Will of James Preston
from Newfoundland will books volume 1 pages 445 & 446 probate year 1844

In re
     James Preston       deceased.

Twillingate, Dec. 15, 1843. I James Preston being of sound mind and considering the uncertainties of life & the many accidents to which I may be exposed in undertaking a voyage across the Atlantic this season of the year make now my will and testament. Placing my trust in God and professing my belief in the truth of Christianity I give and bequeath to my beloved children James Henry Preston and Joseph John Preston all monies due to me by Messrs. Willm Cox & Co. Merchants of the Town of Poole in the County of Dorset which monies are to remain in the hands of the said Merchants until the aforesaid children James Henry Preston and Joseph John Preston have arrived at the age of twenty one years when the elder of the aforesaid children is twenty one years of age he may if he wishes it draw his moiety out of the hands of Messrs. Willm Cox & Co. but the other moiety which is reserved for the younger son is not to be drawn until the said younger son Joseph John Preston is of age.
I also give & bequeath to the aforesaid children, viz. James Henry Preston & Joseph John Preston all my right & title to the estate of the late Joseph Wood situate at Tickle Point Twillingate in the Island of Newfoundland which estate is not to be claimed by them until they are of the age beforementioned & which estate in the meantime is to be left to the care of the aforesaid merchants Messrs. Willm Cox & Co.
I give & bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Preston for her use & benefit during her widowhood the interest of all the monies deposited by me in the hands of the aforesaid merchants Willm Cox & Co. But in the event of her marrying again or her demise the interest of the said monies if not spent in maintaining & educating the aforenamed children James Henry Preston & Joseph John Preston, is to be equally divided with all other monies which may be due to me between them, which interest so divided is not to be used by them, but is to remain in the hands of the aforesaid Merchant Messrs. Wm. Cox & Co. until they are of the age of twenty one.
I also give & bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Preston all my household property for her sole use & benefit save & except one bed & bedding which I bequeath to my beloved children aforesaid.
As witness my hand this fifteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three. James Preston. Witnesses, Thomas Boone, Episcopal Missionary of Twillingate.     Geo. B. King.

Certified Correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar