This transcript of the remarkable will of Johannes Mast, made available by one of his descendents, is not only a testament to the compassionate and fair-minded character of Johannes, but also reminds us of the historical importance of family farm estate planning. _________________________ The Last Will and Testament of John Mast, of Puslinch In the Name of God Amen I, John Mast, of the Township of Puslinch County of Wellington and Province of Canada - Farmer - Being of Sound Mind, Memory and Understanding do make this my last will and testament and give and bequeath my worldly property in the following Manner. First - I desire to be interred in a decent and respectable manner without unnecessary expense. Secondly - I wish all my lawful debts to be discharged as soon as possible after my decease by those persons whom I shall appoint. Thirdly - To my wife Rakena I give and bequeath the third of all grain, hay or roots and the wool of two sheep from off my premises being lot number twenty-nine in the seventh concession of Puslinch and a free house during the term of her natural life upon said premises. Fourthly - To my son Frank I give and bequeath my farm being lot number twenty-nine rear half of the seventh concession of Puslinch together with all stock and farming implements thereon at my decease except one cow which I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth and one span of horses which I give and bequeath to my son William upon consideration that my son Frank as aforesaid do pay to his brother William the sum of eight hundred dollars when he comes to the age of twenty-two years and the sum of two hundred dollars to his sister Catherine Haist in one year after the date of the payment to William, and the sum of two hundred dollars to his sister Mary Martin in two years after the date of the payment to William as aforesaid and also the sum of two hundred dollars to his sister Elizabeth in three years after the date of the payment to William as aforesaid and do also give to his mother the third of all grown upon said premises as hereinbefore named and build her a suitable house on said premises which she is to have free of charge during the term of her natural life. Fifthly - To my son William I give and bequeath all notes of hand or monies that I may die possessed of - Sixthly - I do hereby constitute and appoint my son Bernard Mast and my son-in-law William Martin to be the whole and sole executors of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal at Puslinch this twenty-third day of December in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.
In presence of W. Leslie Henry Schlegal	Signed John Mast
________________________________ John Mast died 10 years later on December 5th, 1871, at age 90. ◄ End of file ►