Will of Abraham Akerman Pearce
from Newfoundland will books volume 4 pages 146 to 148 probate year 1881

In re
      Abraham A. Pearce deceased.

This is the last will and testament of me Abraham Akerman Pearce of Twillingate in the Northern District of the Island of Newfoundland Gentleman.    After payment of all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses and recovery of any debts that may be due and owing to me at the time of my decease I leave my property as follows.

First, I revoke all my previous testamentary instruments.

Secondly, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Agnes Pearce for the term of her natural life or widowhood the interest of all money that I have or may have standing in my name at the Union Bank at Saint John’s Newfoundland at the time of my decease-     Also my dwelling house, outhouses and tenements, with all my lands and gardens, situate at Back Harbour, Twillingate, to be kept in reasonable repair, provided that she my said wife do not contract marriage or leave the said premises to reside elsewhere. Also all my household furniture, beds and bedding, silver plate, gold watch guard, books, harmonium, Barometer, Thermometer, Lamps of every description and Lanterns one hatchet, one handsaw, one Frame saw and one tomahawk for house use, all garden utensils Poultry &c. in fact every thing I may possess at the time of my decease I absolutely give her my said wife for her own separate use and benefit except my carpentering tools, guns, watches, Screw Jack, Violoncello, Naval Architecture and Draughts belonging thereunto, which is provided for hereafter, I repeat should my wife Agnes Pearce contract marriage or leave the aforenamed premises to reside elsewhere then all her right and title therein to cease.

Thirdly, The whole of the money I may have due me in the hands of Mr. Charles Edmonds at Poole Dorsetshire England also what money may be due me in Twillingate or may be in my house at my decease I give and bequeath the same to my beloved wife Agnes Pearce absolutely for her own separate use and benefit.

Fourthly, After the decease of my beloved wife Agnes Pearce or should she have contracted marriage in either case it is my wish that the whole of what money I may have in my name at the Union Bank of Newfoundland at my decease, shall be paid to my nephew Abraham Akerman Pearce, late of Exploits Burnt Island now residing at Twillingate in the Northern District of Newfoundland (except One hundred pounds currency which I have provided for elsewhere in this my will) also I give and bequeath to the said Abraham Akerman Pearce my dwelling house, outhouse and tenements with all my lands and gardens, belonging thereunto, situate at Back Harbour Twillingate aforesaid) household furniture, beds and bedding, all my silver plate, books, maps, pictures, Thermometers, Barometer, garden utensils, harmonium lamps of every description and Lanterns &c. &c. I therefore give and bequeath the same to him the said Abraham Akerman Pearce for the term of his natural life, for his own absolute use and benefit, after his death, should he the said Abraham Akerman Pearce have issue it is my wish that the said within bequeath shall descend to his eldest son, then living at the time of his death, if no son, then it is my wish that the said bequeath shall descend to his oldest daughter living, and to no other person, for his or her own separate use and benefit, and I do hereby declare that the said stock or money standing in my name in the said Union Bank shall be paid into the proper hands of my said nephew (Abraham Akerman Pearce) and his receipt for the same shall be a sufficient discharge to my said executors

Fifthly As I have given nothing to my niece Sarah Bartlett Taylor I give and bequeath to her for her own absolute separate use and benefit, the sum of one hundred pounds currency, one feather bed and bedding to be paid after the decease of my beloved wife Agnes Pearce for her long services during my lifetime (18 years) which amount is to be paid out of my general stock, and I do hereby declare that the said one hundred pounds, bed and bedding shall be paid into the hands of my said niece Sarah Bartlett Taylor, and her receipt for the same shall be a sufficient discharge to my said executors

Sixthly I give and bequeath to my nephew Henry Taylor Pearce all my carpentering tools, planes, augers &c. (except one hatchet one tomahawk one hand saw, and one frame saw) Naval Architecture with Draughts and Mahogany Box containing the same, two percussion guns my new and old hunting watches, Screw Jack Carpenters Cramp &c. after my decease.

Seventhly, I give and bequeath to my nephew Robert Henry Moss all my wearing apparel

Eighthly. It is my wish that my last resting place in this world shall have a decent Head stone to denote the time of my death, age &c. and no more.

Ninthly. I hereby nominate and appoint my good friends Mr. John W. Owen and Mr. Richard D. Hodge of Twillingate in the Northern District of Newfoundland Executors of this my last will and testament.    In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Twillingate in the Northern District of Newfoundland this Fifth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty.    Abrm. A. Pearce (LS) Signed sealed published pronounced and declared by the said Abraham Akerman Pearce as his last will and testament in the presence of us who in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses, F. Berteau J.P. Twillingate.     Thomas E. Wells, Sergt of Constabulary Twillingate.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar