PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE - The National Archives
Catalogue Reference: Prob. 11/876 Image Reference: 148¹

115

In the Name of God Amen                          John Monier
I John Monier residing in Saint Johns in Newfoundland
being at this present time a little indisposed but in perfect
mind and memory (Blessed be to God therefore) do this #²
twentieth day of April in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and sixty one make and publish this my last Will and
Testament written with my own hand in manner and form #
following that is to say, Imprimis I commend my Soul into the
hands of Almighty God who gave it to me. And my body to the
Earth from whence it came in hopes of a joyful Resurrection
through the Merits of my Saviour Jesus Christ and to be buried
in a decent and plain manner at the discretion of my Executrix
hereinafter mentioned forbidding all flounces furbelows and such
like Tawdrys [sic] which has often in my life time given offence to
see a poor rotten Carcass just going to be put into the earth
bedecked in such foolerys [sic]. And as for what worldly Estate wherewith
it has pleased God to bless me I dispose of as follows. To my #
dearly ³beloved Wife Hannah Monier who has been the kind
and indigent ⁴ partner of my adverse as well as my more #
moderate Circumstances I give and bequeath every thing I
have in the world both moveable and immoveable as well
what I have at present as what moneys may possibly #
become due to me out the publick [sic] offices which I serve when
I shall come to make my Departure out of this life. And also
all other moneys dues and demands that may legally become
due to me, together with the full Rents and profits of the
fishing rooms now Rented to Messrs. Goss and Escott together
with what can be made of the two Stores which we commonly
call the long and the little stores and also the Dwelling house
and Gardens and Enclosures upon the hill with every thing #
appertaining thereto, the Enjoyment of every thing herein
contained, my said dear Wife Hannah Monier shall fully and
fairly use during her natural life, paying thereout all my
Creditors my just and lawful Debts and Funeral Expences.
And as to my dear Children tho I would heartily wish it were
in my power to give them something that I might have the
pleasure of seeing them enjoy it in my life time, Yett [sic] as my
Circumstances are so low that after my Debts are paid there
will be but a small pittance for their Mother to subsist upon
they must be contented to take it after her death in the
following manner, whatever she is possessed of either Moneys
or Moveables it being her own she may dispose of as she
pleases. Item I give and bequeath to my son John #
Monier all that Plantation which I hold by Indenture of
Trust and Promise ⁵ from his grandfather William Roberts

and now Rented to Messrs. Goss and Escott together with what
we call the long and little stores to him and his heirs for ever
to be entered upon at the death of his Mother, out of which
he shall be obliged to pay two Legacys [sic] - that is to say the
first years Rent of the whole both fishing Rooms and Stores
or the produce thereof more or less, to be paid to my Daughter
his Sister Roberta Hays. And the second years Rent in
like manner to be paid to his Sister Betty Monier, or to
either or both an equivalent to their Satisfaction. Item
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary Monier the
house with all its appurtenances that I now live in together
with the Gardens and all the enclosed ground thereunto
belonging and a little house or two upon the side of the
hill to her and her heirs forever. She also paying a
Legacy of Ten Pounds Ster [sic] to her Sister my Daughter Betty
Monier or an equivalent to her Satisfaction in one year
after Enjoyment thereof which is to commence at the
death of her Mother. And further my intent Will and #
meaning is that in case my said Son Jno. Monier shall
die without heirs then the portion allotted to him by this
Will shall devolve to his Sister my Daughter Mary Monier
and that allotted to her shall go to her Sister Betty Monier
Mary paying thereout the Legacy above mentioned to
her Sister Roberta Hays in case her Brother John hath
not paid it. And for the good opinion I have of the honesty and
Integrity of my said Daughter Mary Monier I nominate
Constitute and appoint her [my] sole Executrix of this my last
Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have #
hereunto set my hand and seal the day and date above
Jno. Monier   Signed sealed published and delivered in the
presence of us no stamps to be had. Michael Gill
John Burton.   Phebe Gill ~~~

On the third day of May in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred and sixty two administration
with the Will annexed of all and singular the Goods #
Chattels and Credits of John Monier late a Surgeon in
his Majesty's Garrison at Saint Johns in the Island of
Newfoundland deceased was granted to Anthony Morry ⁶
the lawful attorney of Mary Monier Spinster the Daughter
and sole Executrix named in the said Will for the use
and benefit of the said Executrix now residing at Saint
Johns aforesaid he having been first sworn duly to adster [sic].
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