Will of Andrew Pearce
from Newfoundland will books volume 3 pages 539-540 probate year 1877

In re
     Andrew Pearce deceased.

In the name of God Amen.     I Andrew Pearce Sr of Exploits Burnt Island Newfoundland do make this my last will and testament in manner following- I give and bequeath to my sons Alfred Pearce, Abraham A. Pearce and Joseph J. Pearce my dwelling house I now reside in, store, stage and gardens, situate on east side of Exploits Burnt Islands, between George Gilletts garden and Ara Downtons dwelling house. And I also give to my two sons Abraham and Joseph all my household goods, furniture &c. in the house for their own use and benefit and they are to maintain their mother and keep her comfortable as long as she lives- If you can’t agree among yourselves to live on the Room you had better sell it and divide the money equally between yourselves, viz Alfred, Abraham and Joseph-

I have in the Bank of England £475..2..10 Consolidated 3 pr cent Annuities which I appoint my executors to sell out after my death as soon as possible- First I give to my two sons, Abraham and Joseph £50 each for to help maintain their mother Ann Pearce and I also give unto my wife Ann Pearce £25 for her own use and benefit- What money there will be remaining of what will come out of the Bank and what money I have in Mr. Edmonds hands Poole Dorset which will be about £45 I direct my executors to pay my accounts &c. and that what there will be remaining to be equally divided among my four sons say Alfred Andrew Thomas and George, And my three daughters Jane Seviour, Mary Ann Peyton and Louisa I. Foote for their own sole use and benefit-

I give my son Alfred Burkitts Testament, I give my son Andrew my Bass Viol and Mants Prayer Book which was my brother Elias’s- I give my son Abraham the History of England and my Bible, I give my son Joseph my Violin and watch- my music books I give to my sons Andrew, Abraham, Joseph and George, And all my reading books to be equally divided among all my children-

And it is my wish that my wife Ann Pearce to have the use of all the household furniture and goods until her death, and her bed and clothing to do what she like with when departing this life-     And I hereby nominate and appoint my sons Alfred Pearce, Abraham A. Pearce and Joseph J. Pearce of Exploits Burnt Island Newfoundland to be my executors of this my will-     Dated this twenty ninth day of April one thousand eight hundred and seventy six-

Andrew Pearce Sr.     Signed sealed and declared by the said Andrew Pearce Sr. the testator as his last will and testament in the presence of us, who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses, John Hewitt, Clergyman of Church of England, Exploits Burnt Island.     John Downton, Fisherman.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar