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Ephraim’s Will (1820)
(transcription)

 

 

About this document

• Transcription of the will of Ephraim Webster, son of Asa and Sally (Baldwin) Webster, dated Sept. 21, 1820
• Source: Queen’s University Archives, Kingston, Ontario, with Landon family papers
• Transcribed by Caronne Secord, Mar., 2000

• Comments:
This will was written three days before Ephraim’s 26th birthday. As he didn't die until 1868, Ephraim recovered from the illness that prompted him to write it. Ephraim’s only son, Asa, was four years old at this time. A second son, Ephraim, was born on Oct. 1, 1820, only a short time after this will was written, but no provision was made for this child in the will.

Parker Webster, who witnessed the will, was Ephraim’s uncle. Ephraim’s younger brother, Parker, was only a child at this time. The third witness, whose signature has been cut off at the bottom of this copy, was likely Sally (Downs) Webster, Ephraim’s wife.

There may have been a later will, as Ephraim outlived all of his children.

 

 

In the name of God Amen:


I Ephraim Webster of the Township of Leeds, County of Leeds, District of Johnstown, U. C: being in a low state of Bodily health - but thanks be given to God in Perfect Mind and Memory - calling into remembrance that the present life is uncertain and that it is appointed for all Men once to die, I have deliberately thought proper to make this my Last will and Testament in the following Manner - I first commit my spirit to God who gave it - and my body to the dust from which it originated, to be buried in Christian burial (and the necessary Expenses thereof paid). Secondly as it respects my Worldly property, I Will and desire the payment of all my Debts - in order to accomplish which I hereby Appoint the following Admininstrators viz Mr. Parker Webster of Brockville, Mr. Tho. F. Howland and Mr. Charles McDonald of Gananoque, and Mr. Joseph Landon of Lansdown - who will make the proper arrangements of my Estate according to Justice and Equity - being hereby Empowered to make out, settle, and adjust the whole concern relative to the same and after Collecting in and paying out the Lawful demands thereof, I will the Remaining capital one third to my beloved wife Sally Webster and two thirds to my son Asa Webster to be Appropriated according to the wise discretion of Mr. Parker Webster and Joseph Landon, Which two, I appoint Executors, Guardians and Councellors, as it respects the remaining Estate after Arrangements for the necessary support and well being of my wife and Family - I Will that my son Asa be Educated and at a suitable age be put into a way to Earn his Living by Learning a Trade and this I leave to the discretion of my two Executors - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 21st day of September in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty.

Witnessed by us
Parker Webster
Eph’m Webster [seal]
Joseph Landon
[another signature ­ probably Sally Webster’s]

[on reverse]

E Websters Will and
Testament
Sept 21 1820
Witnessed by
P. Webster
J. Landon
S. Webster

 

 

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