Will of Michael Ryan
from Newfoundland will books volume 1 pages 300 & 301 probate year 1839

In re
     Michael Ryan       deceased.

In the name of the Holy and undivided Trinity the Father, Son and Holy Ghost Amen. Know all men by these presents that I Michael Ryan of Water Hill in the District of Saint John's in the Island of Newfoundland Farmer being ill in health but of perfect mind and memory and knowing it is appointed unto all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hand of the Almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be burried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my wife and family not doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such wordly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.
First I give and bequeath to my son Joseph Ryan all my right title and interest to and in all those premises say landed premises dwelling house and houses and all other my wordly estate now in my possession or which may be due to me on condition.
Secondly that he the said Joseph Ryan shall and will support my beloved wife Julian Ryan in good mate and drink and decent clothing for the full period of her life and I do further desire that if she the said Julian Ryan shall be molested or offended or that she the said Julian Ryan should not think it fit or proper for her to live with the said Joseph Ryan or family That then it may and shall be lawfull for her the said Julian Ryan to go live where she may think proper and that the said Joseph Ryan do pay or cause to be paid to her the sum of fifteen pounds currency yearly and every year for the period of her life from the time she may think proper to leave him and in default of the payment thereoff to her she may re-enter enjoy and possess the said property stock houses &c. that may remain on the premises. And having full confidence in Mr. Thomas Meagher and Mr. Michael Dealy both of St. John's in the Island aforesaid I do hereby constitute make and ordain them my executors to this my last will and testament and do now revoke all and every other will if I have made such but this.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Water Hill Farm house in the district of Saint John's in the Island of Newfoundland this fifth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine. Michael Ryan (LS)
Signed sealed and published by the said Michael Ryan as his last will and testament in the presence of the following witnesses, Patrick Daily.   Edward Purcell.

Certified Correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar