Will of Michael Downes
from Newfoundland will books volume 1 page 382 probate year 1842

In re
     Michael Downes       deceased.

In the name of God Amen. I Michael Downes of Saint John's FishCuller being now infirm of body but of sound mind memory and understanding in the consciousness of the frailty of human nature particularly at my advanced age and of the necessity therefore of disengaging my mind from anxiety by the settlement of my temporal affairs do make and declare my will in manner following utterly revoking and annulling all and every former wills and will by me heretofore made Imprimis, I bequeath my soul to the bosom of God confidently hoping in His ineffable mercy and my body to the grave awaiting a glorious resurrection.
Item, to my beloved daughter Mary Downes alias Kenny and her two daughters Ellen and Betty Bulger I will and bequeath the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds of the currency of this Island to be divided between them in such manner as my executors hereinafter to be named shall determine.
Item, to the Reverend Thomas Waldron I will and bequeath the sum of five pounds for Masses to be offered for the repose of my soul.
Item to the Right Reverend Dr. Fleming I bequeath the sum of Five pounds to defray the expenses of a High Mass for the repose of my soul.
Item as a testimony of his kind attention to me and as a small remuneration for acting as my executor I bequeath unto Thomas Flahavan of Saint John's, Taylor, the sum of five pounds.
Item, To the Reverend Thomas Waldron I will and bequeath the residue of my property of what kind soever that may be to be by him paid over to the Right Reverend Michael Anthony Fleming or his successor in this Vicarate in aid of the erection of a Cathedral Church in the town of Saint John's.
Item it is my will that the said Reverend Thomas Waldron and the said Thomas Flahavan be the executors of this my last will and I hereby constitute and appoint them such executors accordingly and they shall in the first place defray all my debts and funeral expenses.
Given under my hand at Saint John's aforesaid in the Island of Newfoundland this eleven day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty. Michael his x mark Downes (LS)
Signed declared and published the day and year hereinbefore mentioned in presence of us (the words "I will and bequeath" near the end of the first page being written in an erasure) Witness James Byrne,   John Fitzpatrick.
Item, I will and bequeath the sum of six pounds for a headstone to the head of my grave.
Item, I bequeath the sum of four pounds for mourning for my daughter and her two daughters.
Item, I bequeath the sum of three pounds for mourning for John Kenny, Witness, James Byrne.

Certified Correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar