Will of Martin Williams
from Newfoundland will books volume 3 page 243 probate year 1871

In re
     Martin Williams deceased.

In the name of God Amen.       I Martin Williams of Bay Bulls now sound in bodily health and in perfect soundness of mind and in full possession of my intellectual faculties, do declare this to be my last will and testament in manner and form as follows viz:

First I bequeath to my son Martin Williams and his heirs one half of my large fishing room and flake, together with dwelling house which he now occupies, and the salt store Cooper’s shop, shop and cookroom together with the stable. Also the fishing boats, skiffs, punts and craft consisting of Seines Nets and all gear for carrying on the fishery which he now holds and also the plantation.

Secondly I bequeath unto my son John William the other half of my large fishing room aforesaid during his life and after his death to descend unto my aforesaid son Martin Williams and his heirs. The entire fishing room beforementioned to be held conjointly by my aforesaid sons John & Martin William during John’s life not to be either let or sold to any other person.

Thirdly I bequeath unto my beloved wife Margaret the dwelling house with all the furniture, kitchen garden and lawn, and at her death to be left to my daughter Harriet but not to be sold or made over to any one out of the family, and I ordain it that both my beloved wife Margaret and my daughter Harriet are to be maintained as usual out of the trade and proceeds of the fishing room and also I bequeath unto my beloved wife Margaret any money she may have in possession at the time of my death.

Fourthly I bequeath unto my son Henry Williams all the land which he has in & around his house and which he at present occupies and a fishing room comprising the stage at the North side of the large stage and flake room, beginning at the north end of the craft store and running in a straight line to a rock where the old barking kettle was used to be hung and extending as far north as my boundary and I bequeath unto my son Henry aforesaid the craft store already mentioned.

Fifthly I will it that ten pounds be given to the Very Reverend Dean Cleary for Masses for my soul.

Sixthly I appoint my son Martin Williams and Joseph J. Williams to act as my sole executors. To all of which I hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand thousand eight hundred & seventy one.

Martin William (LS)       Witnesses present, Terence Morrissey, Philip Williams.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar