The Last Will & Testament of Wilson McDormand (1792-1835)
It is comprised of 2 pages & is followed by a typed transcription of the will. I have tried to reduce the size and cut out any unnecessary parts of each page. I have also inverted the colour of each copy (from black background and white writing) which I believe improves the readability. Thanks to Brian McDormand for finding the will & making the transcription and sharing a copy with us.
Pages 1 and 2, signed August 25, 1835
Transcription of page 1
The Last Will and Testament of Wilson McDormand of Brier Island in the County of Annapolis and Province of Nova Scotia.
I Wilson McDormand considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and memory blessed (?) to Almighty God for this (?) Amen do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following. That is to say all my just debts and funeral expenses to be paid.
- First, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Lucy McDormand two thirds of all my real estate during her widowhood.
- Secondly, I give and bequeath to my eldest son William McDormand the one third of my real estate to be so situated that Sealuca (?) Cove shall lay within said one third.
- Thirdly, I give and bequeath to my three younger sons Thomas McDormand, John McDormand and Wilson McDormand the two thirds of my real estate before named to my beloved wife after her natural life or widowhood to be equally divided between my beloved sons Thomas, John, and Wilson.
- Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my daughters Maria McDormand, Louisa McDormand, Sarah Ann McDormand, Adaline McDormand, Jane McDormand and Lucy McDormand each two pounds as they severally come of age, the said sums to be realized from the stock or moveable property should there be as sufficiently to do so, if not (illegible equally loan?) and paid by me (illegible) named (illegible).
- And Lastly, As to the rest, residue and remainder of my possessions, estate, goods and chattel of what kind and nature this I give and bequeath the same to my said beloved wife Lucy McDormand.
I make and ordain Loecy Denton and Benjamin Henry Ruggles executors and my beloved wife Lucy McDormand executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former (continued on page 2)
Transcription Page 2
wills by me made. In witness whereof I hereinto set my hand and seal. This twenty fifth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five.
Wilson McDormand
Signed sealed published and declared by the above named Wilson McDormand to be his last will and testament in the presence of we who at his request and in his presence have subscribed as witnesses thereunto.
Thomas McDormand, George Laffoley and William Buckman
The within will having been presented for Probate by the executors therein named I Thomas McDermand one of the subscribing witnesses thereto having been duly sworn on the holy Evangelists of Almighty God, said upon his oath that he saw the Testator, Wilson McDormand, sign and seal, and heard him publish and declare this written within testament as for his last will and testament, and that when he so did he was of sound disposing mind and memory (to this illegible) and so he subscribed his name thereto at the said Testators request, in his presence and also in the presence of George Laffoley and William Buckman the other subscribing witnesses thereto.
Thomas McDormand
Sworn before me this day of 2nd Sept 1835
E. Morton, Judge of Probate