Will of John Smith

W5:85, microfilm 283

will dated 27 March 1711

will proved 16 May 1715

In the name of God, Amen. I John Smith of Devon Tribe in the Issland of Bermuda, cordwainer, being at present sick and weak of body, but of mind and memory, sound and perfect, Thanks be Almighty God, and calling to remembrance the uncertain Estate of this transitory Life and that all flesh must Yield to death when please God to call, Do make constitute Ordaine and Declare this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, Revoking and by these presents cancelling all and Every former Will and Testament and Testaments by me heretofore made and Declared, Either by word or writting, and this only to be taken for my last will and testament and none other.

Imprimis I give and commit my Soul unto the hands of Almighty God that gave it, and for my body, I commit it to the Earth, to be buried in a Christiian like and decent manner, at the Discretion of my Executrix and Executor hereafter mentioned. And as to the worldly estate which it hath pleased Almighty God to bestow upon me, I give Devise and Dispose of in the following manner and Form First I will that my just Debts and Funerall expenses be paid and Discharged.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my loveing wife Mary Smith for and during her Naturall life all and Singular my Estate both Real and Personall and after her Decease to be Disposed of as follows:

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son John Smith after my said Wives decease for and during his life only my house and Land in Smith's Tribe where my father Daniel Smith dwelt and after his Decease I give the Same equally between my two Youngest Daughters Martha Smith and Eliza: Smith and their heirs for ever lawfully begotten of their bodys.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son William Smith after my said Wives Decease all that my house and Land in Devon Tribe where I now Dwell and to his heirs for ever lawfully begotten he my said Son William then paying unto my son Samuel Smith the sum of ten pounds money;

Item. I give unto my Youngest Daughter Eliza; Smith after my said Wives Decease all that my Negro women called Dida, I give to my aforesaid Daughter Martha.

Item. my Will is that all the rest of my Estate not Disposed of be Equally Divided between those of my children that shall be living at the Death of my saod Wife;

Lastly I appoint my well beloved Wife Mary Smith and my loving son William Smith Executrix and executor of this my Last Will and Testament to see the same executed in manner above.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this twenty seventh day of March 1711.

John Smith