brother Michael O’Connor of Kedra aforesaid now supposed to be residing in New York United States the sum of three hundred pounds sterling.
Fifth. I will and bequeath to my nieces Johanna, Mary and Bridget daughters of my late brother Michael O’Connor of Kedra aforesaid the sum of fifty pounds sterling each.
Sixth I will and bequeath to my brother the Reverend John O’Connor Ardfinan the sum of one hundred pounds sterling.
Seventh. I will and bequeath to the Roman Catholic College of All Hallows, Dublin, the sum of one hundred pounds sterling.
Eighth. I will and bequeath to the College of Mount Melleray Waterford Ireland the sum of fifty pounds sterling and an additional sum of fifty pounds sterling for Masses for the repose of my soul.
Ninth. I will and bequeath to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Saint John’s the sum of ten pounds currency for Masses for the repose of my soul.
Tenth. I will and bequeath the sum of one hundred pounds currency to the priests of the diocese of Saint John’s for Masses for the repose of my soul.
Eleventh. I will and bequeath to the Convent Torbay N.F. the sum of one hundred pounds currency.
Twelfth.     I will and bequeath to my cousin Catherine in religion Sister M. Joseph O’Donnell the sum of sixty pounds currency.
Thirteenth. I will and bequeath to the Roman Catholic Orphanage Belvidere St. John’s the sum of one hundred pounds currency.
Fourteenth. I will and bequeath the sum of four hundred pounds currency for the erection of a new Roman Catholic Church or for substantial repairs of the present one at Portugal Cove and for two Masses yearly for the repose of my soul.
Fifteenth. I will and bequeath to my servant Martin Keough the sum of fifty pounds currency and to my servant Catherine Gushue the sum of twenty five pounds currency
Sixteenth. I will and bequeath to Mrs. Richard Travers Horse Cove the sum of twenty pounds currency.
Seventeenth. I will and bequeath to Mrs. Henry Tucker (Widow, Broad Cove the sum of twenty five pounds currency provided she survives me.
Eighteenth. I will and bequeath to my successor in trust for use of church, or for a convent should one be established my houses and lands adjoining said Church.
Nineteenth. I will and bequeath to my successor my farm on Broad Cove Road provided he offers yearly five Masses for my intention.
Twentieth. Should my successor take my household furniture and farm stock at a valuation the proceeds to be given in charity to the poor of Portugal Cove parish alone.
Twenty first. My present residence purchased by the late Right Reverend Dr. Fleming and intended as a residence for the priest of the parish is at the disposal of the Bishop of the diocese.
Twenty second. All the rest residue and remainder of my lands moneys chattels and effects I will and bequeath to my nephew James D. Ryan of Saint John’s for his sole and separate use behoof and benefit.
Twenty third.     I do hereby revoke and declare null and void all former and other wills by me made and do hereby nominate and appoint my nephew James D. Ryan of Saint John’s aforesaid General Importer executor of this my last will and testament.    Dated at Portugal Cove this 18^th day of March A.D. 1883.   Thomas O’Connor.     Witnesses, John Gladney, William Harvey.

In clause 18 of my will dated March 18^th A.D. 1883, I make the following alteration.    I will and bequeath to my servant Martin Keough my houses and lands around and adjoining the Church (except the piece of land formerly belonging the Whites which I return to them) at the yearly rent of one pound currency for ever, which sum is to be given annually for Masses for the repose of my soul.    Dated at Portugal Cove this 20^th day of June A.D. 1884.    Thomas His X mark O’Connor.     Witnesses, John Gladney, Peter Harvey.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar