| 21st May 1849 Last Will of Michael Landers Husband of Catherine McGrath | Transcribed from the original at the Quebec Archives “Register of Holographic Wills, Testaments, and Codicils.” |
In the name of God, Amen. I, Michael Landers, of the Sixth Range of the Seigniory of Fossambault and Parish of St. Catherine do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say, –
First, I bequeath my soul to God who gave it to me and my body to the earth from whence it came to be buried in a decent Christian like manner at the discretion of my executors hereafter to be mentioned.
Then I will and bequeath to my dearly beloved mother 1¾ acres in breadth of land I now possess by 30 acres in length said land being and lying on the west side of my holding to have, hold and enjoy the said one and three quarters during her natural life. Further, I bequeath my mother the mare together with one cow and no more.
Then, I will and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife, the remainder of the land which is now in my actual possession together with the young horse and all the other stock of every description whatsoever both goods and chattels without any let, hindrance or interruption by any person whatsoever claiming any part of my worldly property. Further I bequeath my wife the said one acre and three quarters after my mother’s decease (i.e., if she survives my mother).
Signed, sealed and delivered by said Michael Landers in the presence of us who are hereunto subscribed as witnesses, the twenty first day of May 1849.
I hereby appoint Andrew Landrigan of the Fifth Range and Michael Hartery of the Parish of Valcartier sole Executors of this my last will and testament.
Michael Landers, his mark;
Morgan Molloy, his signature;
Malachy Landrigan, his signature;
James White, his signature.
CODICIL
I further will that all my just debts shall be paid out of my worldly property and that my mother by getting the aforesaid land with the mare & cow shall have no further claim in any part of the said property in any manner whatsoever.
Signed in presence of us, the 21st day of May 1849.
Michael Landers, his mark;
Morgan Molloy, his signature;
Malachy Landrigan, his signature;
James White, his signature.
Transcribed by Gerald Neville, May, 2011
Note by Patricia Balkcom: Michael died a week later, on the 28th of May, at the age of twenty four years. His wife was Catherine McGrath and she was left with their three young children all under the age of three. His mother was Judith Dalton, widow of Thomas Landers.