This is the last will and testament of me Richard Searle of Saint John’s in the Island of Newfoundland Master Mariner.     I give and bequeath to my executor hereinafter named all the estate of which I shall die possessed upon trust for my said executors to distribute and dispose of the said estate according to the terms of this my will as the same now follows

First I give and bequeath to my wife Jane Searle the sum of one hundred pounds currency in cash also all the money that shall be in the house at the time of my death for her own use and benefit also the bedding bed and bedstead which she now uses and all the remainder of my household furniture not hereinafter specifically disposed of I also give to my said wife the sum of fifteen pounds currency to become due upon my death from the Newfoundland British Society which sum I desire that she shall use for defraying my funeral expenses.

Second, I give and bequeath to my daughter Anne Marie wife of Robert Leard the bed bedding and bedstead which she now uses for her own separate use and benefit.

Third, I bequeath to my son George Richard Searle my watch.

Fourth, I give and bequeath to my son Henry Thomas Searle all my clothing and wearing apparel provided he returns to Saint John’s within two years from the date of my death.     At the expiration of the said two years should he not have returned I desire that the said clothing and wearing apparel shall be equally divided between my two sons George Richard and William John.

Fifth, I desire that the furniture in the large room in the house now occupied by me to wit one center table six spring bottomed chairs one sofa one cane bottomed easy chair and six pictures be valued by two competent persons to be appointed by my executors and upon such valuation being made I desire that my two daughters shall have the option of purchasing the said furniture at the said valuation in preference to having the same sold by public auction.     Should my said two daughters be not desirous of purchasing the said furniture at the said valuation the same shall be sold by my executors and the proceeds divided equally among my five children.

Sixth, I charge the residue and remainder of my estate with the payment of my just debts and testamentary expenses and I desire that the said residue and remainder shall be divided equally between my five children share and share alike the share of my said daughters being for their own use and benefit free from the control of their respective husbands.

Seventh, I desire that my executors shall deposit the shares of my said sons George Richard and William John in the Savings Bank until they shall respectively attain the age of twenty one years.     Should my said sons George Richard and William John continue to reside with their mother and should she require means for their support I direct that my executors shall be at liberty to draw such amount as they shall consider necessary for that purpose from their shares and apply it towards their support.

Eighth.     I hereby appoint my friends George Filmore and Levi Diamond both of Saint John’s Master Mariners to be the joint executors of this my will and I hereby revoke all former and other wills by me at any time made.     In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand and set my seal at Saint John’s this tenth day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighty-two.     Richard Searle (LS)     Signed sealed published and declared by the said Richard Searle as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and the presence of each other have hereunto set our names as witnesses, James J. Pitman, D. Morison.

Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar