Dean, James
W13:304
5 November 1781

In the name of God, Amen, I James Dean of Warwick Parish in the Islands of Bermuda, mariner, being of sound body, mind, and memory, but about to start a voyage to sea do therefore make this my last will and testament, my soul I commend to God who created it, my body I committ to the earth to be buried as my executors may think meet, and as to my worldly estate I dispose thereof as follows.

First I will and desire that my just debts and funeral charges be paid and discharged by my executors as speedily as may be after my decease.

Secondly, I give and devise the use and occupation of my whole estate as well real as personal to my dearly beloved wife Mary for and during the term of her natural life or widowhood. Should my said wife remarry, then I give her the use of one third part of my real estate only.

Thirdly I devise to my sister Catherine Dean the use and occupation of a room in my dwelling house during her natural life to be from time to time nominated and painted out by my executors as they may judge convenient.

Fourthly. At the death or marriage of my wife Mary I give and devise my whole estate as well real as personal of what nature or kind soever to my seven children whose names are as follows; Deborah Dean, Jane Dean, Mary Dean, William Dean, Frances Dean, James Dean and Michael Dean and to their heirs and assigns forever, equally to be divided between them share and share alike as tenants in common and not as joint tenants. Willing and desiring that if either of my said children shall die before division of my estate and leaving a child or children that then and in every such casesuch my grandchild or grandchildren shall enjoy the part or share of his, her or their deceased parent.

Fifthly and lastly, I revoke all former wills by me made and declare this and this only to be my last will and testament and appoint my said wife Mary executrix and my friends Benjamin Bascome, merchant, George Bascome, counsel at law, and my three sons, William, James and Michael executors thereof. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eightyone.

Signed, sealed, published, and declared by the testator as and for his last will in the presence of us who in the presence at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses.
___ Bascome
Benjamin Vesey
John Hall