Transcribed by Judy Benson & Ivy Benoit. While we have endeavored to be as correct as humanly possible, there may be typographical errors

Newfoundland will books volume 5 pages 11-15 probate year 1885.

Last Will and Testament of
the Right Revd Thomas Sears

This is the last will and testament of me Thomas Sears of Codroy Valley Newfoundland. Firstly I give devise and bequeath unto my Successor in Office appointed by the Holy Apostolic See in trust for the Roman Catholic population of St. Georges Prefecture the Church together with the Beach House and land, and all other Houses and erections situate at Sandy Point Bay St. George. Also the piece of land purchased by me at the "Highlands" and bounded on the West by the Farm of Roderick McDonald and on the East by farms of Widow U Lennau and family. Also a piece of land of about twelve acres more or less acquired by me from Frank Young Senior and situate between Rattling Brook Robinson's Head and containing cemetery fenced in by the Roman Catholic population of that district.Also that piece of land situate at Stephenville on which the Church of St. Stephen is erected with all houses and other erections thereon. Also all the property acquired by me in the Bay of Islands Codroy Rivers and Channel known as church property. Also a piece of land on the West side of the Pond at the Gravels (?) Bounded on the North by land owned and occupied by Philip Hynes Senior and on the South by lands claimed by Norman Carter. On the East by the said Pond and on the West by land taken in and claimed by Paul O'Quin. Also that piece or parcel of land that I purchased from Leon White of Stephenville. Also the piece adjoining purchased by me from John March of same place and containing about twenty acres more or less and bounded as follows On the North by land claimed by Patrick White On the West by an Estuary of the Noir Blanche and by the shores of the Bay St George On the South by unclaimed lands and on the East by waters of the Indian Lake or Indian Head Lake as it is called Also that piece of land purchased by me from Constance Bennoit on the South side of Indian Pond and containing about nineteen acres more or less. Also that piece of land purchased by me from Mrs. Marg March and situate at Barry or Berry Head and bounded on the West by land occupied by the Widow Gilles and on the East by land occupied by Frank Jacques. Also all those three pieces or parcels of land situate on the North side of Bay St. George bounded on the West by John Bennoits land on the East by land occupied by Gabriel LeBlanc and family and purchased by me from George Bennoit, Placide Chasson and Silver O'Quinn and containing about one hundred and twenty acres more or less.

Secondly I give devise and bequeath to my beloved sister Honora Sears (who has faithfully adhered to and followed me in my labours and vicissitudes for a number of years) that piece or parcel of land owned by me in what is called Harry's Brook in the Main River or Gut consisting of a small island and portions of a larger one in the mouth of the said brook or river containing about three acres more or less. Also my pianoforte and all my household furniture of which I may die possessed and such portion or portions of my library being in the English language which may deem helpful and necessary for her personal use. Also all my livestock of which I may die possessed such as cows horses sheep and poultry.

I will and bequeath any monies that may be to my credit in the Union Bank at my decease unto my Successor in Office appointed by the Apostolic See in trust for the Roman Catholic population of St. George's Prefecture.

Fourthly. I direct that my testamentary expenses and all debts which may be due and owing by me to any person or persons at the time of my death shall be paid by my successor in office out of the property devised and bequeathed to him in trust as aforesaid.

Fifthly I give and bequeath all my theological Books and other works of a theological character to my Successor in Office to be sold or otherwise disposed of according as he may think fit and offer the value or proceeds thereof to be devoted to Masses for the repose of my soul.

Sixthly I bequeath to my sister Elizabeth Cooper (Wine Harbour Nova Scotia) four volumes of Butler's Lives of the Saints to be had in my library. I bequeath the sum of Five pounds and the picture of the Holy Father Leo XIII to my niece Honora Sears I bequeath the sum of Five pounds and the picture of "Mary Magdalene" to my niece Francis Cooper and I bequeath the sum of Five pounds and the picture of "Our Lady" and "The Crucifiction" to my niece Minnie Cooper.

I appoint my friends the Reverend Michael F. Howley D.D. and W. Michael Downey Executors of this my last will and testament.
Codroy Valley October 4th 1882 - Thomas Sears P.P.
Signed by the said Testator in our presence who in the presence of the said Testator and in the presence of each other have subscribed and set our hands as witnesses - Jas. W. Keating - M.H. Carty -

Firstly I give and bequeath to my Successor in Office the sum of £ 450 currency now standing in my name at the Union Bank St. John's to be applied by him towards the building of a new Globe House and I also give and bequeath to him my house and other property situated at the mouth of the River Codroy called the Gut acquired by me from Mrs. D.C. Campbell.

Secondly I give and devise to my sister Honora Sears her heirs and assigns all that messuage or tenement known as my Estate in the Grand River together with all the appurtenances situated lying upon and being in the said Estate together with all the rest residue and remainder of my personal Estate goods and chattels of what kind and nature soever not however those things previously willed away by me.

Thirdly I leave to my Successor in Office the burden of 600 Masses minus however the number I may have said or given away at the time of my death for the repose of the soul of Mary Campbell and the welfare of Daniel Campbell.
In witness whereofI have set my hand this 13th day of July 1885 - Thomas Sears - P.P.
This instrument consisting of two sheets was now here subscribed by Thomas Sears the Testator in the presence of each of us and was at the same time declared by him to be a Codicil to be annexed to his last will and testament and we at his request in his presence and in presence of each other sign our names thereto as attesting witnesses.
Joseph P. Palmer - Grand River Cod Roy -
Elizabeth Sear Lochuabe Antigonish -

I Certify that the foregoing is a correct copy of last will and Codicil. Prescott Emerson Registrar