The Last Will and Testament of James Reid
This transcription is based on a probate that can be found within the records of Prerogative Court of Canterbury under the reference PROB 11/2193/279.
Direct Transcription
In the Name of God Amen I James Reid Acting Master of Her Majesty’s Ship the Erebus being in bodily health and of sound and disposing mind and memory and considering the perils and dangers of the seas and other uncertainties of this transitory life do for avoiding controversies after my decease)1 make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say) First I recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth of Sea as it shall please God to order and as for and concerning all my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth that is to say all pay half pay prize money bounty money effects wages sum and sums of money lands tenements goods chattels and estate whatsoever as shall be anyways due owing to or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto my beloved Wife Mrs Ann Reid residing at No 21 Prince Regant Street2 Aberdeen And I do hereby nominate and appoint Thomas Stilwell John Gilliam Stilwell and Thomas Stilwell the younger of Arundel Street London and my said Wife Mrs Ann Reid Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former and other Wills Testaments and deeds of gifts by me at any time heretofore made And I do ordain and ratify these presents to stand be and be for and as my only last Will and Testament In witness whereof to this my said Will I have set my hand and seal the ninth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred forty five and in the eighth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Victoria by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the faith and so forth _ James Reid (LS)3 _ Signed Sealed published and declared by the Testator the said James Reid in the presence of us present at the same time who in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses _ Josh K. Collett _ Geo: J. McKay.
Proved at London the 20th June 1854 before the Judge by the oath fo Ann Reid Widow the Relict one of the surviving executors to whom admōn was granted having been first sworn by Comōn duly to administer Power reserved of making the like grant to John Gilliam Stilwell and Thomas Stilwell heretofore the younger the other surviving executors when they shall apply for the same.