Will of Thomas Raftus
from Newfoundland will books volume 4 pages 327-328 probate year 1884

In re
      Thomas Raftus deceased.

In the name of God Amen.     I Thomas Raftus of Saint John’s Planter being of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding do make, ordain and publish the following as and for my last will and testament.    I will and bequeath all my lands tenements and premises to my friend Philip St. John, farmer, to have and to hold the same in trust for the use and benefit of my wife Mary during her life time and on her demise then I bequeath the same as follows that is to say:    All these my lands tenements and premises situate in said town and bounded as follows, that is to say-    On the north by land belonging to the estate of late Daniel Carroll On the South by land of John Ashley, on the west by land of Angel’s and on the east by Patrick Street to have and to hold the same unto the said Philip St. John for the use and benefit of my daughter Honora and any child or children she may leave her surviving:    All my lands tenements and premises situate opposite the Roman Catholic Church at River Head and bounded on the north by Brennan’s estate on the west by lands of Murphys estate and on the east by Patricks Street and now in the occupancy of my tenants Baldwin, Hunt, S. Kervan and Aspel to have and to hold the same unto and by the said Philip St. John to and for the use and benefit of my daughter Mary Anne free and clear of the control of her present or any future husband and subject to any disposition she may make thereof by deed or other writing-    In the event of the death of either of my said daughters without issue the share and interest in my estate of such one so dying without having made any disposition thereof by will or otherwise shall go to the survivor-     And in the event of both dying without lawful issue or disposing of said interests or shares then I will and direct that my executor shall convey the same in trust for the use and benefit of the Orphanage of St. Michael’s at Belvidere in this town.     All the rest residue of my lands chattels and effects I will and bequeath to my wife.    I appoint the said Philip St. John executor hereof hereby revoking and annulling all other and former wills made by me.     Dated at St. John’s this 13^th day of May A.D. 1880.    Thomas Raftus.     Signed and declared in our presence J.I. Little, J.J. O’Donnell.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar