Part 350s – Smith Robertson Genealogy – Indenture Research – 1854 Thomas Smith – LWT Distribution

Morning,

As a follow up to Part 349s where I presented the 1854 Last Will and Testament of great-great-granduncle Thomas Smith, I have made some notes as to the distribution of his personal property and effects as outlined in the Will.

(Image of a Linen - Clothes - Press made in Poland, Gdańsk, c. 1700)

GG-granduncle Thomas Smith was born 5 November 1820 and baptized 1 January 1822. (See Part 90s). A quick calculation computes that he was just about 34 years old when he competed this version of his Last Will and Testament. After a quick search of my files I do have what I believe is the 1855 Death Registration of gg-granduncle Thomas. I will discuss this in my next Posting Part 351s.

Here are my notes regarding the distribution as detailed in gg-granduncle Thomas’ Will.

To His Children – Thomas Landreth, George William, Frederick, and Charlotte Sophia

• His Business and License of Retailer of Spirituous Liquors

To Emily and Elsey Steele, Nieces, (Daughters of George and Mary (née Smith) Steele)

• Three acres of land of Morne Jaloux Estate, in the parish of Saint George

To James Smith, Jr, Nephew, at the time, 1855 in Tobago

• Seven acres of land of Morne Jaloux Estate, in the parish of Saint George to be chosen by his Father, that is, gg-grandfather James Smith, also James Smith, Jr.
• This has to be James Edwin Smith, son of my gg-grandfather James Smith, Jr. The question that I now have was gg-grandfather James, Jr.’s and ggg-grandfather James’ complete name “James Edwin Smith”?

To Rosa Collier, Sister-in-Law, (Sister of his wife Mary Jane (née Collier) Smith)

• Sixteen acres of land situated above Mardigras in the parish of Saint George

To Thomas Grant, Friend

• Two acres of land on the said Morne Jaloux Estate in the line of Cocoa Nuts commonly called _____ near the pond or the boundary of Charles Court Estate

To Charlotte Sophia Smith, Daughter

• Joint possession of his Business and License of Retailer of Spirituous Liquors
• Bedstead, Clothes Press, and all possessed Jewelry
• The rest, remainder and residue of his Estate, real or personal

To Thomas Landreth Smith, Son

• Joint possession of his Business and License of Retailer of Spirituous Liquors
• His Watch and Gold Chain
• The rest, remainder and residue of his Estate, real or personal

To George William Smith, Son

• Joint possession of his Business and License of Retailer of Spirituous Liquors
• His Fowling Piece, (a gun)
• The rest, remainder and residue of his Estate, real or personal

To Frederick Smith, Son

• Joint possession of his Business and License of Retailer of Spirituous Liquors
• His Sword
• The rest, remainder and residue of his Estate, real or personal

To James Smith, Brother

• His Horse, Saddle and Bridle
• All wearing Apparel

To George Steele, Brother-in-Law, on behalf of Mary (née Smith) Steele, Sister

• Three acres of land of Morne Jaloux Estate, in the parish of Saint George

To James Romney, Friend

• One acre of land of Morne Jaloux Estate, in the parish of Saint George

To Henry Garraway, Son of his friend Henry Garraway

• Three acres of land

Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional information, family tales, and documentation that I may add to the ever-increasing library of our Family Tree.

Today I'll be working on the re-installation of The Master Genealogist v7 software. Also I will be beginning a database in MS Access 2010 to record those FHL microfilms that I have reviewed to date.

Enjoy,

Jim

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Part 349s – Smith Robertson Genealogy – Indenture Research – 1854 Thomas Smith - LWT

Afternoon,

Last night I may have found a possible clue that could provide a smidgen of hope in the search and research for the origins, ancestry, and genealogy of ggg-grandfather James Smith.

The next Document appears to be the Last Will and Testament of gg-granduncle Thomas Smith. This Document is located in the Grenada Registers of Records 1837-1881 (v.Z2-G3) as found on the microfilm FHL [1563330]. The LWT is dated 30 December 1854; sealed, signed, and delivered 1 May 1855; and entered to the Registers 14 August 1855.

Within the body of gg-granduncle Thomas Smith’s Last Will and Testament there is a specific distribution that made my eyes and my head start. Specifically it is point number 3 – “I devise to my Nephew James Smith Jr. at present in the Island of Tobago Seven Acres of the Land of the said Morne Jaloux Estate to be chosen by his Father immediately or within twelve months after my decease on the outskirts of the lands of the said Morne Jaloux Estate.”

For what I understand if the “Nephew James Smith Jr.” who is referred to in gg-granduncle Thomas’ LWT, may possibly be the James Smith, Jr. who may have been the son of gg-granduncle Thomas’ brother, my gg-grandfather James Smith. It is also possible that this James Smith, Jr., gg-granduncle Thomas’ Nephew, may have been James Edwin Smith, my great-granduncle. This is the only other James to James relationship that I am aware of, apart from the ggg-grandfather James and gg-grandfather James, Jr. father/son relationship. In other words the descendancy was ggg-grandfather James Smith -- gg-grandfather James Smith, Jr. -- great-granduncle James Edwin Smith. My great-grandfather was William James Smith, brother of great-granduncle James Edwin Smith.

And now here’s the rub. GG-granduncle Thomas’ LWT refers to his “Nephew James Smith Jr.” If this is great-granduncle James Edwin Smith and if he is a “Junior” would it not make sense that he would have had the same name as his father, gg-grandfather James Smith? And then, would it not make sense that gg-grandfather James’ middle name was Edwin? Could gg-grandfather James have been James Edwin Smith as well, with a son named James Edwin Smith, Jr.?

But gg-grandfather James was also known as James Smith, Junior. Therefore, is it possible that ggg-grandfather James may have been James Edwin Junior? Therefore a more complete pedigree may, and I repeat may, look like – great-granduncle James Edwin Smith, Jr. -- gg-grandfather James Edwin Smith, Jr. -- ggg-grandfather James Edwin Smith. And to further add to the thought process, gg-granduncle Thomas only mentions one of his brothers, James Smith in his Last Will and Testament. He also mentions his sisters, gg-grandaunt Mary (née Smith) Steele and gg-grandaunt Sophia (née Smith) Ventour. He does not mention his two other brothers, gg-granduncle George Smith and gg-granduncle Henry Smith. All six siblings: George, Sophia, Mary, James, Thomas, and Henry are mentioned in his father, ggg-grandfather James Smith’s 1842 Last Will and Testament. See my Postings Part 61s and Part 347s.

Here are the images of Pages 318 and 319 as downloaded from the microfilm.

My transcription –

(318)

A

Entered 14th of August 1855

This is the Last Will and Testament of me Thomas
Smith of the town of Saint George in the Island of Grenada Spirit Dealer
1. Whereas I have for some time past carried on the business of a Retailer
of Spirituous Liquors in the said Town of Saint George and Island aforesaid
And Whereas I am desirous that the said business shall be carried on after
my decease for the benefit of my children I do therefore hereby give and bequeath
my said business of Retailer of Spirituous Liquors and all my interest therein
and all my stock and effects now or hereafter to be employed therein and
all my stock and effects now or hereafter during the period for which I
now hold a License for the same rents the Trustees and Executors hereinafter
named their Executors Administrators and Assigns. 2. I devise to my two
nieces Emily and Elsey Steele Three acres of Land of Morne Jaloux Estate in the
parish of Saint George of which I stand seized. 3. I devise to my Nephew
James Smith Jr. at present in the Island of Tobago Seven Acres of the Land of the
said Morne Jaloux Estate to be chosen by his Father immediately or within
twelve months after my decease on the outskirts of the lands of the said
Morne Jaloux Estate. 4. I devise Sixteen Acres of Land of which I am seized
situate above Mardigras in the parish of Saint George to my Sister in Law
Rosa Collier. 5. I devise to my friend Thomas Grant Two Acres of land on
the said Morne Jaloux Estate in the line of Cocoa Nuts commonly called
_____ near the pond or the boundary of Charles Court Estate. 6. I give
and bequeath unto my Trustees and Executors hereinafter named the
Bedstead and Clothes Press at present in my Bedroom and all Jewellery I am
possessed of at my decease for the benefit of my infant daughter Charlotte
Sophia. 7. I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Landreth my Watch
and Gold Chain. 8. I give and bequeath unto my son George William
my Fowling Piece. 9. I give and bequeath unto my son Frederick my Sword.
I give devise and bequeath unto my Brother James Smith my Horse
Saddle & Bridal and all my wearing Apparel. I give devise and be
queath all the rest remainder and residue of my Estate Real or personal
whatsoever or wheresoever situate or processed unto my said Trustees and
Executors for the benefit of my children namely Thomas Landreth, George
William, Frederick and Charlotte Sophia upon their respectively attaining
the age of Twenty-One years or if or daughter upon her Marriage which ever
shall first happen and to the survivor or survivors of them who shall have
attained the said Age or Majority after my decease. I hereby nominate
my Sister In Law Rosa Collier Guardian of my Children during their
respective minority and as my dying request I trust that she will kindly
undertake the charge and burthen? which I have _____ thrown upon her
I hereby appoint my Sister Mrs. Sophia Ventour now all of the Island of Tobago
and Henry Garraway Esquire of the town of Saint George and Island
of Grenada aforesaid Trustees and Executors under this my Last Will
and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills Testaments or Testamentary
writings whatsoever done by me. In Witness whereof I have here unto set
my hand this thirtieth day of December One thousand eight hundred
and fifty-four.

Thos. Smith

Signed by the above named Thomas Smith the Testator as and for his Last
Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the same time and

at

(319)

At his request in his presence and in the presence of each other _____
subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto The word "present" between the fourth
& fifth line and the words "who at his request" between the fifth and sixth
lines of this attestation having been previously inserted.

B

Codicil to the foregoing Last Will and Testament of me Thomas
Smith of the Island of Grenada made this first day of March in the year
1855. I give and bequeath to George Steele in trust for Mary the Wife of the
said George Steele Three Acres of land on Morne Jaloux Estate also One Acre
of the said land to James Romney as a mark of esteem and a small recom
pense for his services and also Three Acres of land to Henry son of my
friend Henry Garraway.

Thomas Smith (L S)

Sealed Signed and delivered in the presence of us this first day of March
1855.

Felix Prudhomme James Logan

I will follow up with my notes of the distribution of property and personal effects as written in gg-granduncle Thomas’ LWT in my next Posting. Part 350s.

Enjoy,

Jim

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Part 348s – Smith Robertson Genealogy – Indenture Research – 1854 Susanna Smith – LWT

Morning,

In my search for the origins, genealogy, and ancestry of my ggg-grandfather James Smith I figure I would have to also research documents and indentures beyond the year of his passing circa 1843. I also discovered that I do not have any Smith related Indentures of the microfilm FHL [1563330] for Item 3. My files jump from Item 2 to Item 4. This means that I will have to re-order the microfilm just to make sure that I did not miss something.

Anyway the first Document from Item 4 of the microfilm FHL [1563330] of the Grenada Registers of Records is a Last Will and Testament of one Susanna Smith of St. George, Grenada. It is a very short Document and there are no leads as to any relationship or familial connection to ggg-grandfather James. The witnesses are Robert Steele and Daniel Smith, but at present I do not have any immediate connecting proof of relationship.

Here are the two images of Pages 250 and 251.

My transcription –

(250)

Exd

Entered 12th December 1854

This is the Last Will and Testament of me
Susanna Smith of the town of St. George in the Island of Grenada I hereby Will
and bequeath of my real property in the parish of St. David Two Acres of land unto
Isabella Ellis and unto Mrs. Mary Bontan? of the same parish One Acre of the said
lands And of my personal property Twenty pounds to be divided between my Sister
Jane Marichand three Eldest daughters in the Island of Portorico and twenty
pounds to be reserved to defray my funeral expenses should there be any residue
after my Internment it is my request that the same be divided between Mrs. Mary
Bontan and Isabella Ellis. Of my household effect I give unto the Eldest daugh
ter of Mr Charles Wells two Silver Tablespoons and two silver teaspoons to
Jane Ellis I give One Silver tablespoon and One silver teaspoon and a Commode?
to Isabella Ellis I give Three Silver Table spoons and three silver Tes spoons One
Table and two chairs and my Mattresses my wearing apparell and all other Ar
ticles I may possess at my death I hereby nominate and appoint Mr. Charles

Wells

(251)

Wells of the town of St George and Mrs. Mary Bontan? of the parish of St. David
to be my Executor and Executrix hereby revoking all other Testamentary writtings.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this Seventeenth day of July one
thousand eight hundred and fifty four

Susanna Smith my X mark

Signed and acknowledged by the said Testator by affirming her mark or cross thereunto
as her will in the presence of us at the same time who at the request in her
presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses

Robert Steele D Smith

Codicil

To Mrs. Mary Bontan I give my Clothes Press a small mahogany table
and two chairs omitted above.

Robert Steele D Smith

Grenada }
In Ordinary}

In the Estate of Susanna Smith deceased

Robert Steele of the town of Saint George in Grenada 

Gentleman maketh Oath and saith the he was present together with Daniel Smith
in the seventeenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and fifty four and
did see Susanna Smith sign (by making her mark or cross) the paper writing
within written purporting to be her Last Will and Testament and that at the
request of the said Testator this deponent and the said Daniel Smith did then and
there subscribe their names as witnesses to the said Will in the presence of the said
Susanna Smith and in the presence of each other being all present together at the
same time And this deponent further saith that the mark or cross set at the
foot of the said Will is the proper mark or cross of the said Susanna Smith And
that the names “Robert Steele” and “D Smith” subscribed to the attestation at the
foot of the said Will as those of Witnesses to the execution thereof by the said Susanna
Smith are of the respective proper handwritings of this deponent and the said Daniel
Smith And this deponent further saith that at the time the said Testator so executed
her said Will she was to the best of this deponents Judgment and belief of sound
and disposing mind memory and understanding.

Robert Steele

Sworn by the deponent Robert Steele this seventh day of December 1854 before me

Robt W Heate – O

Not the spelling of "the Island of Portorico" in the above Will. The Spanish is Porto Rico or Portorico, and in English, Puerto Rico.

Stay tune for the next Indenture. It is another Last Will and Testament and should prove somewhat interesting.

Also check out our new quilt creation, Nöel Diptych, at Quilts SB.

Enjoy,

Jim

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Part 347s – Smith Robertson Genealogy – Indenture Research – 1842 James Smith – LWT – Distribution

Morning,

Just back from my roller-blading. I’m up to 4 ½ miles every other day. Not doing too bad for a border-line elder-codger. (No pun intended to any branch of my Family Tree.) My next target is 6 miles every other day.

Last night’s supper was a quick throw together paella with chicken, shrimp, pepperoni and risotto rice. Onion, garlic, red pepper, cumin, turmeric and salt… and of course olive oil and chicken broth. All on the stove top. Not bad with olives on the side.

The next Document of my Transcription Project in the search for the genealogy, origin and ancestry of my ggg-grandfather James Smith is the last Smith-related Indenture of Item 2 of the FHL microfilm [1563330]. The microfilm is a copy of the Grenada Registers of Records available through the Family History Library at Salt Lake City.

This Document is the Last Will and Testament of ggg-grandfather James Smith. It was signed by ggg-grandfather James 9 December 1842, sworn to 15 February 1843 and entered to the Registers 21 February 1843.

I have previously worked, transcribed and presented ggg-grandfather James’ LWT in Part 61s. This Posting is an updated transcription of the LWT and I decided that I would attempt to further examine and try to understand the distribution of ggg-grandfather James’ possessions and effects to his family and friends.

I am providing images of the pages 502 through and including 505 followed by my updated transcription. Following that are my notes of the distributions accorded from the Will.

Here is my updated transcription.

(502)

Xd

Entered 21st February 1843

In the name of God Amen I James Smith of Good
Hope in the parish of Saint George in the Island of Grenada Esquire being
of sound mind memory and understanding but mindful of the uncertainty of
human life do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form
following that is to say I desire that all my past debts and funeral and testa
mentary expenses may be paid as soon after my decease as made be convenient by
my Executors hereinafter named and I hereby direct that that the fund out of
which the same shall be paid shall (if sufficient) be any sums due to me from
any debtors, as well as any sums of money which shall be at my Credit in the
Books of the West India Bank in this Island at the time of my decease I give
devise and bequeath unto my dear wife Mary Ann Smith All that my Estate
of Good Hope aforesaid situate in the said parish of Saint George with all the
furniture Plate Linen China and other household goods which may be in the
same at the time of my death together with all Cattle Mules and other live
Stock attached to the said Estate or which may be thereon at the time of my
death Also all that my freehold messuage or tenement situate in the town
of Saint George in the said Island of Grenada in the Market Square and now
in the tenure or occupation of Thomas McEwen. To hold the same to
her and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life Subject
to the payment of the sum of Five pounds annually to Mary Smith

the

(503)

The reputed daughter of my son George Smith for and during the term of
her natural life, and the further sum of Eight pounds annually to each of
my daughters Sophia Ventour and Mary Steele during their natural lives
and after the decease of the said Mary Ann Smith I give devise and
bequeath unto my said Son James Smith and to his heirs and assigns
for ever All that my said Estate called Good Hope subject to the annuity
of Five pounds bequeathed to Mary Smith, also one half of my furniture
Plate Linen China and other Household Goods and one half of my Cattle
Mules and other live stock attached to the said Estate of Good Hope and I
give devise and bequeath unto my said Son Thomas Smith and to his heirs and
assigns for ever All that my House and lot in the Market Square at
present in the tenure or occupation of Thomas McEwen subject to the several
annuities of Eight pounds each bequeathed to my daughters Sophia Ventour
and Mary Steele and the other half of my furniture Plate Linen China and
other household Goods and Cattle Mules and other live Stock attached to
the said Good Hope Estate I give devise and bequeath unto my said Son Thomas
Smith his heirs and assigns for ever All that my freehold messuage and
tenement situate in Young Street in the town of St. George with the Shop thereunto
attached and now in the occupation of George Rutherford and John Gibbs. I give
devise and bequeath to my said son James Smith his heirs and assigns
all that freehold Messuage or tenement situate in Scott Street said
town of St. George together with the lot piece or parcel of land now used as a
work Shop with all other than the out buildings there to attached and which were
purchased by me from the late James Bain together with all the Lumber
Tools and other implements of Trade which are now on the same Subject
nevertheless to the annuity and Legacies hereinafter mentioned viz. To my Son
Henry Smith a clear yearly sum of Forty pounds to be paid to the said
Henry Smith quarterly during his life. To my God Sons Robert Guthrie,
James Steele son of Richard Steele Esquire of Green Hill, to James Steele
son of George Steele of the said town of Saint George and to my God
daughters Frances McEwen the wife of Thomas McEwen Esqr and Mary
Ann Smith daughter of the late Frank Smith the sum of Six pounds
each. I give devise and bequeath unto my said Son Thomas Smith All
that my Estate called Charlotte Vale situate in the parish of Saint David
in the said Island of Grenada with the buildings thereon erected and all
and singular the appurtenances thereto belonging. I give devise and bequeath
to Benjamin Ventour James Smith and Alexander Bain their heirs and
assigns All that my other Freehold messuage or tenement situate in Scott
Street aforesaid formerly occupied as the Colony Hospital Upon Trust to pay out of
the rents thereof the sum of Twenty pounds to my son George Smith and to
pay to my Sister Betsy La Grenade the sum of Sixteen pounds annually

during

(504)

During the term of her natural life and the like sum of Sixteen pounds
annually to my son Thomas Smith during the term of his natural life
and upon further Trust that after payment of the said Annuities my said
Trustees Benjamin Ventour James Smith and Alexander Bain whom I also
nominate constitute and appoint Executors of this my last Will and Testament
do employee any rest residue or remainder of the rents to be received from the said
House in keeping the same in repairs or in the improvement thereof at the
discretion of my said Trustees. And from and after the decease of my said
Son Thomas Smith and my Sister Betsy La Grenade I give devise and bequeath
the said Messuage or Tenement loft piece or parcel of land unto the Children of
my daughter Mary Steele by her present Marriage as shall be living at the
time of either of the above events happening their heirs and assigns equally share
and share alike as tenants in common and not as joint tenants. I give
devise and bequeath to my Grand daughter Madelaine Ventour One half of the
Shares which I possess in the Capital Stock of the West India Bank and
the remaining half thereof I give and bequeath to Louis La Grenade Esqre I give
and bequeath to Benjamin Ventour my Gold Watch Chain and Seals. I give
and bequeath unto my friend Alexander Couper his choice of one of my
Milch Cows at Good Hope. I give and bequeath unto Alexander Bain the
Clothes Press which I have in the Town of Saint George and my Copy of the
Encyclopedia Britannica contained in Twenty Volumes. And I do hereby revoke
all former and other Wills by me at any time heretofore made and declare
this to be my last Will and testament. In Witness whereof I the said Testator
James Smith have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and
Seal this Ninth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and forty two.

Js Smith (L S)

Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator as and for his
last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his
request and in the presence of each other have here unto subscribed our names
as Witnesses.

J A St. Bernard John Ls A St. Bernard James St. Bernard

Grenada

Before His Excellency Charles Joseph Doyle Colonel in Her

Majesty’s Army Lieutenant Governor and Commander

in Chief in and over the Island of Grenada and its

Dependencies Chancellor and Ordinary of the same.

Personally appeared John Alexander St. Bernard of the Parish
of Saint George in the Island of Grenada Planter who being duly
Sworn made Oath that he was present together with John Louis
Alexander St. Bernard and James St. Bernard and did see James

Smith

(505)

Smith the Testator within named duly signed seal execute and deliver the
within written Will and at the same time did hear the said Testator publish
and declare the same as and for his last Will and Testament and that
the name or signature "Js Smith" set and subscribed opposite the seal
at foot of the said Will is of the proper handwriting of the said Testator James
Smith And this deponent further saith that in testimony of such due execution
thereof as aforesaid they this deponent and the said John Louis Alexander St.
Bernard and James St. Bernard did at the request of the said Testator in his
presence and in the presence of each other severally subscribe their names as
witnesses thereto and that the names or signatures "J. A. St. Bernard" "John
Ls. A. St. Bernard" and "James St. Bernard" set and subscribed to the attestation
written at foot of the said Will are of the respective proper handwriting of this
deponent and the said John Louis Alexander St. Bernard and James St. Bernard
And lastly this deponent saith that at the time the said Testator so signed
sealed published and declared the said within written Will as and for his
last Will and Testament as after said he was to the best of this to deponent's
Judgment and belief of sound mind memory and understanding.

J. A. St. Bernard

Sworn to before me this Fifteenth day of February 1843

C. J. Doyle Ordy.

Here are my notes of the distribution of ggg-grandfather James Smith’s Last Will and Testament.

Definitions -

• Messuage - In law, a dwelling house and its adjacent buildings and the adjacent land used by the household.
• Tenement - A dwelling house with the surrounding land.

To Mary Ann Smith, Wife

• Estate of Good Hope, parish of Saint George with attached
• All Furniture Plate Linen China and other household goods
• All Cattle Mules and other live Stock
• All freehold messuage or tenement situated at Market Square in the town of Saint George, at the time occupied by Thomas McEwen
• All subject to the £5.0.0 annuity to granddaughter Mary Smith

To Mary Smith, Reputed Daughter of Son George Smith

• £5.0.0 Annually for her natural life

To Sophia (née Smith) Ventour, Daughter

• £8.0.0 Annually for her natural life

To Mary (née Smith) Steele, Daughter

• £8.0.0 Annually for her natural life

To James Smith, Son, after the death of Mary Ann Smith, Executor of the Will

• Good Hope Estate, parish of Saint George with attached
• One-half Furniture Plate Linen China and other household goods
• One-half Cattle Mules and other live Stock
• All subject to the £5.0.0 annuity to Granddaughter (his niece) Mary Smith
• All freehold messuage or tenement with the Work Shop and all other buildings situated at Scott Street in the town of Saint George
• All Lumber Tools and other implements of Trade
• All subject to the £8.0.0 annuities to Daughters, (his sisters) Sophia (née Smith) Ventour and Mary (née Smith) Steele and to the £5.0.0 annuity to Granddaughter (his niece) Mary Smith
• All other freehold messuage or tenement situated at Scott Street formerly occupied by the Colony Hospital of which the rents have to give annually £20.0.0 to Son (his brother) George Smith and to give annually £16.0.0 to his Sister (his aunt) Betsy (née Smith) La Grenada, to give annually £20.0.0 to Son (his brother) Thomas Smith

To Thomas Smith, Son after the death of Mary Ann Smith

• The House and Lot in Market Square, at the time occupied by Thomas McEwen
• Other half Furniture Plate Linen China and other household goods attached to Good Hope Estate
• One-half Cattle Mules and other live Stock attached to Good Hope Estate
• All freehold messuage or tenement with the attached Shop situated at Young Street in the town of Saint George, at the time occupied by George Rutherford and John Gibbs
• Charlotte Vale Estate, parish of Saint David
• All buildings and appurtenances belonging to Charlotte Vale Estate

To Henry Smith, Son

• £40.0.0 Annually paid quarterly during his life

To Robert Guthrie, Godson

• £6.0.0

To James Steele, Godson (possibly grandson), son of George (and possibly daughter Mary (née Smith) Steele

• £6.0.0

To James Steele, Godson, son of James Steele

• £6.0.0

To Frances McEwen, Goddaughter, wife of Thomas McEwen

• £6.0.0

To Mary Ann Smith, Goddaughter, daughter of Frank Smith

• £6.0.0

To Benjamin Ventour, Son-in-Law, husband of his daughter Sophia (née Smith) Ventour, Executor of the Will

• All other freehold messuage or tenement situated at Scott Street formerly occupied by the Colony Hospital of which the rents have to give annually £20.0.0 to Son George Smith and to give annually £16.0.0 to his Sister Betsy (née Smith) La Grenada, to give annually £20.0.0 to Son Thomas Smith
• His Gold Watch Chain and Seals

To Alexander Bain, Executor of the Will

• All other freehold messuage or tenement situated at Scott Street formerly occupied by the Colony Hospital of which the rents have to give annually £20.0.0 to Son George Smith and to give annually £16.0.0 to his Sister (his aunt) Betsy La Grenade, to give annually £20.0.0 to Son Thomas Smith
• The Clothes Press
• His copy of Encyclopedia Britannica in Twenty Volumes

To Children of Mary (née Smith) Steele and George Steele, Grandchildren

• In the event of the passing of his Son (their uncle) Thomas Smith and of his Sister (their grandaunt) Betsy (née Smith) La Grenade, to share equally that which had been allocated to their uncle Thomas Smith and grandaunt Betsy (née Smith) La Grenade

To Madelaine Ventour, Granddaughter, daughter of Sophia (née Smith) and Benjamin Ventour

• One half of the Shares of the balance of the Capital Stock owned of the West India Bank

To Louis La Grenade, (I am guessing his brother-in-law and husband of his sister Betsy (née Smith) La Grenade

• One half of the Shares of the balance of the Capital Stock owned of the West India Bank

To Alexander Couper, Friend

• A choice of one of his Milch Cows from the Good Hope Estate

Now on to Item 3.

And after the upgrade to my PC, I need to reinstall both my Legacy 7.4 and The Master Genealogist 7.04 programs.

Enjoy,

Jim

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Part 346s – Smith Robertson Genealogy – Indenture – 1841 James Smith – Dissolution of the ShipWrights Copartnership

Morning,

No new and interesting concoction for breakfast this morning. I had to take Tobi for his six month check-up since his chemo-therapy last November 2008. Doctor’s prognosis – Tobi’s doing very well and there does not appear to be any recurrence of the cancer. His back legs are weaker, but that was expected.

And I’m back at my desk and PC ready to focus on my work in my Indenture Project in the search for the origins and genealogy of ggg-grandfather James Smith.

Well, the next Smith-related Document in Grenada Registers of Records in Item 2 of the microfilm FHL [1563330] is definitely a reference to ggg-grandfather James Smith.

I did post the same work and transcription in Part 60s a year ago in September 2009. My new transcription does provide some additional words from my previous work. Also after re-reading and re-working the Document I have become, I think a bit more enlightened to what may have happened to ggg-grandfather James’ Ship Wrights Copartnership between the years of 1829 and 1841.

In a quick overview, and from my vantage point, it appears that ggg-grandfather James’ partners, John Mortimer and James Nichol had both recently passed away. Accordingly, John Mortimer had passed away on 10 August 1840 and James Nicol on 23 August 1840. If I understand the document correctly, (please feel free to send in your comments and thoughts), ggg-grandfather James Smith had retired from the Copartnership 31 December 1835. And here is where I get a bit hazy, not being a legal or contract law expert. It appears to me that this specific Indenture is an assurance that ggg-grandfather James, his heirs, executors and administrators may not have been responsible for the debts and liabilities of the Ship Wright Copartnership. Any thoughts?

Here are the images of the pages 354, 356, and 356.

And my new transcription –

(354)

X

Entered 16 October 1841

This Indenture made the fifteenth day of May in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one Between
James Smith of the town of Saint George in the Islands of Grenada Esquire of the
one part and Owsley Rowley and William Alexander Horne
of the same place Esquires Executors of the last Will and Testament of John
Mortimer late of the town and Island aforesaid Merchant of the other part
Whereas by certain Article of Agreement intended bearing date the eighth day of
May in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine and made or
expressed to be made between James Nicol therein described and since deceased
of the first part the said John Mortimer of the second part and the said
James Smith of the third part It is amongst other things Witnessed that they
the said James Nicol John Mortimer and James Smith should and would
become continue and be Copartners in the trade or business of ShipWrights to commence
from the first day of January then last part and thenceforth for and during the
term of five years to be carried on at or upon certain premises therein described
situate in the said island purchased or agreed to be purchased by them as
therein mentioned And Whereas the said James Smith retired from
the said firm or Copartnership at the expiration of the said term of five years
_____ on the thirty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and
thirty five at which time divers debts and sums of money were due and owing to
and by the said firm by and to divers persons and by and to the said several
partners to and by each other or the said firm in respect of the transactions
and business of the said Copartnership And Whereas the said

John 

(355)

John Mortimer departed this life on or about the tenth day of August
one thousand eight hundred and forty having made his last Will and Testament
in writing or certain Testamentary Writings in the nature thereof and appointed the
said Owsley Rowley and William Alexander Horne Executors thereof and they
upon his death duly proved the said Will or Testamentary Writings in Grenada
before His Honor the Ordinary there And Whereas the said James Nicol
departed this life on or about the twenty third day of August one thousand eight
hundred and forty And Whereas the affairs of the said Copartnership have
never been closed and the rights and liabilities of the said partners or their
Representatives as amongst themselves cannot now be ascertained without recourse
to legal proceedings and much expense and delay and in order therefor to and
litigation it hath been agreed between and by the said James Smith and
the said Owsley Rowley and William Alexander Horne as such Executors as
aforesaid to execute such release as hereinafter contained Now this Indenture
Witnesseth that in consideration of the premises the said James Smith for
himself his heirs executors and administrators Hath remised released and
for ever discharged and by these presents Doth remise release and forever discharge
unto the said Owsley Rowley and William Alexander Horne as such
Executors as aforesaid Have remised released and for ever discharged and
by these Presents Do remise release and for ever discharge unto the
said James Smith his heirs executors and administrators all and all manner
of Actions and Suits sums of money debts dues accounts reckonings costs
damages expenses claims and demands whatsoever at Law or in Equity for or
in respect of the said Copartnership between the said James Nicol, John
Mortimer and James Smith or the property or Effects of the said Copart
nership and all payments transactions acts matters and things made had or done
in the conduct or management of the same or otherwise in relation thereto In
Witness whereof the said parties to these presents have hereunto set their
hands and seals the day and year first above written

Owsley Rowley (LS) W. A. Horne (LS) Js. Smith (LS)

Signed sealed and delivered by the said James Smith Owsley Rowley and the
said William Alexander Horne In the presence of

Alex. Aberdeen Richd Neckles

Grenada

Before His Honor Ambrose Hayling Assistant Justice 

of the Supreme Court of Judicature of the Island 

of Grenada and its Dependencies

Personally appeared Alexander Aberdeen one of the subscribing Witnesses
to the forgoing Indenture who being duly sworn mad Oath that he was
present together with Richard Neckles the other subscribing Witness thereto

and

(356)

And did see Owsley Rowley, William Alexander Horne and James Smith
the parties executing the same duly severally and respectively sign and execute
and deliver the same as and for their several and respective Acts and Deeds
and that in testimony of such due execution thereof as aforesaid they this deponent
and the said Richard Neckles did severally set and subscribe their names as
witnesses to the execution of the same Indenture And this Deponent further saith
that the names or signature “Owsley Rowley” “W.A. Horne” “Jas Smith”” sub
scribed thereto as the parties executing the same and of “Alex Aberdeen” “ Rich”
Nickle?” as the Witnesses thereto are of the several and respective handwriting and
signatures of the said Owsley Rowley William Alexander Horne James Smith
Alexander Aberdeen this Deponent and Richard Neckles whose signature the
same purport to be.

Alex Aberdeen

Sworn before me this nineteenth day of August 1841

Ambrose Hayling A∫sistant Justice

The transcriptions are continuing and as mentioned I’ve increased my speed of transcribing with the use of Dragon 11. I’m also checking out the genealogy software, Gramps, which is an intuitive based genealogy software available for an Ubuntu operating system.

And just a quick plug for our quilting… Check back with Quilts SB soon. Our first quilt of our OP Noel Series – Nöel Diptech – should be posted shortly.

Enjoy,

Jim

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Part 345s – Smith Robertson Genealogy – Indenture Research – 1840 Richard Oliver Smith – Power of Attorney – Cape Town

Good morning,

Breakfast this morning – Grants Quiki; eggs, chorizo, and hominy. Some half-and-half, salt and pepper, and butter. Recipe originates from the Uranium Café, now called Nana’s, in Grants, New Mexico.

And I continue to search for the origins of ggg-grandfather James Smith. I have been searching through documents originated in Grenada, Great Britain, and Scotland. And now I have chanced upon an assignment of Power of Attorney to Richard Oliver Smith which is entered in the Grenada Registers of Records but yet originates in Cape Town, South Africa.

All-things-being-equal I do not have any proof that there is a familial connection between ggg-grandfather James and Richard Oliver Smith. I could chance a guess that they may have known each other, but even if that was the case, I am not any closer to discovering the ancestry, genealogy, or origins of ggg-grandfather James.

This next Document, written 21 July 1840, albeit changed from 21 December 1839 was entered to the Grenada Registers of Records 22 December 1840. The Record was discovered in Item 2 of the microfilm FHL [1563330].

The images following are of page 209 through and including the top portion of page 213.

My transcription –

(209)

Exd.

Entered 22d December 1840

I William James D’urban Esquire Major in Her Brittanic
Majesty’s Seventy fifth Regiment of Foot send Greeting Whereas by a
certain Deed Poll or Letter of Attorney bearing date in or about the Nineteenth
day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty five
under the hands and Seals of John Stewart of the Albany Piccadilly
London Esquire Samuel Trehawke Kekewich of Peamore in Exminster
Esquire and Samuel Parr of Knowle Cottage in George’s Clist in the
County of Devon Esquire all within the Kingdom of England After
Reciting therein that by Indentures bearing date all twenty seventh
and twenty eighth days of October one thousand eight hundred and
thirty three the latter made between Mary Mitchell Widow of the
first part Mary Elizabeth Stewart Mitchell Daughter and only
Child of the said Mary Mitchell of the second part I the said

William

(210)

William James D’urban of the third part and the said
John Stewart Samuel Trehawke Kekewich and Samuel Parr of the
fourth part (being the Settlement made previous to and in contem-
plation of the since solemnized Marriage between the said Mary Elizabeth
Stewart Mitchell and me the said William James D’urban) All and
singular that Plantation and Estate with the appurtenances called Hope Vale
situate in the Island of Grenada in the West Indies formerly belonging to
Samuel Mitchell the deceased Father of the said Mary Elizabeth Stewart D’urban
together with all the Me∫suages Houses Mills Stills and other Erections and
Buildings and works of every description and All the Slaves Negroes Cattle
Stores Utensils and Implements upon or belonging to the said Plantation and Estate
or any part thereof with their respective appurtenances were with other Lands conveyed
and assured unto and to the use of the said John Stewart Samuel Trehawke
Kekewich and Samuel Parr their Heirs Executors administrators and assigns
according to the nature and quality of the several Estates Nevertheless upon
to and for the trust ends intents and purposes as the said Indentures particularly
expressed concerning the same It is Witnessed that they the said John
Stewart Samuel Trehawke Kekewich and Samuel Parr at the request and
by the direction of the said Mary Elizabeth Stewart D’urban did make ordain
authorize constitute and appoint and in their place and stead put and depute
me the said William James D’urban their true and lawful Attorney and represent
tative to act in conduct and manage for them as the Trustees under the said
Settlement All and every of their Affairs matters and things being happening or
necessary to be transacted in the said Island of Grenada and for that purpose
they thereby authorize and empowered me in their names or otherwise to ask
demand sue for recover and receive all and every Sum and Sums of money
debts dues goods Merchandizes Chattels Effects and things which then were
might be or become due owing payable or belonging to them as such Trustees?
as aforesaid by any ways or means whatsoever and to sign execute and deliver
all such receipts releases or other discharges for the same respectively as I Should
think fit And also to settle any Accounts or Reckonings they should or might
be interested or concerned with any persons whatsoever in the said Island
and to pay or receive balances thereof And also to compound such debts
balances or Sums as aforesaid and to take or receive any composehow? or _____
dividend in respect thereof And thereupon to give receipts releases or other
discharges for the whole of the same debts sums or demands or to submit?
to Arbitration any debts or demands Accounts reckonings claims receipts releases?
or things in the said Island due to from or concerning them as I should
think advisable and for that purpose to enter into such Bonds of Arbitration
or other Deeds or Instruments as were usual in like cases And to _____
and represent them in all or any Courts and before any Magistrate or

Officers

(211)

Officers of or in Law or Equity And to sue arrest distrain upon
imprison to liberate release and discharge all and every person or persons indebted
or who should thereafter become indebted to them as such Trustees or upon whom
they then had or should have any claims or demands on any account whatsoever And
also to commence and prosecute any Action or Trial in any Court of Law or Equity in
the said Island for the recovery of any debt right title interest produce property
matter or thing whatsoever payable or to become payable or belonging to them in the
said Island And the same to discontinue or become nonsuit therein And also to
take all such other lawful means and ways for recovery or receiving of any sums
produce property or thing which were or should be due owing or payable by any person
or persons whomsoever in the said Island And also to appoint any Attorney or Solicitor
at Law or in Equity as occasion might require and also to enter into and upon the
said Plantations and Estates with the appurtenances And all and singular the
Me∫suages tenements Dwellinghouses and real and Leasehold Estate whatsoever in the
said Island which became so vested in them by virtue of the said Settlement and
to view the state and condition and repairs thereof to give direction for repairing the
same and to set and let for any term or otherwise to oversee manage order and
improve the same And also to purchase all necessary Stores Cattle and things for that
purpose and to pay or allow all Taxes Rates disbursements charges expences and all
other payments and outgoings in respect thereof and also to receive and recover all
due and payable in respect of the said premises And to enter and distrain and
the distresses to keep or otherwise to sell and dispose of according to Law or take
such other Steps by Action or Suit as I should think fit And also to take
possession of the said Plantation and Estate and other the premises And to
commence and prosecute all Actions Suits and other proceedings for the recovery
of the same or any part thereof And for the better doing and performing and
executing all or any of the Matters and things therein aforesaid they the said
John Stewart Samuel Trehawke Kekewich and Samuel Parr did thereby
further give and grant unto to me the said William James D’urban full power
and authority to retain and employ any person or persons to act under me
And also to constitute and appoint and in my place and stead to put
one or more Attorney or Attorneys for them as their Attorney or Attorneys and
the same again at my pleasure to revoke and other or others in his or their
place or places to substitute and generally to do all other Acts Deeds Matter and
things whatseoever in or about the premises as fully amply and effectually to
all intents and purposes as they could do in their own proper persons if personally
present Now know ye That I the said William James D’urban pursuant
to and in exercise of the power and authority given to me as hereinbefore mentioned
Do by these presents revoke all powers of Attorney previous to the date hereof
made by me And now nominate substitute and appoint Richard Oliver

Smith

(212)

Smith of Revolution Hall Estate in the parish of Saint John in the
said Island of Grenada John Well of Bacolet Estate in the parish of Saint
David in the said Island of Grenada George Fraser of Mount Parnassus Estate
Grenada and Thomas Holmes Collector of Her Majesty’s Customs in the said
Island severally and respectively but not jointly in succession the one after the
death refusal absence resignation or any incapacity to act of the other of them
in the order in which they are hereinbefore named in my place and stead
to act as and by the Attorney and Representative of them the said John
Stewart Samuel Trehawke Kekewich and Samuel Parr and in their names
or otherwise to exercise do perform and execute prosecute conduct manage
carry on and into full effect all and every powers authorities matters and
things whatsoever contained expressed and declared and which are given or
deputed to me in and by the said recited Deed Poll or Power of Attorney
And to take use and exercise all expedients and means which may be necessary
in or concerning the premises as fully and effectually to all intents and purposes
as I the said William James D’urban could or might do under by virtue
of the hereinbefore recited power or authority given to me for the purposes
therein expressed or any of them In Witness whereof I the said William
James D’urban have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty first day of July
one thousand eight hundred and forty

William James (LS) D’Urban

Signed Sealed and delivered by the above named William James D’urban
in the presence of

H.J. Berkwood of Cape Town, Gentleman

Alfred B. Roberts of Cape Town, Gentleman

(LS) To all whom it may concern I John Alfred
Merrington of Cape Town Cape of Good Hope Notary Public duly admitted
and sworn Do hereby Certify and Attest that on the day of the date hereof
Before me in my Office in Cape Town personally appeared William James
D’Urban Esquire Major in Her Brittanic Majesty’s twenty fifth Regiment
of foot at present in this Colony who did them and there sign seal and as his
act and deed in due form of law deliver the aforegoing procuration or Letter of Attorney
there being then and there also present with the appearer and me the
Notary William James Birkwood and Alfred Brooksbank Roberts of
Cape Town Gentlemen whose names are subscribed as Witnesses to the _____
execution thereof the words “December” and “thirty nine” in the last line
of said procuraton having been previously erased and the words “July” and
“forty” inserted in lieu thereof.
As Witness my Hand and Seal of Office at Cape Town aforesaid
this twenty first day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty.

Jno Ald Merrington Not. Pub.

To

(213)

To all to whom it may concern I John Bell C. B.
Secretary to the Government of the Cape of Good hope do hereby Certify
that Mr. John Alfred Merrington, whose signature is affixed to the annexed
Deed is a Notary Public duly Sworn and practicing in this Colony in Cape
Town by and under the authority of Government and that to all Act
Instruments Documents and Writings subscribed by him in that Capacity
full faith and credence are given in this Colony in Court and thereout
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of
Office this twenty first day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty.

John Bell Secy to Govt.

My research continues. One day, I will find the origins of ggg-grandfather James Smith. On to the next Document.

Enjoy,

Jim

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Part 344s – Smith Robertson Genealogy – Indenture Research – 1838 Richard Oliver Smith – Last Will and Testament

Morning,

After an interesting breakfast of ham and eggs and home fries and a Kosher pickle I now delve into my genealogy research.

And now for an interesting Document and Record… All-things-being-equal it does not have anything to do with ggg-grandfather James Smith but after all of my research and search thus far I would venture that ggg-grandfather James may have been acquainted with Richard Oliver Smith. It is amazing the priceless finds one can uncover when searching for one’s ancestry, genealogy, and scurrying through the branches of one’s family tree.

This next record, entered to the Grenada Registers of Records 10 April 1840 was written by Richard Oliver Smith 23 July 1838. It is his Last Will and Testament. It also connects him to his family members in Grenada, Barbados and Tobago, as well as associations in Bristol, England. Classic.

All-things-being-equal I would tender a guess that his daughters, as mentioned in his Will, Emily and Elizabeth Georgiana, are his daughters by his wives, Mary (née Broderip) and Harriet, respectively. My conjecture is based purely on the information that I have gathered to date. . I have created a Descendant Chart that presents Richard Oliver Smith’s ancestors.

This Document is from Item 2 of the microfilm FHL [1563330] of the Grenada Registers of Records, 1837-1881 (v.Z2-G3). I have downloaded images of the three pages 73, 74 and 75.

The copy is not great and here is my transcription of the LWT.

(73)

Entered 10th April 1840

This is the Last Will and Testament of me Richard
Oliver Smith of Revolution Hall Estate in the Island of Grenada
Subject to the payment for all my just debts I give and bequeath unto my
dear Wife her Executors Administrators and Assigns all my personal
property of every description and I also give bequeath & devise to my
dear Wife for the _____ of her natural if she shall now _____
and unmarried the whole of the rents and profits of my real Estate

wheresoever

(74)

Wheresoever situated but in the Event of her marrying again
the one half of the same from the period of her so marrying again
And subject to the said Life Estate & Interest of my dear Wife in
my said real Estate I give & devise the same to my dear Son
Richard Joseph Sanderson Smith his Heirs and Assigns for ever
Further I bequeath to my dear daughter (by my first Marriage) Emily the
Wife of the Revd John _____ of the Island of Barbados the sum
of Two hundred Pounds Sterling payable out of my real Estate when
clear of Debt. To my dear daughter (by my second Marriage) Elizabeth
Georgiana Smith, in consequence of her being already amply provided for I
bequeath the small Sum of Twenty five pounds Sterling as a token of my
remembrance, payable out of my personal Estate I constitute my dear Wife
Executrix & Joseph Orgias George Henry Ames of Bristol in Great Britain
and Edward Dyer Sanderson of the Island of Tobago Esquires Executors
of this my Will and I also appoint my dear Wife while single, Guardian
of my Children conjointly with the said Joseph Orgias Esquire of this Island
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set and affixed my Hand and Seal
this twenty third day of July One thousand eight hundred and thirty
eight.

R.O. Smith (LS)

Grenada Signed Sealed and delivered by the said Testator Richard Oliver
Smith as and for 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 Witness thereto the day and year above written.

Henry James Ross – Barrister Plaisance

Henry Warner – Barrister Trinidad - Robert Mather – Plaisance 

Grenada

Before his honor Matthew Davies President of Her 

Majesty’s Council and Commander in Chief in and 

over the Island of Grenada and its Dependencies 

Chancellor & Ordinary within the same

Personally appeared Henry James Ross Esquire Barrister at Law
one of the Subscribing Witnesses to the within Will who being duly Sworn
made Oath that he was present together with Henry Warner and
Robert Mather the other subscribing Witnesses thereto and did see
Richard Oliver Smith the Testator therein named duly sign seal
and deliver the same and did hear the said Testator duly publish
and declare the same as and for his last Will and Testament and
the deponent further made Oath that at the request of the said
Testator in his presence and in the presence of each other they this
Deponent the said Henry Warner and the said Robert Mather did
severally and respectively subscribe their names as Witnesses to the

due

(75)

Due Execution thereof And lastly this Deponent made Oath that at
the time the said Testator so executed published and declared the said within
written Will as and for his last Will and Testament as aforesaid he was to
the best of this Deponent’s Judgment and belief of sound and disposing
mind memory and understanding

Henry James Ross

Sworn to before me this 9 day of April 1840

Math Davies, ___

Next.

Enjoy,

Jim

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