Will of John Larkin, 1824, Berlin, Worcester Co., MA
Transcribed from SAMPUBCO copy by Laurie Blessing Hale
Berlin County, Massachusetts Will Book Vol. (84), page (419)
Will of John Larkin
In the name of God, Amen.I, John Larkin, of Berlin in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being advanced in age (but of sound and disposing mind,) considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament, in the following manner and form (that is to say.) –
First, I give and bequeath unto Sally Larkin my beloved wife all my household furniture, one Cow and three sheep, and house room and fine wood, and one fourth of the produce of all the farm and necessaries and attendance furnished her for making her life comfortable and convenient agreeable to the conditions of the bond given by my son John F. Larkin for securing the maintenance of me and my said wife during our natural lives. – Also I give my wife all the grain and provisions that shall be on hand at my decease.
I also give and bequeath unto my daughter Catherine Larkin one hundred dollars, one half to be paid in one year and the other half in two years from my decease – also one cow and two sheep, also the privilege of improving the kitchen and bedroom in the northwesterly part of my dwelling house and a privilege in the cellar as shall be necessary for her personal convenience and accommodation and taking water from the wells and aqueduct for all necessary purposes and also to be furnished with four cords of wood yearly at the door fit for immediate use and the use of my four wheel carriage when necessary during such time as she remains single and unmarried.
I also give and bequeath unto my Grandson, George Harris, fifty dollars to be paid in three years from my decease.
I also give and bequeath unto my Granddaughter, Harriet Harris, fifty dollars to be paid in four years from my decease.
I also give and bequeath unto my grandson, John W. Chafin, fifty dollars to be paid in five years from my decease.
I also give and bequeath unto my grandson, Nathan Larkin Chafin, fifty dollars to be paid in six years from my decease.
And lastly, all the residue and remainder of my estate Real and personal of every description, I give devise and bequeath the same unto my son, John F. Larkin, provided he pay all my just debts, and well and truly discharge and fulfill each and every of the foregoing legacies and give me and my wife a decent Christian burial. – And I appoint the said John F. Larkin Executor of this my last Will and testament – in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty second day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four.
Signed sealed and declared by the said John Larkin to be his last will and testament in presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses.
John Larkin(Seal)
Nath.l Lougley
Abigail Lougley
Lewall Bruce
Worcester fs.At a Court of Probate holden at Worcester on the first Tuesday of July A.D. 1841.
The instrument hereto annexed purporting to be the last will and testament of John Larkin late of Berlin in said County deceased, being offered for probate by John F. Larkin the Executor and notice having been duly given and no person objecting to the probate thereof and Sewall Bruce one of the witnesses thereto making oath that he saw said testator sign said will and that he with Nathaniel Lougley and Abigail Lougley attested and subscribed the same as witnesses in the presence of the testator who was then of full age and of sound mind; I now adjudge that said instrument is proved and decree that the same be approved and allowed as the last will and testament of said deceased.
Ira M. Barton.Judge of the Probate