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The Heritage House has a complete collection of Family Trees for all families of Bay de Verde, Red Head Cove and Daniel’s Cove (as well as some for Grates Cove, Low Point and Old Perlican) from as far back as Anglican and Roman Catholic records were kept.
These Family Trees are available for viewing at the Heritage Premises. Copies may be purchased at the Heritage House during operating hours at a cost of $10 each. If any person wishes to have a copy mailed to them, the total cost is $15 payable by cheque or postal money Order.
For further information, you may contact the Heritage Committee Secretary by phone at (709) 587-2260 or President Gerald Riggs at (709) 587-2021. E-mail contacts are bandbdoyle@eastlink.ca or carl_riggs@hotmail.com.
A Collection of Family Trees for Families of Bay de Verde, Red Head Cove, Daniel’s Cove, Grates Cove, Low Point & Old Perlican
From as far back as Anglican & Roman Catholic records were kept
| ABBOTT | DUFFETT | KING | PRYOR |
| ADEY | EMBERLEY | KINSELLA | QUINLAN |
| BAILEY | FITZGIBBONS | LOCKYER | RIGGS |
| BARTER | FLEMING | LOONEY | ROUSE |
| BLUNDON | FLYNN | LYNCH | RYAN |
| BRADY | FOLEY | MACKEY | STEVENS |
| BROADERS | FROST | MAIDMENT | SULLIVAN |
| BRODERICK | FROUD | MANGAN | SUTTON |
| COISH | GARRETT | McCARTHY | TAVERNER |
| CONWAY | GREEN | MOORE | WALSH |
| COTTER | HYDE | MURPHY | WHALEN |
| CRITCH | HURLEY | NOONAN | WOODROW |
| DAGWELL | JACOBS | NORMORE | |
| DINEEN | KEATS | NORRIS | |
| DINN | KEEFE | NORTH | |
| DOYLE | KEYES | O’NEILL |
ABBOTT – This is a surname of England, Ireland and Scotland and is derived from Old English “abbot” meaning the head of an abbey of monks. The Abbott surname is found quite extensively in the Bonavista area but no link has been made to those of the Bay de Verde area. James Abbott likely came from Waterford, Ireland to Bay de Verde as an indentured servant to one of the established planters sometime after 1812. The first record of this family name at Bay de Verde occurs in the Anglican Baptismal Records where James Abbott and Mary Blundon are recorded as having a child James baptised in the Anglican Church by Rev. Fredrick Carrington on April 23, 1814. The baptism of the next two children however, is found in the Catholic baptismal records at Harbour Grace which would indicate that James Abbott was a Catholic. Mary was a daughter of Thomas Blundon which could partly explain the baptism in the Anglican Church. Then again, people of the time were interested in having the child baptised by a clergyman and Carrington may have been the only one available at the time.
ADEY / EADY / EDDY – This name has been traced to Cornwall and Devon in England. It is one of the older name at Bay de Verde, probably from the area of Bristol in England. Mary, a daughter of Stephen and Sarah Adey was baptised by Rev John Clinch on September 7, 1797 at Bay de Verde. She was six years old. The Plantation Book has Stephen Adey owning land at Bay de Verde in 1782, so we can assume that he must have come here at least by that year. The name has undergone several changes over the years. They were originally known as ADEY but in later years the name changed to EADY at Bay de Verde and EDDY at Sibley’s Cove. Descendants of Stephen were living at Bay de Verde until October 19, 2002 when his great great grandson Thomas Eddy died. Some of Stephen’s other descendants are still living close by at Sibley’s Cove. Another family of Adey’s were at Hant’s Harbour but it is not known if they are connected to those of Bay de Verde.
BAYLEY / BAILEY – The earliest Bailey at Bay de Verde was Richard Bayley who was here in 1675 with 32 men fishing with six boats. Only one family of Baileys has been found at Bay de Verde after that time, a John Bailey born in 1766 and married to Elizabeth. John Bailey is deeded land by his father-in-law in 1805 according to the Plantation Book Records. No surname has been found for Elizabeth. Eight children are born to John and Elizabeth between 1803 and 1824 but what is strange about this family is that not one of the children are found at any later time in the Anglican or any other records for Bay de Verde. Could it be that all of them died young? Mortality rates were very high at the time but this would be unlikely. In any case if they lived, none of them settled down at Bay de Verde but both John and Elizabeth lived out their days here, as both of them are shown in the Anglican Burial Records. It is not known if this John was connected to the Baileys of the Bonaventure area of Trinity Bay, although it is quite likely that he came from that area, as there were Baileys with similar naming patterns there much earlier.
BARTER – A surname of England and Ireland meaning a barterer or exchanger. The name has been traced mostly in Devon, England. The Barter name is found at Bay de Verde shortly after 1800 when Amos and Robert who appear to be brothers arrive here. Amos had only one daughter, Clara who was born in 1820 and died in 1852. William, however, was a bit more prolific. He married Suzanna Lockyer and they had two sons and two daughters. Suzanna was a daughter of William Lockyer who owned a prime piece of waterfront property. The property is shared with the Barters and continued to be owned by both families until it was abandoned with the close of the cod fishery in 1992. The Barter surname was also found at St. John’s but it is not known if the Barters of Bay de Verde were related.
BLUNDON / BLUNDELL – This is a surname of England and has sometimes been used interchangeably, but in this area it has always been Blundon. It is a fairly old name at Bay de Verde dating from at least as early as about 1770. It is difficult to say whether or not the three Blundon families at Bay de Verde were related. Naming patterns would tend to suggest that they were, but there are some things to indicate that they were not. The Plantation Book has a Thomas Blundon owning land there in 1770. A John Blundon is listed as selling land at Bay de Verde in 1783. He later moved to Grates Cove and from there to Catalina and then back to Lower Island Cove. Stephen, one of his sons moved to Hickmans Harbour on the south shore of Random Island and set up a timber business and is acclaimed as the first settler of that community. Other descendants settled in many places in the Random Sound area as well as other parts of Trinity Bay. Some of the Bay de Verde Blundons are descended from James Blundon who married Mary Stevens, a daughter of an old established planter family and began a family in 1788. Other Blundons are descended from Thomas Blundon, a possible son of the first Thomas who also began a family in 1788. Their descendants still live at Bay de Verde today.
BRADY – This is a surname of England, Ireland and Scotland. The name has been traced by MacLysaght in the Irish Counties of Cavan, Leitrim and Clare. It is one of the Irish family names that shows up at Bay de Verde shortly after 1800. There is a possibility that some of these men came as Irish servants to work for the established English Planters at Bay de Verde. They would be required to work for the planter for up to 5 years before they would be free to go on their own. In some cases these men married into these Protestant families. John Brady was one of them. He married Anne Blundon, a daughter of James Blundon, an established planter. Francis, the first son of John Brady moved to St. JohnВ’s when he was young and married Mary Walsh from Carrick on Sur in County Waterford, Ireland. He and his family went on to establish a grocery business on Duckworth Street. The other BradyВ’s established themselves at Bay de Verde and Red Head Cove. To the southwest of Red Head Cove along by the brook, Thomas Brady built a winter tilt and had a farm there for many years. The area is still referred to as Bradys today. At Bay de Verde, the Bradys were well known as master carpenters. John Brady, born in 1864 was one of the head carpenters who built the Roman Catholic Church at Bay de Verde. The name died out in this area in 1978 with the death of Michael Brady.
BROADERS / BRODERICK – The name Broders is an old Irish name with the following derivatives in Ireland: O Bruador, O Brouder, O Broder, O Brother, Brauder, Brooder, Bruder, Brothers , Brauders, Brodders, and Broderick. It is derived from an old Gaelic word brauder, meaning a dream or reverie. There were four distinct families of this name in Ireland: one each in Galway, Ossary, Donegal and Cork. They were also traced in Kilkenny. Those of Bay de Verde likely came from Kilkenny, Cork or Waterford. The two names of this area are Broaders and Broderick. These two names have been used interchangeably in this area since they first appeared in the late 1700’s. Many records will say that they are the same name. However, they are two distinctly different families in this area. The Broaders family were at Bay de Verde prior to 1800. John Walsh and Thomas Broaders are listed in the Plantation Book as having a company here in 1804. This was likely a Cooperage as John Walsh is listed as a Cooper in another entry of the Plantation Book. John Broaders was born in 1799, a son of John Broaders who is listed as owning property at Bay de Verde in 1793. It does not appear that the Broaders owned any waterfront property at foreside, the prime fishing area. The Broaders family chose to live and fish at the backside area of Bay de Verde, with fishing premises there until the 1950’s. Thomas Brawders is listed in the 1800 census for Grates Cove. It is not known if he is the same Thomas Broaders who is listed at Bay de Verde earlier. It is at Grates Cove that the name changes to Broderick, but baptismal and marriage records still list them sometimes as Broaders. The Brodericks living at Bay de Verde today, have their roots at Lower Island Cove. William Broderick, a grandson of the first William Broderick who lived at Lower Island Cove, came to Bay de Verde in the late 1920’s and wouldn’В’t you know, married into the Broaders family. Sorting out the records has been quite a challenge, but family naming patterns has helped clarify the different lines. Today the distinctive names still hold. There are Brodericks and Broaders at Bay de Verde but only Brodericks at Grates Cove.
COISH – A surname of England, traced mostly in Devon. Family tradition is that the first Coish came from England and settled in Ochre Pit Cove and later some of his descendants moved to Indian Islands. A Thomas Coish is shown in the Plantation Book records for Ochre Pit Cove as owning land there in 1786. Two of his sons made their homes in Bay de Verde around 1830. Robert Coish born in 1807 came to Bay de Verde and operated a schooner for the Duffett family. His brother Richard born in 1804 married a girl from Ochre Pit Cove but also settled at Bay de Verde. The naming pattern for the Coishs of Bay de Verde are similar to those of the Ochre Pit Cove area. Names such as Thomas, Richard and Robert are found in both areas. Today this is one of the most common names at Bay de Verde.
CONWAY – A surname of England and Ireland that has been traced to Counties Clare, Tyrone, Sligo and Mayo in Ireland. The ConwayВ’s of Bay de Verde are descended from John Conway from County Cork who settled at Turks Cove on the south side of Trinity Bay. His son Richard Conway had a son and two daughters who came to Bay de Verde around the turn of the century. Henry Conway married Josephine Cotter while his sister Frances married Michael Cotter. Another sister, Mary married Edward Walsh and many of their descendants are still living at Bay de Verde today.
COTTER – This is a surname of England and Ireland which has been traced in Devon and County Cork. The Cotter name has been at Bay de Verde since as early as 1783. That is when James Cotter bought waterfront property from John Blundon for 15 pounds and another piece from John Janes in 1792 for 12 pounds. He along with Henry Ryan also acquired a rather large prime piece of property where the wharf is today. He seems to have been a rather enterprising fellow as a later Plantation Book record shows William Danson, a Bristol merchant buying the property from James Cotter and Henry Ryan for 240 pounds. Whether it was a good move or not is open to question, as his descendants were then forced to established fishing premises at the Backside of Bay de Verde, a much rougher area. The Cotters seem to have a knack for farming as they cleared and planted gardens in many places around Bay de Verde especially on the south side of the harbour where most of them lived. Although the descendants of James Cotter have lived at Bay de Verde since about 1800, most of them have moved to other parts of Canada and the United States. Only one family now makes Bay de Verde their home.
CRITCH – This is a variant of the surname of England Crutch (dweller by the cross). Critch or Crutch as it was often recorded is another name that has been at Bay de Verde since 1794. Nathanial Crutch received land by deed of gift from Roger Bryan in 1794. It may be that Natt married one of Bryan’s daughters or they were related in some way. Some of the Critchs moved to Lower Island Cove and later to Hant’s Harbour and from there to the north side of Trinity Bay, but some of them remained at Bay de Verde and intermarried. The name has not been at Bay de Verde for quite some time. The last directory with the name Critch was 1864. It did not occur in any later directories. In 1868, Thomas Keefe bought the Critch property located on the north of Backside from Sarah Critch (Emberley), wife of George Critch. This family had moved to St. John’s some years earlier. It appears that George died sometime after 1864 and his wife and son, John who was now working as a cooper in St. John’s decided to cut their ties to Bay de Verde and so they sold their property.
DAGWELL – This somewhat unusual family name was at Bay de Verde at least as early as 1828 as there is a child born to William Garrett and Ann Dagwell in 1828. Ann is likely a sister of Thomas Dagwell who has a child baptized in 1843. The name is one of the few that is not found in Searys family names of Newfoundland. One of the daughters of Thomas married into the Blundon family and another married a Beckett from Old Perlican. Nothing is known of the other children.
DINEEN – A surname of County Cork, Ireland. Timothy Dineen was born in Lismore, Ireland in 1772 and came to Bay de Verde in 1792 as a young man. Sometime after 1805, he acquired the Bay de Verde Plantation of Dr. John Clinch of Trinity. This was quite a large plantation located adjacent to where the launchway is today and extending north to the first cliff and eastward for more than 600 feet. Timothy went on to develop quite a large mercantile fishing enterprise consisting of a Coopers Shop and a cookhouse where his hired men stayed. He married Johanna Hyde, a sister of Thomas Hyde of Bay de Verde and had one son Thomas. When Timothy died in 1832, he left half his estate to his son Thomas and the other half to his brother-in-law Thomas Hyde. He bequeathed his house to Bishop Fleming of St. John’s but allowed Thomas Hyde to live in it until Bishop Fleming chose to dispossess him of it. Timothy Dineen’s headstone is still standing in the Chapel Rock Cemetery at Bay de Verde.
DINN / DENN – The surname Dinn is of England and Denn is of Ireland. Denn has been traced to Counties Waterford and Kilkenny in Ireland. The records show that the name has been used interchangeably at Bay de Verde. The first occurrence of the name at Bay de Verde is a Thomas Dinn who married Bridget Looney and had a son John baptized on June 12, 1840 as per the Northern Bay Baptismal Records. John is still listed as a fisherman at Bay de Verde in 1904, however no descendants of the family remain today.
DOYLE – A surname of Ireland of Norse Origin. It was found to be one of the most numerous names around Wexford. Research has indicated that the four Doyles who came and settled on the North Shore of Conception Bay at about the same time may have been brothers or at least closely related. James Doyle settled at Carbonear, Michael and John settled at Gull Island while Morgan settled at Grates Cove. Although Morgan Doyle settled at Grates Cove in the first decade of the 1800s, he is included with the Bay de Verde families as the majority of his descendants lived there. Two of Morgan Doyles children married children of Thomas Noonan of Bay de Verde. Morgans only son Moses married Anne Noonan while his youngest daughter, Eleanor married Dennis Noonan. In 1856, Moses died leaving Anne with a young family of two daughters and four sons. As Morgan was deceased by this time, Anne had no family support at Grates Cove, so she moved back to Bay de Verde to raise her family. She later married Patrick Whalan from Broom Cove near Bay de Verde. Two of her sons, Michael and Moses married Mackey sisters from Bay de Verde and later moved back to take over the plantation at Grates Cove and raise their families. Her son Thomas married Mary Riggs while the youngest son John married Mary Flynn. Her daughter Catherine married James Broaders while Theresa married Lawrence Keyes. All four raised large families at Bay de Verde.
DUFFETT – This is a surname of England from a nickname dove-head or dove-foot which has been traced in Dorset. The Duffetts are one of the earliest recorded planters at Bay de Verde. Although property is not listed for the Duffetts until after 1800, baptismal records indicate they were here much earlier. According to the Bay de Verde Anglican baptismal records, a child named Thomas is baptized for Thomas Duffett and Anne Stevens in 1786. The Duffetts had large families who also intermarried with the some of the Catholic families such as the Moore, Broaders and Woodrow families. Some of the Duffetts moved across Trinity Bay to Random Island and began lines of Duffetts there. Descendants of the Duffetts can today be found in many areas of Newfoundland, Canada and the United States. The Duffett name has disappeared from Bay de Verde for more than fifty years. The Duffetts are of two lines, that of Thomas and George who are likely to be brothers or at least closely related.
EMBERLEY – A surname of England from the place name Embley in Hampshire or a variant of the surname Emberey from the place name Emborough in Somerset. This is one of the few families known to have been at Bay de Verde continually since at least 1781. According to a notice of probate Stephen came from Christchurch, County of Hants, England. Joseph Emberley, a Newfoundland trader who retired to Ringwood in Hants may have been related to the first Stephen Emberley. The name Joseph is one that occurs right down through the family. The first Stephen Emberley of Bay de Verde was in possession of land given to him by Sarah Banks in 1781. Stephen no doubt received the property when he married Catherine, a daughter of Sarah Banks. The Banks had been at Bay de Verde since at least 1716. Sarah is the wife of an Unknown Banks who likely came after the French raids of 1705 or may have been one who endured the raids. The Banks property was located on the south side of the harbour in the most sheltered area adjacent and south of the Taverner Plantation, which indicates that the Banks may have been connected to that early family. The Emberleys lived and fished in the same area since that time, and their descendants still live at Bay de Verde today. The Emberley fishing premises were sold to Quinlan Brothers around 1980 when they needed it for an extension to their sea-food processing facilities.
FITZGIBBONS – A surname of Ireland meaning son of Gibbon. It is a surname of Tipperary and Cork in Ireland. The first Fitzgibbons to Conception Bay appear to be brothers Cornelius and Jeremiah who were living in the Harbour Grace area in 1832. Three grandsons of Cornelius later moved to Redlands, near Job’s Cove. They are relative late-comers to Bay de Verde, the first arriving here after the 1850’s. The first to arrive was Stephen Fitzgibbons who first married Mary Quinlan and later Julia Whalen, a daughter of Thomas Whalen from Broom Cove near Bay de Verde. Stephen lived at Broom Cove and later moved to Bay de Verde where some of his descendants live today. Jeremiah Fitzgibbons is listed in the early Otterbury census. In 1831 he married Mary Jacobs, a daughter of Henry Jacobs of Bay de Verde and moved here. Their children were Henry, Mary and William, none of whom married. This family seem to have become Anglicans, as Henry and Mary are listed in the Anglican records at Bay de Verde.
FLEMING – Fleming is a surname of England, Ireland and Scotland. It means the man from Flanders. It is another one of the Irish names that shows up at Bay de Verde in the early 1800’s. Michael Fleming is another of the young Irish men who married into a Protestant planter family. It is quite possible that he was one of the ten Irish youngsters brought over by the established English Planters of Bay de Verde. He married Letitia Blundon, a daughter of James Blundon an established planter. Together they raised a large family of five girls and four boys. Today there is only one Fleming household in Bay de Verde.
FLYNN / FLING – This name is derived from the Irish O Floinn meaning ruddy and is quite widespread in Ireland. The earliest Flynn at Bay de Verde was a man by the name of Dominick Flynn. He appears to have been a merchant or at least to have had the backing of a merchant. In 1797, he purchased the Taverner Plantation from Trinity merchant Samuel White for the sum of 300 pounds, quite a large amount at the time. For the next two decades Dominick Flynn built up a thriving mercantile fishing business. He was still living at Bay de Verde according to the 1839 voter’s list, however, his property is by this time in the possession of Thomas O’Neill who came to Bay de Verde in 1824. There is some indication that Flynn experiences some financial difficulties which enabled O’Neill to obtain the property. The other Flynns at Bay de Verde do not seem to be connected in any way to Dominick Flynn. The naming pattern for these Flynns do not have a single Dominick. The other Flynns at Bay de Verde are descended from James Flynn and Mary Walsh. These Flynns were often referred to as Fling in many of the baptismal and marriage records and even the last ones living at Bay de Verde were often called Fling. The Flynn family name became extinct at Bay de Verde in 2002 with the death of John Flynn.
FOLEY / FOWLOW – According to Searys Family Names of Newfoundland, this is a variant of the surnames of Ireland, Fowloo and Foley a surname of England from the English name Foolow (Derbyshire). A William Fowlow owned property at Bay de Verde before 1800 as per the Plantation Book Records. The name has usually been Foley at Bay de Verde while it has been Fowlow at Trinity. The name has long been extinct here.
FROST – A surname of England and Ireland with a variety of implications associated with frost, such as white-haired or cold in demeanour. The earliest instance of the name at Bay de Verde is James in 1802. He later married at Grates Cove and his descendants began their nomadic lives around Conception and Trinity Bays. Some of James Frosts descendants became schooner owners and traders which accounts for their movements around the bays.
FROUD – A surname of England from the Old English personal name Froda. The Froud name has been at Bay de Verde since at least just after the 1760’s. The Anglican baptismal records list two children of William Froud and Suzanna baptised August 15, 1766. This family is listed in the 1913 voter’s list at Bay de Verde, but their descendants seem to have moved away by 1935.
GARRETT – This is a surname of England and Ireland which is also one of several variants of the surname Jerrett. The name has been traced in Devon which is where the Bay de Verde Garretts likely originated. The earliest Garrett at Bay de Verde according to Seary book of family names was a Thomas Garrett in 1781 but the earliest to be found in any records here is a baptism of Jonas to William Garrett and Ann Dagwell in 1828. It is quite possible that William was a son of the early Thomas as a son born to Jonas and Catherine Emberley in 1869 was named William Thomas Garrett.
GREEN – A surname of England, Ireland and the Channel Islands. The name Walter Green appears in the 1832 Census for Bay de Verde. It is not known where he came from but he married Bridget, a daughter of Thomas North. Although Walter and Bridget had five children, non are found in any later marriage or baptismal records, so it is apparent that they moved away from this area.
HURLEY – The name Hurley probably came from Cork, Ireland. The Hurleys were at Bay de Verde from early 1800. Michael Hurley probably came as an indentured servant to one of the Duffett planters. Michael married into the Duffett family and other Hurleys married into the Cotters and Noonans. The family name was at Bay de Verde until shortly after 1900. It is possible that these Hurleys were related to those of the North Shore of Conception Bay.
HYDE – Hyde is a surname of England and Ireland. The Hydes show up at Bay de Verde in the early 1800’s. Thomas Hyde was recorded in the 1839 Voter’s List for Bay de Verde. A reference in the Thomas Cole Collection refers to a Thomas Hyde who was a Newfoundland trader and oil dealer who had properties in Poole, England, and who went bankrupt. Thomas Street bought High Street and five Hill Street tenement properties in Poole from Thomas Hyde. This may be the Thomas Hyde who later is established at Bay de Verde and who is referred to in the journal of Oliver Rouse in 1847-48. Thomas does not appear to be an ordinary individual but rather a man of influence. Ten days after Rouses arrival at Bay de Verde, Mrs. Hyde takes tea with them. Later Mrs. Rouse rides to Lower Island Cove in Mr. Hyde’s cab. Many references are made to him in the journal as helping to oversee distribution of relief to the poor and overseeing road work, which was the means by which the poor received their allowance. No reference is made to him attending the Anglican Church, so one can assume that he was Roman Catholic. Michael and Thomas, who are likely sons of Thomas Hyde married and raised families in this area. Michael and his descendants lived at Bay de Verde while Thomas first married Catherine Colbert and later Mary Rice, a daughter of Patrick Rice of Red Head Cove. Thomas and Mary then moved to Red Head Cove where his descendants still live today. When Timothy Dineen who was married to Johanna, a sister of Thomas Hyde died in 1832, he left half of his plantation to Hyde as well as all of his other property in the harbour. This is the waterfront property on the north side of Bay de Verde next to the slipway that was bought from Thomas Street by John Clinch of Trinity and was later obtained by Timothy Dineen. The Hydes of Red Head Cove owned this property right up until the 1970’s. Today a new wharf is built there. They also claimed a small part of the property at Canaille, a plantation owned prior to 1750 by Henry Barnes of County Dorset in England and later by Thomas Stone, an agent for the Lesters at Trinity. It seems that Thomas Hyde obtained the property from Stone before he moved back to England early in the 1800’s.
JACOBS – The first record of this surname at Bay de Verde is Ruth Jacobs, born August 29, 1784 to Henry Jacobs and Martha. The Plantation Book lists Henry Jacobs as owning property deeded to him as a gift from William Sheppard in 1788. This gift of property known as the Sheppards Room may have been given to Henry when he married Martha, who is likely a daughter of Sheppard. The Jacobs used this property until the 1950’s. The Jacobs name was quite numerous at Bay de Verde all during the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Some of them moved to other areas of the island especially the Random Sound area. It is not known if the Jacobs of Bay de Verde were related to the Jacobs of the Northern Bay area. Very few Jacobs are left in the area today.
KEATS – A surname of England, especially of Devon, from the Old English word cyte meaning worker at the shed for animals hence, herdsman. The earliest Keats were located in the Bonavista area and it is believed that Robert came to settle at Bay de Verde around 1850. We know that the Keats were relative latecomers to Bay de Verde, as witnessed by their settling location on the outskirts of Bay de Verde at a place called Ladder Point. There they built their stage at the bottom of an almost vertical 250 foot cliff and carried their fish on hand barrows to the flakes at the top by means of a narrow bridge of 365 steps built zig-zag up the steep cliff. Several families of Keats still remain at Bay de Verde.
KEEFE / O’KEEFE – This is a family name that originated in Cork, Ireland. They are descended from the son of King Fionghuine of Munster who was slain in 902. The name is derived from the Gaelic, O Caoimh or caom, meaning gentle or noble. The first family of Keefes at Bay de Verde was Michael who married Elizabeth King about 1805. Michael Keefe bought property from Hurley Paul in 1801 for 1 pound according to the Plantation Book Records of 1804-05. There were several families of Keefes at Bay de Verde and it is not certain how they are connected if at all. There appears to be a connection to the Keefes of Tilting on Fogo Island as well as to those of Harbor Grace. Thomas Keefe of 1814 who married Mary Woodrow was a son of Michael Keefe of Harbour Grace. The name Keefe has been extinct from Bay de Verde since the last decade of the 1900’s.
KEYES – The name Kays or Keyes is a surname of Ireland and England. In Ireland it is often a variant of MacKee and in England it is a variant of Kays. The name has been traced in Devon in England. Several Keyes appear in the Conception Bay North area in the early 1800’s. Lawrence Keyes seems to have come to Bay de Verde prior to 1820. He may have been a servant to an English planter, possibly the Adeys. He married Suzanna, daughter of Stephen Adey and raised a large family whose descendants still live here today. Patrick Keyes who is likely a brother of Lawrence married Margaret Roach. The Roach name appears in the Plantation Book in 1800 at Bay de Verde. It appears that Patrick Keyes moved to Carbonear as he appears there in the 1832 census. Michael Keyes who married Mary Murray in 1824 at Harbour Grace may also be related. It is not known with certainty that Lawrence, Patrick and Michael were related, but when one examines the naming pattern there are some obvious similarities.
KING – The King surname is widespread on the North Shore of Conception Bay as well as on both sides of Trinity Bay and other areas of Newfoundland. The first time the name occurs at Bay de Verde is an Abraham King in 1708-09. We know from the plantation Book that a Henry King who may have been his descendant owned property at Bay de Verde as early as 1766. The records state that Henry received his property from his father. The Henry named here who married Tamsey Blundon and later Julia Cotter is likely to be the one who owns property to the south of Dominick Flynn as stated in the Plantation Book for 1797 and is likely a descendant of the first King. Not much is known about this family, but his children were all baptized in the Roman Catholic Church as per the Harbor Grace records. It is also interesting to note that Henry names one of his children Samuel possibly after a brother Samuel who also has property at Bay de Verde in 1792. Henry’s last child was born in 1845 but it is apparent that they moved away from Bay de Verde as there is no trace of them in the 1864 directory.
KINSELLA – A surname of Ireland. Cinnsealach, one of the few Gaelic-Irish surnames without the prefix O and Mac. Found mostly in Counties Carlow and Wexford. This family originated with Timothy Kinsella who came to Job’s Cove from Tintern, County Waterford, Ireland in 1830. The Kinsella family formed close relations with Bay de Verde quite early on when two of Timothy’s sons married North women from Bay de Verde. Patrick Kinsella married Bridget North while Michael married Anne North. Some years later two of Timothy’s grandchildren married two Walshs from Bay de Verde and came to live here. The name has since died out with the passing of Leo Kinsella who died in 1998.
LOCKYER – A surname of England meaning lock maker or lock smith. It has beentraced in Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset. There were Lockyers in the Trinity area at the same time as at Bay de Verde but it is not known if they were related. William Lockyer bought land at Bay de Verde in 1774 from Johanna Vincent for 2 pounds. One of his daughters married a Barter and the property was shared with them. This property was in continuous use by their descendants right up to the Cod Moratorium in 1992. It was one of the longest continually used family fishing properties in Bay de Verde.
LOONEY – This is one of the very few names that has not been traced as a family name in Newfoundland by E. R. Seary. Maurice Looney purchased property from Edward McDonald in 1792 at Bay de Verde according to the Plantation Book Records. He likely came from the area of Waterford or Wexford in Ireland. In 1806 Timothy Looney, who was likely a son of Maurice, married Ruth Jacobs, a daughter of Henry Jacobs an established planter at Bay de Verde. I am making the assumption that all the Looneys of Bay de Verde are descended from Maurice simply because he is the first one recorded, however it may be that Timothy was a brother of Maurice and that all the Looneys are descended from Timothy. Again it may also be possible that Timothy was not related to Maurice at all which is borne out by the fact that the name Maurice does not appear anywhere in the Looney line. Whatever may be the answer to this dilemma, it is not likely that one will be found, as the Looney name disappeared from Bay de Verde early in the 1900’s and as far as I can tell, it seems the name has also disappeared from Newfoundland as well.
LYNCH – A surname of England and Ireland from Old English hlinc meaning dweller by the hill. It has been traced in Devon and in Counties Antrim, Down, Caven, Clare, Cork, Tipperary, Donegal and Tyrone. Thomas Lynch likely came to Bay de Verde as a servant to the Stevens, an established English planter family. He married Sera Stevens, a daughter of Charles Stevens. He is also given land by Sera’s brother Henry and is in possession of such in 1794. It appears that Thomas moved to Tickle Harbour, now Bellevue sometime before 1839. One of his sons, John, stays at Bay de Verde. The Lynch name disappears from Bay de Verde with the death of Daniel in 1972. Some of the descendants of the first Lynch still live at Bellevue.
MACKEY – A surname of Ireland, the name has been traced in County Tipperary. It is not known if this William who appears at Bay de Verde before mid-1850 is a Mackey from Carbonear area where the name was prevalent. Two of William’s daughters married Doyle brothers who then moved to Grates Cove. Nothing is known of John, the only male child of this family.
MAIDMENT – A surname of England meaning servant of the maidens. This is a recent surname at Bay de Verde. The name appeared here in the early 1950’s when Max Maidment from Hant’s Harbour married Jessie Mae Emberley. Max had been a sailor in the Royal Navy during World War I and settled at Bay de Verde after the war.
MANGAN / MANNING – This is a surname of England, Ireland and the Channel Islands. The name was Mangan in the early part of the 1800’s but was later changed to Manning. The earliest instance of the name at Bay de Verde was Joseph Mangan from Catalina who was in possession of property here in 1793. Two of his daughters married local men from Bay de Verde. The Mangans had a close association with the Noonans of Bay de Verde, in fact when Thomas Noonan died around 1827 his wife Eleanor married Joseph Mangan, a son of the earlier Joseph of Catalina. The headstone of Eleanor Mangan is one of the few that remains standing in the old Chapel Rock Cemetery. The name died out in Bay de Verde with the death of the only male in the line, that of young James on December 9, 1855 at the age of 25 years. He is buried just inside the fence of the Chapel Rock cemetery on the front road at Bay de Verde.
MCCARTHY – A surname of Ireland found especially in Counties Cork and Kerry. This was a very common name in the Conception Bay area, especially in the Carbonear and Harbor Grace area as well as in Western Bay and Gull Island, and at Bay de Verde and Red Head Cove. The earliest at Bay de Verde is Daniel McCarthy who owns property there in 1801. It appears that he moved to Tickle Harbor in Trinity Bay which was later renamed Bellevue. Richard McCarthy of Western Bay may have been related to the Daniel McCarthy of Bay de Verde but no one has shown this conclusively. The John McCarthy who is listed in the 1836 Voter’s List for Bay de Verde is quite possibly a son of Daniel McCarthy if naming patterns is any indication. The Thomas McCarthy of about 1820 who is at Red Head Cove in 1871 is likely to be related to the early Daniel as well, however, family folklore says that Thomas deserted from the British Navy and later settled at Red Head Cove. He married Mary Hatch but no birth record has been found either for her or for Thomas in any of the baptismal records for the area. The names they gave their children are the same as the other McCarthys in the area. If the folklore about deserting the navy is correct this naming pattern could be a clever way to avoid detection.
MOORE – A surname of Ireland found mostly in County Antrim and Dublin. Edmund Moore came to Bay de Verde as a young man from Kilmaganny, Ireland. He may have been one of the ten Irish youngsters brought over by the established English Planters likely the Duffetts. If so, he proved to be quite an enterprising young man. He married Nancy, a daughter of Thomas Duffett in 1820 and raised a family of seven children. In 1831 William Danson, a merchant of Bristol, England with extensive waterfront property in many parts of Conception Bay, went into bankruptcy and the property was put up for auction. Edmund Moore obtained the property at Bay de Verde. The Danson property in foreside was the area where the government wharf is today and extended eastward through the harbour to include the Tippett Plantation at the backside of Bay de Verde. Edmund Moore went on to build up a thriving mercantile business that lasted for several generations at Bay de Verde. The bank crash of 1895 caused the decline of many mercantile businesses in Newfoundland as it did the Moore business at Bay de Verde. Many of their descendants eventually left here to move to St. John’s, Canada and the United States. The Moore name died out at Bay de Verde with the death of Thomas in 1974, however some of the Moore descendants still live in the area.
MURPHY – A surname of Ireland and Scotland which is the most common name in Ireland. It occurs in Scotland from Irish immigration. The earliest Murphy at Bay de Verde was Patrick who was at Bay de Verde at least as early as 1783. According to the Plantation Book he owned various pieces of waterfront property, one purchased from John Blundon for 15 pounds. In 1786 he claimed another property that was lying vacant and in 1804 he laid claim to a large piece of property at the backside of Bay de Verde. Because there were so many Murphys in the area of the North Shore as well as at Grates Cove and Bay de Verde, it is difficult to trace them precisely. The Murphys at Bay de Verde seem to be descended from John Murphy. Although no birth record has been him, the name does occur in the 1832 Census for Bay de Verde and it is assumed that he is a son of the earliest Patrick. It is also possible that these Murphys may be related to those of Job’s Cove and area, but no connection has as of yet been found.
NOONAN – A surname of Ireland O’Nuanain meaning beloved. The name has been traced mostly in County Cork. This surname is found at Bay de Verde and also at Carbonear in the early part of the 1800’s. If one were to look at the naming patterns, it is quite possible that they may be related. The Noonans of this area have been traced to a Din Noonan who was listed in the 1800-01 Census for Old Perlican. He was renting property from John Woodlands and is married with one male child. This child is no doubt his son Thomas who married Eleanor Doody about 1814. The Plantation Book for Bay de Verde shows Dennis Noonan as owning property near the Hauling Place in 1802. Thomas had three sons who married and began the lines of Noonans whose descendants still live at Bay de Verde today. One of his daughters, Eleanor married Thomas O’Neill of the O’Neill mercantile fishing firm, while the youngest daughter Anne married Moses Doyle of Grates Cove.
NORMORE / NORMAN – A surname of England, Ireland and the Channel Islands. The earliest Normore in this area was Charles who owned land at Lower Island Cove in 1757 as per the Plantation Book. The land was sold by Henry Normore in 1800 to James Simmonds. There was a Henry Normore owning property at Grates Cove as per the 1800-01 Census. He may be the same Henry from Lower Island Cove. In 1850 Henry Normore of Grates Cove married Sarah Duffett of Bay de Verde and they moved to Bay de Verde and had three children between 1851 and 1855. Nothing further is recorded for them. In 1871, Charles Norman who is later referred to as Normore married Caroline Emberley and they raise a family at Bay de Verde. As far as can be gathered only two of their children survived. One of them, Henry Walter was listed at Bay de Verde in 1904 as per the Anglican Confirmation records. Charles Normore was listed in the 1904 McAlpines Directory for Bay de Verde. No birth records have been found for either Henry or Charles but they are likely to be descended from the first Charles of Lower Island Cove.
NORRIS – A surname of England, Ireland and Scotland from the Anglo-French meaning northerner. The name is found in Devon as Norrish as well as in all Irish provinces especially Cork. The surname Norris has been found in this area prior to 1800. John of Old Perlican and Thomas of Grates Cove who are likely brothers are shown in the 1800-01 census. John Norris seems to have moved to Grates Cove in 1816 when he married Mary Geary of that place and began the Norris family there. It is not known if the Norris familiy of Bay de Verde are related to John and Thomas. Family naming patterns and religious affiliation seem to suggest that they are not related. The Norris family at Bay de Verde are descended from James Norris and Mary who are living at Red Head Cove and who had several children prior to 1831. The James Norris who married Ann Jackson in the Anglican Church in 1842 is believed to be a son of James and Mary. In the 1850’s this James is listed as a teacher according to Oliver Rouse’s Journal.
NORTH – A surname of England and Ireland meaning a dweller in the north. In Ireland it is found in County Westmeath. In England in Hampshire, Leicestershire, Rutlandshire, Lincolnshire and Oxfordshire as well as Devon. The first record of the surname North in this area was Thomas North. In the Trinity Anglican Baptismal records, he is listed as the father of Elinor Moors, a child born May 5, 1810 (baptised May 12, 1810 by Rev John Clinch) to Thomas North and Sarah Moors, daughter of the late James and Francis Moors of Trinity. The record also states that Thomas is from Ireland and a servant with Denis Noonan of Bay de Verde in the District of Conception Bay. Thomas came back to Bay de Verde and married Sara Mangan, daughter of Joseph Mangan of Catalina. They had a family of five daughters and one son. Their only son, William married Mary Riggs of Bay de Verde. William cleared land at Red Head Cove in the 1840’s and for many years lived there and operated a farm.
O’NEILL – From an old Irish and Gaelic personal name Niall meaning champion. The name is numerous in Counties Tyrone and Antrim. Thomas O’Neill was born 1799 in Monagurra, Shanagarry, County Cork, Ireland. He came to this area as an agent to a Carbonear merchantile firm. In 1828, he purchased a plantation at Bonney Brooks near Bay de Verde from Thomas Whalen and a few years later obtained the large financially troubled plantation of Dominick Flynn at Bay de Verde. In 1832, Thomas married Eleanor Noonan, daughter of Thomas Noonan and they went on to raise a large family. Thomas O’Neill and his descendants were quite successful in establishing and operating a very prosperous mercantile fishing business over the next one hundred years. The various businesses were sold in the early to mid 1900’s and the remaining O’Neills moved away from Bay de Verde.
PRYOR – A surname of England found chiefly in Cornwall from Old English prior, a monastic official next in rank below an abbot. The first place this name occurs in the area is at Old Perlican. Peter Pryor was born in 1794 and died in 1864 at Old Perlican. It is not known if Peter was born there but a David Pryor who was born in 1807 established the family name at Bay de Verde. There seems to be some family connection with these two men as the name Peter comes down through the Bay de Verde family. It is quite likely that they were brothers.
QUINLAN – A surname of Ireland O’Caoinleain found mostly in Tipperary. Jeremiah Quinlan apparently came to Holyrood from Tipperary, Ireland. Family tradition says that two of his sons came to Bay de Verde to fish with the Woodrows in the mid 1830’s. Peter Quinlan married Ellen North, a daughter of Thomas North and made his home in Bay de Verde. Jeremiah married Anne Hatch, a daughter of Richard Hatch and made his home in Red Head Cove. One of his daughters, Catherine Quinlan married Richard Woodrow of Bay de Verde. Patrick and Maurice, descendants of Jeremiah purchased the O’Neill business in the 1950’s and went on to build up one of the largest seafood operations in Newfoundland.
RIGGS – A surname of England, a variant of the name RICKS or from Old English hrycg meaning dweller on the ridge. The name has been traced mostly in Devon. The Riggs of this area seem to be descended from John Riggs. Reverend James Balfour baptized four children for John and Elizabeth Riggs on July 20, 1788 at Bay de Verde. They were Stephen, Andrew, William and John. No birth record has been found for two other children, Thomas and James, although it is believed that they are also children of John and Elizabeth. William and Thomas are listed in the Plantation Book records as owning waterfront property to the south and adjacent to where the government wharf is today. William married Betsy Paul and Thomas married Mary Blundon. James is not mentioned until 1804 when he married Rachel Foley as per the Roman Catholic marriage records at Harbour Grace. Because some of John’s sons seem to have disappeared from this area, it is believed by some that one or more of them went to the Burin Peninsula and began another line of that family name there. When one looks at the naming pattern for the Burin Peninsula Riggs it does indeed seem to indicate that they are somehow related to the Riggs of Bay de Verde. No records to prove this have as yet been found.
ROUSE – Oliver Rouse came to Bay de Verde from England in 1847 to minister to the Anglican people of the parish. A strong disciplinarian, he was successful in firmly re-establishing the roots of Anglicanism in the area at a time when Methodism was rapidly gaining followers. His was also a strong voice to government officials for all the people of the area in difficult times. He ministered to the people of this area for 22 years until he died of Typhus on September 5, 1869. He was buried in the Old Anglican Cemetery on the south side of the harbour.
RYAN – This is a surname of Ireland which has been traced mostly in County Tipperary. The Ryans of this area can be traced to a James Ryan who came from Ireland and was working as a harbour pilot at St. John’s when he obtained the job as Light-keeper at the newly constructed lighthouse at Baccalieu Island in 1858. The Ryan family were keepers of the light for several generations with the job being passed down to each succeeding generation. The Ryans had a close association with the residents of both Bay de Verde and Red Head Cove. Frank Ryan who lived his whole life on Baccalieu married Charlotte Moore of Bay de Verde. Some of their children are still living today. His brother Joseph Ryan married Agnes Rice who was also born on Baccalieu.
STEVENS – Surname of England and Wales from the baptismal name Stephen which comes from a Greek personal name meaning crown or wreath. The name is found in the Midlands and the west and south of England. The Stevens came from Winbourne in the County of Dorset in England and were undoubtedly one of the earliest families to arrive at Bay de Verde after the early settlers such as the Taverners left just after 1700. They owned a large area of land on the north side of the harbour which extended from foreside to backside. This land was later obtained by men who married into the family. As well the Stevens owned the prime waterfront fishing premises in the center of the harbour.
SULLIVAN – A surname of Ireland O’Suileabhain meaning eye, is the third most numerous name in Ireland found especially in Counties Cork and Kerry. John and Maurice Sullivan came to Bay de Verde sometime prior to 1859 from Riverhead, Harbour Grace. There were other Sullivans on the North Shore in the Western Bay area, but no definite connection has been made to them. The only link seems to be that names from both of the Bay de Verde Sullivan families occur in the Western Bay family. John Sullivan married Catherine Fleming of Bay de Verde and had five children. He was drowned in Conception Bay in 1871 on the schooner ‘Dove’ owned by the March family of Old Perlican. One of his daughters married Thomas Leonard from British Harbour in 1890 and some of their descendants still live at Corner Brook today. Another daughter married Patrick Walsh of Bay de Verde. Their son Philip fought in World War I. Maurice Sullivan married Bridget Quinlan, a daughter of Peter Quinlan of Bay de Verde. Their grandson, Peter was a decorated veteran of World War I. The Sullivan surname is still at Bay de Verde at the time of this writing.
SUTTON – A surname of England and Ireland from the common English place name ‘the southern or south-facing farm’. John Sutton from Warslow, England married Dorothy Sellers from Ashbourne, England in 1794 and came to Bay de Verde shortly afterwards. Their first daughter Elizabeth was baptized in England in 1795 and in 1803 they had three children baptized at Bay de Verde as per the Anglican Baptismal Records. They ranged in age from one to five years which could possibly indicate that he had recently arrived. No property is recorded for him in the Plantation Book Records of 1805. They went on to have a large family most of whom lived at Bay de Verde while some others moved to various areas of Trinity Bay.
TAVERNER – This is a surname of England from the old French tavernier meaning tavern-keeper that has been traced to Devon. This is perhaps the earliest recorded family who lived at Bay de Verde and were well established in 1675 when Captain John Berry first took a Census of Newfoundland. They lived here for several generations and survived the devastation of the French raids in the late 1600’s and early 1700’s. The Taverners moved away from Bay de Verde likely in the first decade of the 1700’s to other more secure areas of Newfoundland especially to Trinity where some of their family was also established.
WALSH – A surname of England, Scotland and Ireland from the Middle English Walsche, meaning foreigner. The name has been traced in Lancashire and Devon and is the fourth most numerous of Irish surnames. John and Edward Walsh were living at Bay de Verde at least as early as 1785. In the Plantation Book Records, John Walsh is listed as a Cooper and owns property. In 1804, he was listed as part owner of what was likely a cooperage company with Thomas Broaders. In 1797, Edward Walsh was listed as having property to the south of Dominick Flynn. This property was located on the south side of the harbour in the area where this family of Walsh’s still live today. In 1786, Richard Walsh was also listed as owning property in the general area east of where the government wharf is today. No record of him is found at any later date at Bay de Verde, however the 1835 Voter’s list has a Richard Walsh at Lower Island Cove. It is not known if he is the same one. No records are available to prove whether or not these families are related, but it is quite likely that they are, as early families such as these often tended to travel as family units. I tend to believe that the John Walsh and Edward Walsh families are indeed related due mostly to similarities in the naming patterns as well as the fact that no record has been found of any intermarriage between these two families. The Walsh’s of Low Point and Red Head Cove were also related to those of Bay de Verde. John the Cooper’s sons, Thomas and Edward moved to Low Point before 1832. One of Edward’s sons, Patrick moved back to Bay de Verde when he married Catherine Keyes while another son John moved to Red Head Cove when he married Sarah Hatch. Another Walsh family at Bay de Verde was not related to either of the others. These Walsh’s came here from Western Bay just after the mid 1850’s.
WHALEN – A surname of Ireland O’Faolain meaning wolf and a variant of PHELAN. The name is numerous between Counties Tipperary and Wexford. The Thomas Whalen family settled at Bonney Brooks which is located about one mile to the north east of Low Point. No connection has been made to the Whalens of BradleyВ’s Cove near Western Bay. When Thomas O’Neill came to this area from Ireland he bought land from a Thomas Phelan in Bonney. This is likely the same Thomas Whalen who later occupied land at Broom Cove near Bay de Verde in 1828. It appears that the Whalens later acquired the land at Bonney again as Thomas Whalen is later listed as living there.
WOODROW – A surname of England from the place name WOODROW in Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Devon. The name has been traced mostly in Devon. The first Woodrow at Bay de Verde was John who is said to have come from Devon. He is also likely to have been brought over as a servant by one of the established planter families, possibly the Duffetts. John married Johanna, a daughter of Thomas Duffett and began the Woodrow line at Bay de Verde. James, one of the grandsons of the first John, married a Mullaly from Northern Bay and moved there and established the family name. The name still survives in this area as well as in other areas of Newfoundland and many parts of Canada.
| BRADY | CARPENTER | COLBERT | HATCH |
| HOGAN | HYDE | KEHOE | MASON |
| McCARTHY | MILLER | QUINLAN | RICE |
| TARRANT | WALSH |
| BRODERICK | BURKE | DOYLE | DUGGAN |
| ELMORE | GEARY | GRACE | JANES |
| MARTIN | NORRIS | SHAW |
| GORMAN | HOWARD | KELLY | MURPHY |
| BOLAND | BRIEN | HANNAN | HANRAHAN |
| HEARNE | HENNESSEY | McNAMARA | POWER |
| WALSH | WHITE |
| COLLINS | HALLAGHAN | KAVANAGH | MILLER |
The Last Will and Testament of WILLIAM BOWERS, Carpenter of Bay Da Verd, bearing date May the twenty third and in the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred and thirty nine. In the Name of God Amen. I WILLIAM BOWER of the Harbour of Bay De Verds Carpenter being weak in Body but of sound and perfect mind and knowing the uncertainty of this life I give and bequeath first my Soul to God who gave it me in hopes of a certain Resurrection through the Mercy of Jesus Christ and my Body to the Earth from whom I came to be decently buried according to my Exrs. will. Imprimis first I give and bequeath unto MR. NICHOLAS BELBIN my Bed and Bedding and likewise my watch and my chest of cloaths and a chest of tools and likewise the money that is due from MR. STONE to me and MR. BELBIN to pay unto MR. NORSERY? the money I owe him and to the son of MR. BELBIN whose name is SLADE and him the money that is mine now remaining in the hands of HENRY SANDERS MERCER at the town of SHAFTSBURY in DORSET and a small Bed that is over at MR STONES. I give unto THOMAS CROUCH? and likewise a chest that is at MR. ABRAM PERKINS that GEORGE COX had of me to MR. NICHOLAS BELBIN who is my lawfull Executor to this my last Will and Testament as Witness my hand and seal the Day above written.
WM BOWER
Signed and Sealed in the presence of STEPHEN BLAKE ./. JAMES MEDCEF ./. GEORGE GILLINGHAM
This Will was proved at London before the Right Worshipfull JOHN BETTESWORTH Doctor of Laws and Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted on the twenty third day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty two by the oath of NICHOLAS BELBIN the Sole Executor named in the said Will to whom was granted administration of all and singular the goods Chattells and Credits of the said Deceased being first sworn by Commission duly to administer the admon.
Note: This will, written in 1750, is one of the earliest known wills relating to a property owner of Bay de Verde. Henry Barns was one of the earliest English West Country Entrepreneurs to come to Bay de Verde after the Taverners left in the early 1700’s, although perhaps not early enough to claim property in the harbour. It would appear that all of the best waterfront property in the harbour had been claimed by the time he came so he moved in around the point and set up a plantation at Carnail. When you consider the area it was probably just as good as the harbour, for although a rough area, at least he had lots of space for drying fish, something that was not readily available in the harbour. He left his plantation to his son who later sold it to Thomas Stone.
In the name of God Amen I Henry Barns of the Hamlet of Parkson in the Parish of Great Canford in the County of Dorsett, Yeoman being under an indisposition of Body but of sound mind and memory, and calling to mind the uncertainty of Life do therefore make this my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say:
First and principally I commend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping for pardon of all my sins thro the Merits of Christ’s Death, and my Body I commit to the Earth to be Buried in a Christian like and decent manner at the discretion of my Executrix – and as for such Temporal Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me and bestow on me, I give and devise and bequeath the same in manner following. That is to say.
First I will that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid and discharged. Also I give devise and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife, Anne Barns all my Lands, Tenements, Goods and Chattels of what kind soever and wheresoever to have and to hold the same and every part thereof unto my said wife for and during the Term of her natural life.
And after her death I give and dispose thereof in manner following that is to say. I give and devise unto my son Thomas Barns his heirs and Assigns forever all that my half acre of Land lying in Cudnel Mead in the County of Dorset, also [ I give and devise unto my said son Thomas Barns my Plantation lying at or near Bay de Verde in the Newfoundland called Carnail to have and to hold the same]. Also I give unto my son Thomas Barns the leasehold Estate or Copyhold which I now enjoy at Parkson to hold and enjoy the same during the remainder of the Term I have therein, and whereas I have sold my Plantation in Newfoundland for the sum of forty pounds, which I intended for my said son Thomas, I do therefor give unto my said son Thomas the sum of forty pounds to be paid him within one month after my death, also I give unto my son Thomas my four Horses (or such four Horses as my said wife shall leave at her death) also my waggon Cart, Dung Pott, Harness and all Ploug Tackling.
Also I give and bequeath unto my son William Barns my Freehold Estate lying at Cudnell Howe in the County of Dorset, and to the Heirs of his Body lawfully to be begotten, forever and in default of such I give and devise the same unto my said son Thomas Barns his Heirs and Assigns forever. Also I give unto my said son William Barns my two leasehold Estate lying at Cudnell Howe aforesaid to hold and enjoy the same during the remainder of the Terms I have therein.
And whereas I have already given my daughters Jane the wife of Hendry Brown, and Anne the wife of Thomas Dunford their fortunes I only give to each of them one shilling.
And I do hereby charge all my estates with payments of the above Sum of Forty pounds given unto my said son Thomas. And all the rest and residue of my Personal Estate that shall remain after my said ___? death I give and bequeath the same unto my said sons Thomas and William to be equally divided between them share and share alike.
And it is my further will and meaning that if I shall pay my said son Thomas the Forty Pounds in my life time the paid legacy of forty pounds shall be void.
And I do make my said wife sole Executrix of this my will hereby revoking all former wills by me made declaring this only to be my last will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the sixteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty.
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Testator as and for his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us who signed our names in his presence and at his request the Objuration? and in Urlineations? being first made.
William Croxton February 16, 1750
Jenny? Scott
Rich Corpe (Corfe?), N.P. The Mark of Henry Barns.
Note: Written in 1803, this is one of the earlier wills for Bay de Verde. The Shepperds probably came to Bay de Verde at the same time as the Stephens which was at least as early as 1766. The Shepperds appear to own a large waterfront plantation referred to as the Shepperds Room on the extreme north side of the harbour. Henry’s sister Mary was married to Charles Stephens from Wimbourne, County Dorset, England. In his will Henry leaves his part of the Shepperds room to his niece Sara Stephens who is married to Thomas Lynch. Prior to this, Henry’s brothers have bequeated the other part of the Shepperds Room to Mary and Catherine Stephens who married James Blundon and Daniel McCarthy.
In the name of God Amen.
I Henry Shepperd of Bay de Verbs Conception Bay Newfoundland being very sick and weak but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God do make this my last will testament and what worldly goods God has been pleased to endow me with I bequeath in the following manner and form and in case it should please God to grant me further life and health that this shall be my only lawful will and that any other heretofore or hereafter made or that I shall be induced to make shall be void and of no effect this only to remain in force viz. ————
First I bequeath my soul to God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian like manner I bequeath my part of the fishing room and plantation in Bay de Verbs known by the name of Shepperds Room that is to say my one third of said fishing room and plantation to Sarah Lynch My beloved niece and to her heirs and successors for ever to hold jointly and equally with those of the family my two late brothers bequeathed their share unto for her use and for the use of her heirs executors administrators and assigns —-
I bequeath my bed and bedcloths my chest and wearing apparel to my beloved sister Mary Stephens to be used agreeable to her wishes ———
Further I request if it should please God to call on me out of my present illness to be buried at the sole charge and expense of Thomas Lynch the lawful husband of my niece Sarah Lynch and if it should please God that I should recover that the said Thomas Lynch will support me during the remainder of my days in witness whereof I have affixed my hand and seal in Bay de Verbs Conception Bay Newfoundland this seventh day of June in the year of our Lord 1803.
In the presence of Henry his X mark Shepperd
Thos Mangan
George (his x mark) Stickley
John Walsh
R Connell
I certify this to be a true copy of Henry Shepperds will Chas. Newhook J.P. New Harbor 18th March 1808
N.B. This done in Bay De Verbs aforesaid where no stamp papers is to be had the day and year above written ————- This is a correct copy
From Newfoundland Will Books Volume 12 Page 444 probate year 1923
In re: JOHN BLUNDON. Deceased
Note : John Blundon was born 1846, son of John Blundon and Sarah Emberley and a grandson of James Blundon who was one of the early settlers of Bay de Verde. John seemed to be quite an entergetic individual who built up a fairly substantial fishing and commercial enterprise at Bay de Verde. He died in 1922.
This is the last Will and Testament of me, John Blundon of Bay de Verde, in the District of Bay de Verde, Newfoundland, Planter, made this 3rd day of May in the year of Our Lord One thousand Nineteen Hundred and Twenty One. The Houses & Land on which they stand belonging to my three sons Josiah, Moses & James respectively I give & bequeath to them respectively. The property on Blundon’s Point (Fishing Room) and the Liver House. I give & bequeath to my said three sons, share & share alike. I give & bequeath to my son Josiah the Big Stage, built & unbuilt, and the Upper Flake; also after my wife’s death the old Shop and the Store underneath. The Little Stage, Salt Store (partly built partly on hired ground) Old Cross Stage, Middle flake and Fish Store I give and bequeath to my sons Moses and James, share and share alike. My Dwelling House & Shop attached, with Store and Barn, with furniture goods & chattels and all moveables I give and bequeath to my wife Lavinia so long as she lives, and after her death with remainder to my son Moses and his heirs. Also the Old Shop and the Store underneath I give to my said wife Lavinia so long as she lives, but after her death with remainder to my son Josiah.
All monies securities & other property in the house at the time of my death and not otherwise disposed of herein I give to my wife Lavinia absolutely.
JOHN BLUNDON.
Signed by the said Testator this 3rd day of May 1921 in our presence who at his request, in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses.
Job Jacobs. John S. Lockyer. Henry Gilbert Incumbent of Bay de Verdes.
CORRECT, William F. Lloyd Registrar of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland
(Listed in the margin next to this will the following)
Fiat Sept 6/23 Kent J. Adm C.T.A. granted to Lavinia Blundon October 4/23.
Estate sworn at $3670.00
From Newfoundland Will Books Volume 8 Page 478 probate year 1908
In re: Thomas Cotter deceased.
Note: Thomas Cotter was born 1838, the son of James Cotter and Alice Keefe and grandson of the first James Cotter who was owned prime waterfront property at Bay de Verde in 1783. In 1805 he sold his property to William Danson. Thomas married for a second time in 1900 to Mary Murphy of Job’s Cove and had three daughters and a son James. The daughters died young and after Thomas died in 1908 Mary and her young son James moved to Boston where some of their descendants still live today.
In the name of God Amen. I Thomas Cotter of Bay de Verde Newfoundland fisherman being of sound mind and memory and calling to mind the uncertainty of life and certainty of death do make and appoint this my last will and testament in manner following viz. I give and bequeath to my son James Cotter all my property situate at Bay de Verde namely Dwelling house and half the Store now occupied by Edward and myself and one third of the Stage now occupied by Michael Hurly Edward Cotter and myself. And the flake or flakes now occupied by myself also all my fishing material such as nets puncheons. A home for my wife Mary Cotter unless she should change her name. Signed after having being carefully read over in the presence of (sgd) Thomas his x mark Cotter witness Thomas his x mark North Sr. John Hennebury Thomas Moore of Andrew. Dated at Bay-de-Verde Newfoundland this 20th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and six.
Certified correct, D. M. Browning, Registrar
Oct. 13/08 Johnson J. adm C.t.a. granted to Mary Cotter
Sureties R.C. Smith Estate sworn at $550.00
From Newfoundland Will Books Volume 15 Page 587 probate year 1932
In re: Richard Coish Deceased.
Note: Richard was born 1864 the son of William Coish and Grace Sutton. He died 1931.
In the Name of God. Amen.
I, Richard Coish, of Bay de Verde in the District of Bay de Verde Newfoundland, being of sound mind, memory and understanding do make my last will and testament in manner and form following; I appoint the Rev Tobias Short Curate in Charge of the Church of England Mission of Bay de Verde executor to this will.
I will and bequeath to Charles Emberley of James of Bay de Verde, Newfoundland, my house, land and flake and the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) after the death of my wife, Maria Coish, on condition that he lives with and takes care of my wife Maria Coish until her death unless she marries and thereby forfeits her claim to my house and land. I will and bequeath to my daughter Margaret Raymond of Catalina Newfoundland all the rest of my money that is left after the death of her mother Maria Coish that is to say what is left remaining after the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) that goes to the aforesaid Charles Emberley is taken from the total remaining and the sum of one hundred dollars which will go to Frank Jacobs son of my sister Victoria Jacobs. I will and bequeath to Frank Jacobs son of my sister Victoria Jacobs of Bay de Verde Newfoundland my motor boat and engine and nets and trawls and the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) afore mentioned.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this twenty fifth day of December in the year of Our Lord nineteen hundred and thirty one.
Richard Coish.
Signed, published and delivered by the above named Richard Coish as and for his last will and testament in the presence of each other have hereunto set our hands as witnesses
Daniel Emberley of Bay de Verde Newfoundland James Emberley of Bay de Verde
Rev Tobias Short Executrix
Given this twenty fifth day of December nineteen hundred and thirty one.
Correct. William F. Lloyd Registrar of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland
(Listed in the margin next to this will)
Fiat W. J. Higgins Judge April 1/32
Probate granted Tobias Short on the 1st day of April 1932 Value of Estate $2334.00
From Newfoundland Will Books Volume 1 Pages 158 & 159 probate year 1833
In re: Timothy Dineen deceased.
Note: Timothy was born 1772 in Lismore, County Waterford, Ireland. He came to Bay de Verde in 1792 and later purchased a prime piece of property adjacent to where the Launchway is today, previously owned by Doctor John Clinch of Trinity. He built up quite a successful fishing enterprise and was a well respected resident. He died 1832 and is buried in the Chapel Rock Cemetery where his headstone can still be seen.
In the name of God Amen – I Timothy Dinneen native of Lismore in the County of Waterford Ireland but now of Bay de Verds do make and ordain this my last will and testament, faithfully residing my soul to the Almighty God whenever he is graciously pleased to summons me hence.
First I bequeath to Michael Hurly Junr one half of my seal nets and two of the best of my salmon nets. Second I bequeath to Thomas Hyde and Thomas Dinneen all the nets remaining belonging to me with ropes to be equally divided between them. Third I bequeath to Thomas Hyde my house at the plantation with half the ground cleared. Fourth I bequeath to Thomas Dinneen the other half of my plantation. Fifth. I bequeath to Thomas Hyde all the property remaining belonging to me in this Harbour and do hereby appoint him to recover all debts due to me. Said Hide is to live in this house until such time as Bishop Fleming wish to dispossess him of it, Said Hide is to maintain Johanna Dineen during her life in the house Should it be Thomas Dinneen’s wish to live in the house with Hyde he can do so otherwise he can live in the Cook Room. John Lynch is to have the Cooper’s shop during such time as it may answer him to teach school in, rent free. Should Thomas Dinneen want for assistance during his life, a certain person is appointed to relieve him, or should he want the use of the horse to haul wood or manure Thomas Hyde is to let him have him, say a few days, or during such time as he may want him.
And I do hereby denominate, constitute, ordain and appoint John Manning as executor to this my last will & testament.
In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal at Bay de Verds as aforesaid this 30th day of May in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. Timothy Dineen (LS) In the presence of Thomas Neil. John his X mark Mangan.
Certified Correct,
D. M. Browning, Registrar
From Newfoundland Will Books Volume 4 Pages 299 to 301 probate year 1884
In re: Thomas Hutchings deceased.
Note: Thomas was born in St. Johns 1796 son of George Hutchings, a St. John’s merchant. He came to Bay de Verde in 1839 as agent for Charles James Fox Bennett of St. John’s who had set up a branch of his business here. Thomas was man of influence and very devoted to improving the local community. Bennett closed their business here in 1865 and Thomas moved to Old Perlican where he worked for a while with a local merchant. He later moved back to his hometown of St. John’s where he worked at Mr. Bennett’s Brewing Establishment. He died at St. John’s in 1884.
In the name of God Amen. I Thomas Hutchings considering the uncertainty of life do make this my last will and testament and by these presents do give and bequeath the following sums to the persons and trusts herein mentioned, viz.
• to Maria Rouse widow of the late Oliver Rouse, Missionary at Bay de Verds the sum of one hundred pounds currency now in the Savings Bank in my name,
• to the Newfoundland School Society the sum of eight pounds,
• to the school on the South side of Saint John’s in connexion with the Church of England Five pounds,
• to my brother Monier W. Hutchings the sum of fifty pounds,
• to George Hutchings my nephew the sum of twenty pounds,
• to Monier Hutchings my nephew the sum of twenty pounds,
• to William Rouse the sum of twenty pounds,
• to Henry LeMessurier the sum of fifteen pounds,
• the bed which I left with Mrs. O. Rouse I bequeath to her son James, and the bed clothes I now have I likewise bequeath to the said James Rouse
• my writing desk I bequeath to my nephew George Hutchings,
• my wearing apparel I bequeath to William Rouse.
I likewise request Henry C. LeMessurier to act as my executor and that he will carry out my wishes in the strictest sense of the word The residue of my money which may be left after paying my just debts and my funeral expenses and providing a small neat headstone I give and bequeath to Fanny and Margaret Hutchings my nieces in equal proportions for their special benefit. In witness whereof I have this thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three set my hand and seal. Thomas Hutchings (LS). Witnesses, Henry C. LeMessurier, James R. Knight.
This is a codicil to my will; I give and bequeath to Maria Rouse, widow of the late Oliver Rouse all my interest in the house and land situate on the east side of Adelaide Street and now occupied by her under lease from me for her own special benefit and use and in case of her death before the expiration of the lease that the same interest which I now bequeath to her shall revert to her children who are unmarried in the same manner and for the same purposes as if she were alive- in witness whereof I have this thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three set my hand and seal. Thomas Hutchings (LS) Witnesses, Henry C. LeMessurier, James R. Knight.
This is a further codicil to my will as it has pleased the Almighty God to remove by death from amongst us William Rouse to whom I have bequeathed the sum of twenty pounds. I now revoke the said sum of twenty pounds to Maria Rouse for the education of her youngest son John Rouse to be by her spent solely for and in the education of the said John Rouse and in case of her death before the same shall be expended that her heirs administrators or assigns do carry out this my will and testament In witness whereof I have this twenty eight day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy five set my hand and seal. Thomas Hutchings (LS) Witnesses. Henry C. LeMessurier, Jas. R. Knight.
St. John’s, Newfoundland, May 3rd 1877. (Codicil) In the foregoing part of my will I bequeath to Monier W. Hutchings the sum of fifty pounds currency- in consequence of his demise, I bequeath to George Hutchings my nephew Thirty pounds cy making altogether fifty pounds currency- I give and bequeath to my nieces the Proctors twenty pounds currency (each to share alike). In consequence of the demise of Wm. Rouse I bequeath to George Hutchings my nephew all my best wearing apparel I bequeath to Nichs Galligue all my old wearing apparel &c. In witness hereof I set my hand and seal, Thos. Hutchings (LS) Witnesses, Henry C. LeMessurier, Charlotte Rouse. This codicil was acknowledged by the said Thomas Hutchings in our presence this seventh day of May one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven, Henry C. LeMessurier, Charlotte Rouse.
Saint John’s Nfld May 7th 1877. I not having mentioned the name of George Adolphus Hutchings as one of my executors of this my last will and testament and having deemed it prudent that two executors should act, I hereby name and authorize the said George Adolphus Hutchings to act as my joint executor with Henry LeMessurier. Signed this day as above stated. Thomas Hutchings. Witness, W. Hayward.
Saint John’s Nfld 30th May 1879. All my goods & chattels also goods and effects from my good brother or his wife Mrs. John Hutchings I hereby bequeath to my nephew George Hutchings to be kept by him. Thos. Hutchings.
Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
From Newfoundland Will Books Volume 10 Pages 381-382 probate year 1916
In re: JOHN LOCKYER deceased.
Note: John was born 1809, a son of John Lockyer and Catherine Paul and grandson of William Lockyer an early settler who owned property at Bay de Verde in 1774. John built up quite an extensive fishing enterprise at Bay de Verde. The somewhat unusual thing about this will is that it was not probated after his death in 1881 and by the time a probate was sought by his son John in 1916, both of the executors had died.
In the year one thousand eight hundred & seventy eight The last will and testament of John Lockyer Sr Planter, Bay de Verde, Newfoundland, written in manner and form following. In the name of God Amen. I, John Lockyer Sr being at this present, in great weakness of body, but of good memory, do make and ordain my last testament, in form and manner following- I commend in humble manner both my body and soul into the hands of the Blessed Trinity- My poor sinful soul I commend into the hands of God, the Father, who has created it, into the hands of God the Son, my merciful Redeemer who hath redeemed it, into the hands of God the Holy Ghost, who hath sanctified it and after an unspeakable manner infused His Grace into it in preserving me His unworthy servant from innumerable evils whereunto by the corruption of my nature, I had often fallen. And for my earthly body I bequeath it to Christian burial in the church of England graveyard, in the place where it shall please God to call me out of this mortal life-
I give devise and bequeath to my grandson John Lockyer, for his own use and benefit, the feather bed belonging to my late son Joseph- I give devise and bequeath to my eldest son William for his own use and benefit the garden belonging to me which he now holds in possession I give devise and bequeath to my daughter Theresa for her own use and benefit another garden belonging to me which she now at present occupies
I give devise and bequeath to my youngest son John, my house, furniture, household effects, gardens (not herein before bequeathed) stage, fishing room, flakes, punts, nets, fishing plant and my estate and effects, both real and personal, whatsoever and wheresoever, and of what nature and quality soever, all for his own use and benefit with this only proviso, viz- That my lawful wife Sarah if she survive me is to be provided with a full & decent maintenance & support by my aforesaid son John his heirs & executors, and that during the term of her natural life, she is to occupy her usually accustomed place in the chimney corner or wheresoever else she may elect and I further desire & entreat my aforesaid son John, his heirs & executors not to submit her to any offence or inconvenience, nor in any manner whatsoever to interfere with her comfort in the house- And I hereby appoint my esteemed friends and neighbours William Barter and Henry Stephens (both of Bay de Verde the executors of this my last will and testament- In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred & seventy seven John his X mark Lockyer (LS) Signed and sealed by the said John Lockyer in the presence of us, present at the same time, who in his presence, & in the presence of each other, attest & subscribe our names as witnesses hereto:
George M. Chamberlain Clerk in Holy Orders William Barter, Henry Stephens, Charles Blundon, Joseph (X his mark) Lockyer Witnesses Bay de Verde 19 Dec 1877
(Listed in the margin next to this will the following)
Apr 27/16 C.J. Admn c.t.a. May 5/16 granted to John Lockyer (the execr named in the will having died without having obtained probate)
Estate sworn at $900.00
Sureties:
John Lockyer, Jos F. O’Neil, Andrew Moore (of Thos)
From Newfoundland Will Books Volume 3 Pages 358-359 probate year 1884
In re: Edward Moore deceased.
Note: Edward (Edmund) Moore was born 1800 in Kilmacanney, Ireland and came to Bay de Verde prior to 1820 as agent for the Ryans of Trinity. In 1849 he bought the bankrupted premises of William Danson from James Stewart of Scotland. This was an extensive piece of property extending from Foreside where the government wharf is today all the way to the water in Backside. He and his sons built up a very large fishing and commercial business at Bay de Verde. Edmund died in 1884 and is buried in the Chapel Rock Cemetery at Bay de Verde.
In the name of God Amen the twenty eighth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy I Edward Moore of Bay de Verds Planter being weak of body by reason of my old age but of perfect mind and memory and knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die do therefore make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.
First I give and bequeath to my son James Moore my dwelling house with cellar outhouses and land attached and the garden at the north end of the house and the Liver house with all the apparatus belonging to it. Also I bequeath to my son Andrew Moore the dwelling house now in his possession with the adjoining garden, the garden near James Woodrow’s house and that near James Jacobs’ house, also I bequeath to my son Thomas Moore the dwelling house now in his possession, the fishing room known as Cotter’s Room which is situate south of the principal room, all the land attached to said room with the garden near Sutton’s house now in his possession and that piece of land bounded north by James Cotter’s house and south by James Woodrows flake. Also I bequeath to my son Edward Moore that piece of land known as Norris garden on which a house of as ample dimensions as Andrews is to be built out of the trade James and Andrew contributing equally with Edward towards its erection. Also I bequeath to James Moore, Andrew Moore and Edward Moore jointly the principal fishing room with flakes and lands attached, that store now used as shop and provision store, and that used as fish store and all other property in the front side not otherwise bequeathed. Also I bequeath to my son James Moore that fishing room in the back side now occupied by John Broders and Richard Woodrow and that property occupied by William North, and all my other land and property whatsoever not in any other way named or bequeathed in this will provided that my beloved wife Ann Moore is to live with James supported by him and enjoying the same privileges in the house during her life which she does at present and receiving the rents from John Broders and Richd Woodrow and I constitute and ordain Revd J. O’Connor and James Moore executors of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Ed. Moore (LS) Signed sealed published pronounced and declared in presence of us Patrick Fox, Henry Stevens, David Phaelin.
Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar
From Newfoundland Will Books Volume 4 Page 383 probate year 1885
In re Daniel Murphy deceased.
Note: Daniel was born 1829 a son of John Murphy and Margaret Howlett of Bay de Verde. John Murphy was a local small merchant and Daniel continued to operate the business until his death in 1882. It was then run by his wife Anastasia and nephew James.
In the name of God Amen. This is the last will and testament of me Daniel Murphy Bay de Verds Conception Bay, District of Bay De Verds Merchant I give devise and bequeath all my real and personal estate of every description into my wife Anastia Murphy absolutely.- I appoint my said wife sole executrix of this my will and revoke all previous wills at any time made by me After the death of my wife Anastasia Murphy I bequeath to my nephew James Murphy of Patrick the above mentioned property in whole and in part But in case my wife Anastasia Murphy should at any time consent to give up her right in the aforesaid property she is entitled by virtue of the right therein invested to receive from my nephew James Murphy a sum of one hundred pounds currency. I also give to the said James Murphy an equal share in the business or trade with my wife Anastasia Murphy as long as the said James Murphy thinks expedient to continue partnership with the said Anastasia Murphy.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand this seventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-two. Daniel Murphy. Signed by the said Daniel Murphy the testator in our presence who in his presence and in the presence of each other at the same time subscribe our names as witnesses, Michael Hanly, Priest. William North, Teacher.
Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar
In re: THOMAS NEIL deceased.
Note: Thomas was born 1799 in Shangarry, Mongorra, Ireland and came to Newfoundland in 1824 as agent to Thomas Ridley of Harbour Grace. He later took over the quite extensive fishing plantation of Dominick Flynn. Thomas and his sons built up a very prosperous fishing and commercial business which continued to thrive right up to the middle of the 20th century. Thomas died in 1883.
In the name of God Amen. I THOMAS NEIL of Bay de Verds in the Island of Newfoundland, Planter, being weak in body but of perfect mind and memory and knowing it is appointed unto all men once to die do make and declare this to be my last will and testament – Principally and first of all I commend my soul to Almighty God who gave it and my body I commend to the earth to receive at the discretion of my executors decent Christian burial being assured that I shall receive the same again at the last day by the mighty power of God – And as touching such worldly estate wherewith God hath blessed me in this life, I dispose of the same in the following manner and form – First. That for and in consideration of the love and affection I have and do bear toward my beloved wife ELLEN NEIL I give and bequeath unto her the free use of the bedroom she now occupieth and also the use of my parlour as she hath held and enjoyed as heretofore and to have a decent support from off my said estate and plantation for and during the remainder of her natural life.
Secondly. For and in consideration of love and affection I have and do bear toward my beloved son THOMAS NEIL I give and bequeath unto him the dwelling house and garden he now occupieth, also to enjoy all the privileges, interest and benefits arising from and out of my said estate and plantation in as far as his procuring and providing his livelihood in manner and way as he has contributed to an enjoyed heretofore and to continue so unto his heirs lawfully born for ever. But and if the said THOMAS NEIL or his heirs remove from Bay de Verds to settle and reside elsewhere then the said dwelling house and garden privileges interest and benefits now occupied and enjoyed by him shall become the property of my two sons JOHN NEIL and MICHAEL NEIL and their heirs.
Thirdly. For and in consideration of the love and affection I have and do bear toward my beloved son DENIS NEIL I give and bequeath unto him the dwelling house he now occupieth with the gardens at the back and front of said dwelling house and one half the garden situated at the western end of said dwelling house and also to enjoy the privileges, interest and benefits and on same conditions as those of my said son THOMAS NEIL as specified aforesaid and the same to continue in succession unto the heirs of the said DENIS NEIL lawfully born for ever. But and if the said DENIS NEIL or his heirs and successors leave the settlement of Bay de Verds to settle and reside elsewhere then the said dwelling house and gardens, privileges interests and benefits arising from and out m estate and plantation shall become the property and enjoyment of my two sons JOHN NEIL and MICHAEL NEIL and their heirs for ever.
Fourthly. In consideration of the goodwill and regard I have for my daughter JULIA ANN I bequeath unto her a support and maintenance from and out of my said estate and plantation, and also a peaceable residence as she has enjoyed hitherto within my dwelling house as long as she may need the same and to occupy the bedroom she now useth. Fifthly. For and in consideration of the love and affection I have and do bear toward my beloved sons JOHN NEIL and MICHAEL NEIL I give and bequeath unto them my dwelling house and the remainder of all my landed property and plantation together with all buildings and erections thereon And I also give and bequeath unto them all my seines, nets, boats, punts, all fishing craft and moveable effects jointly and equally between them the same to the theirs and their heirs lawfully born forever And, that they the said JOHN NEIL and MICHAEL NEIL do and transact a trading business on my said plantation as I have transacted heretofore, each bearing equal shares both in expenses and profits – But in the event of the inconvenience of JOHN and MICHAEL NEIL dwelling longer in the one house, and it become necessary and determined upon to live separate then a dwelling house must be provided and erected on some part of my said land at the joint and equal expense of the said JOHN NEIL and MICHAEL NEIL as the future residence of the said MICHAEL NEIL. Sixthly. I hereby appoint constitute and pronounce my two beloved sons JOHN NEIL and MICHAEL NEIL as executors to this my last will and testament revoking all former gifts legacies and bequests and declaring this to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this sixth day of October A.D. one thousand eighth hundred and seventy-seven.
THOMAS NEIL (LS) Signed, sealed, published and declared at Bay de Verds in the presence of, the interlining over ninth line on second page being first written, JOHN NEIL SR., W. CHRISTIAN, J.P. Before signing and sealing this my foregoing will, I add the following codicil viz. That my aforesaid named sons JOHN & MICHAEL NEIL shall out of the income of my estate allow to my beloved wife ELLEN NEIL the sum of five pounds yearly over and above that bequeathed unto her by the first section of my foregoing will during the remainder of her natural life. THOMAS NEIL. Witness, JOHN NEIL SR. W. CHRISTIAN J.P.
Codicil to the foregoing will. By this codicil to my foregoing will THOMAS NEIL of Bay de Verds, the testator therein named have revoked and disannulled and by these presents do revoke and disannul that portion of the third section of my foregoing will, viz. “one half the garden situated at the western end of said dwelling house” and make it an addition to my other landed property given and bequeathed unto my two beloved sons JOHN NEIL and MICHAEL NEIL, as named in the fifth section of my foregoing will, and in lieu of the said half garden I give and bequeath unto the said DENIS NEIL my garden that is situated to the eastward of the Catholic School House to be his and his heirs lawfully born for ever. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this fourth day of November A.D. one thousand eight hundred and seventy eight.
THOMAS NEIL (LS) Signed, sealed and declared in the presence of JOHN NEIL SR.
W. CHRISTIAN, J.P.
Certified Correct,
D.M. BRUNNING
Registrar
From Newfoundland Will Books Vol 11 Pages 397 & 398 probate year 1919
In re John O’Neil deceased
Note: John was born 1842 one of seven sons of Thomas O’Neill and Eleanor Noonan. He was very active in the setting up and running of the fishing enterprise part of the business begun by his father. He died in 1919.
Bay-de Verde Newfoundland August 7th 1919. This is the last will and testament of me John O’Neil of Bay-de Verde annulling all other wills, previously made.
* 1. I do wish that my just debts if any also my funeral expenses be paid by my executors.
* 2. I give and bequeath to the following priests.
* To the parish priest of Bay de Verde fifty dollars.
* To the parish priest of Northern bay fifty dollars.
* To the parish priest of Carbonear fifty dollars.
* To the parish priest of North River fifty dollars.
* To His Lordship the Catholic bishop of Hr Grace fifty dollars.
* To Rev. J. V. Donnelly P.P. of Conception fifty dollars.
* To Rev. P.D. O’Neil Hr Grace One hundred dollars. All the above amounts to be said in masses for my soul.
* I give and bequeath to the Catholic Church of Bay de Verde one hundred dollars.
* To Mount Cashel Orphanage one hundred dollars.
* To Belvedere Orphanage fifty dollars.
* To St. Vincent De Pauls Society fifty dollars.
* To St. Joseph’s Orphanage Winnipeg-Manitoba fifty dollars.
* Also fifty dollars for masses for the repose of the soul of my dear wife Ellen O’Neil to be given to Rev. P. D. O’Neil of Hr Grace for that intention.
* I give and bequeath to my son M.J. O’Neil the house he now occupies and ground on which it stands also the garden at East of house, the garden in which his shop is built and McCarthys garden on the hill also new stage now occupied by him and ground on which it is built, – half codtraps and fishing gear, One third of fish flakes his to be center portion, also ground on which flakes stand. Half of old fish Store, one third cod liver oil plant, and one thousand dollars in cash. Same to be held by him or his heirs for ever.
* I give and bequeath to my son Daniel O’Neil my late brother Michaels House and ground on which it stands with garden at front of said house and garden to the West of my son M.J. O’Neil’s house, my old stage and land on which it stands, my old shop and store adjoining shop and ground on which they stand. One third of fish flakes the Northern portion and ground on which said flakes stand, one half of fish store, one half of codtraps and fishing gear. One third cod liver oil plant with one thousand dollars cash the same to be held by him or his heirs for ever.
* I give and bequeath to my son James F. O’Neil my dwelling house and furniture and land on which said house stands, the gardens to the West and back of said house, the garden in which is (his?) shop is built. One third of cod liver oil plant also all new buildings, shop, fishstore and stage which he erected and ground on which said buildings stand and one thousand dollars cash the same to be held by him or his heirs for ever.
* I give and bequeath to my three sons, Michael, Daniel and James, the store known as lower store, Launchway on West of James’s stage also cellar near Daniel’s shop to be owned jointly between the three of them. The stable and land on which it stands to be owned by my sons Daniel & James. If my son Daniel remains single my son J. F. O’Neil will let him live with him and if he Daniel gets married and wants to live in his Uncles house James is to help him repair it and stand half the expense.
* I give and bequeath to my daughter Ellen Kennedy eight hundred dollars and if there should be any money left over after all the above amounts are paid my daughter Ellen Kennedy is to get the same.
* I do hereby nominate and appoint my two sons Daniel and James as the executors to my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand this seventh day of August in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nineteen. Signed John O’Neil. Signed and delivered by the said John O’Neil as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names hereunto as witnesses thereof. Signed Edward Crocker Const. Michael Rays.
Correct William F. Lloyd
Registrar of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland.
(Listed in the margin next to this will the following)
Fiat Dec 10/19
Horwood CJ.
Probate granted to Daniel O’Neil and James T.O’Neil Dec 11/19. Estate sworn at 4,966.07
From Newfoundland Will Books Volume 4 Pages 291-292 probate year 1884
In re: Henry Stephens deceased.
Note: Henry was born 1825, one of four sons of Charles Stephens and Elizabeth Lockyer. He was a grandson of Charles Stephens of Wimbourne, County Dorset, England, the first Stephens to arrive in Bay de Verde. Henry died 1882.
This is the last will and testament of Henry Stephens, planter, of Bay de Verds, Newfoundland. I hereby give, devise and bequeath to my wife Susan during her lifetime or widowhood, my dwelling house & all the furniture thereof, and the complete possession of all my other property of whatsoever quality including land, stages, nets, punts & fishing gear & wheresoever situated until my son William Henry attains the age of twenty one years complete when the latter with the exception of the small stage, flake & part of Northern Mead is to revert to my aforesaid son William Henry, his heirs, executors and administrators for his and their own use and benefit, absolutely and forever. I hereby devise and bequeath to my daughter Ann, her heirs, executors and administrators for her and their own use and benefit, so long as she & they remain members of the Church of England The small stage and flake now in the occupation of William Froude and half of my land in Northern Mead- In the event of my aforesaid daughter Anne or heirs changing their religion the above mentioned property is to revert to my son William Henry his heirs & administrators for his and their own use absolutely and for ever. I hereby devise and bequeath my feather bed to my wife Susan for her sole use & benefit.
I hereby appoint my friends the Revd. G.S. Chamberlain and Charles Blunden executors of this my will. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-two. Henry Stephens.
Signed by the said Henry Stephens in the presence of us, present at the same time who in his presence and in the presence of each other attest & subscribe our names as witnesses hereto, G.S. Chamberlain, Clerk in Holy Orders, Charles Blunden, Bay de Verds, William Jacobs. February 1882.
In the Estate of Edward Walsh deceased.
Note: We have no birth date for Edward, but he was probably born around 1760-70. We know that he was a property owner at Bay de Verde at least as early as 1797. His property bordered south of Dominick Flynn’s which situates it at what we generally refer to as Walshes Hill. He was a fairly well to do man as can be seen from his will. It seems that he moved to St. John’s, for he is listed as a resident when he died there about 1830. His descendants still live in Bay de Verde today.
In the name of God Amen. I Edward Walsh being very weak and sick in body but in perfect mind and memory thanks be to God calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of the Almighty God that gave it to me, and my body to the earth to be buried in a Christian like burial by the Revd Edmond Doyle & Mr. Patrick Brazil whom I do appoint and nominate to be my executors, touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased Almighty God to bless me in this life, I give demise of the same in the following manner & form after paying all my lawful debts
First I give & bequeath unto my lawfull & wedded wife Catherine Walsh the sum of Twenty pounds now in my Possession and Eighty four pounds nine shillings and eleven pence half of my property remaining in the possession of Mr. Thomas Beck of St. Johns in the Island of Newfoundland together with all my furniture,
I bequeath to my son Edmond Walsh of Bede a Verb (Bay de Verde) the sum of Twenty pounds remaing in my Possession and the sum of Eighty four pounds nine shillings & eleven pence the other half of my property remaining on the hands of the aforesaid Mr. Thomas Beck.
Edward his x mark Walsh.
Signed under my hand and seal in the presence of two witnesses, viz. the Revd Edmond Doyle and Mr. Patrick Brazil, on the 31st of March 1830. Edmond Doyle Patrick Brazil.
Note: Jeremiah was born 1841, a son of Richard Woodrow and Catherine Quinlan and grandson of John Woodrow who came to Bay de Verde at least as early as 1815. James, a brother of Jeremiah moved to Northern Bay and began the large Woodrow family of that place. Jeremiah died in 1905.
I the deceased Jeremiah Woodrow Senior do solemnly bequeath all my belongings in the following form and to the following persons as follows: the fourth quarter of the large fishing stage to share alike between John, James and Andrew Woodrow, the cross-stage to be divided the same as the first between John, James and Andrew Woodrow, the large garden on the hill divided in the same manner. The mother is to be supported with seven dollars from each son yearly until they separate and then whomsoever the mother lives with after the separation the remaining two sons have to contribute their part until her death and whoever the mother lives with they must provide one room for herself. Two traps, boats, flakes and the whole lot of my fishing property including all that we possessed is to be divided the same between J, J & A Woodrow. It is my wish that my daughters is never to be left without a shelter if they should require the same each one to have their own house and the garden they are standing in the old house and garden I am leaving to John R Woodrow. It is my wish for them to work together and for John to be the master man.
Signed by Jeremiah Woodrow, John Noonan of Dennis, John Broaders, Thomas Noonan
From Newfoundland Will Books Volume 4 Pages 3-4 probate year 1878
In re: Richard Hatch deceased.
Note: Richard was born 1788 in Christchurch in the County of Hants, England, the youngest son of Thomas Hatch and Anne Reeves. It appears that he came to this area in the early part of the 1800’s. He married Sarah Brien and they settled on the north side of the brook in Red Head Cove. At about the same time Patrick Rice claimed the land on the south side of the brook. As can be seen from his will, he had established quite a large fishing plantation.
In the name of God Amen. I Richard Hatch of Red Head Cove in the Island of Newfoundland Planter being aged and weak in body but in perfect mind and memory knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die, do make and declare this to be my last will and testament- First of all I give and commend my soul into the hand of Almighty God who gave it and my body I commend to the earth to receive at the discretion of my executors decent Christian burial being assured that I shall receive the same again at the last day by the mighty power of God And as touching such worldly estate that it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me in this life I give and bequeath the same in the following manner and form.
First That for and in consideration of love and affection I have and do bear towards my beloved wife Sarah Hatch I give and bequeath unto her my dwelling house lands that I have in my possession and also all the cattle that may be belonging to me at my decease and to be hers during the term of her natural life- She is to live with my son Dennis Hatch and he is to have the care and guardianship of her until the end of her life
Secondly. That in and for the affection I have for my beloved son John Hatch I give and bequeath unto him the dwelling house and that portion of land and fishing room he now occupieth to be his and his heirs and successors in the male line lawfully born forever
Thirdly- That for the love I have for my beloved son Richard Hatch I give and bequeath unto him the dwelling house and that portion of fishing stage viz one third on the side westward together with the portion of flake room he now occupieth to be his and his heirs and successors in the male line lawfully born for ever
Fourthly- That for the Love I do bear toward my beloved son William Hatch I give and bequeath unto him the dwelling house he now occupieth and that portion of the land and fishing room now in his possession to be his and his heirs and successors in the male line lawfully born forever
Fifthly- I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Dennis Hatch the dwelling house I now occupieth together with all my household furniture and utensils and that portion of land I now occupieth and also the portion of my fishing room he now occupieth and the land wash flake the Liver House and the one half of my large boat known by the name of John Brown, and also all my cattle, and to become his immediately after the death of my beloved wife Sarah Hatch and to continue to be his and his heirs and successors in the male line lawfully born forever.
Sixthly To my beloved grandson Richard son of Dennis Hatch I give unto him my bed and bedding ??? and wearing apparel and which shall become his immediately after the decease of my beloved wife Sarah.
Seventhly I further pronounce and declare that this paid Plantation shall never be sold, exchanged or mortgaged for any debt or debts here after contracted by any or either of my forenamed sons or their heirs, but to remain an inheritance of the Hatch family in the male line lawfully born forever.
Eighthly- I also constitute and declare the said Dennis Hatch and Richard Hatch as my two executors revoking all other wills, legacies and bequests formerly made, and declare this to be my last will and testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 14 day of Sept one thousand eight hundred and seventy seven.
Richard his X mark Hatch
Signed sealed and published and declared in the presence of us
William Thomas Avery X Thomas Hyde Sr. X
Certified correct, D. M. Browning Registrar
Note: The Hannon name has always been more associated with Low Point than with Red Head Cove, however, the first Hannon’s settled at Red Head Cove prior to 1840. Thomas Hannon married Johanna Power likely of Low Point about 1840 and settled in Red Head Cove at a place called Round Cove. Patrick, the oldest son of Thomas married Margaret Walsh of Low Point in 1869 and moved there sometime after that.
This is the last will and testament of me Thomas Hannon made this seventeenth day of March (1885) one thousand eight hundred and eighty five as follows:- I give devise and bequeath half my stage and flakes my dwelling house, outhouses, cultivated and uncultivated land, from the wall on the West which leads North and South to the Northeast side of Round Cove. This and all other effects whatsoever and wheresoever unto my loving child Ellen Hogan. The remainder part of my stage and landed property I equally divide between my two nephews (this should read grandsons bd) Thomas Hannon of Patrick and Moses Rice. The former I give the part North West from the path, which divides it. To the latter I give that part which lies South West of the path.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written. Signed by the testator Thomas Hannon X (LS) Signature of testator Signed sealed, published and acknowledged by the said Thomas Hannon, as and for his last will and testament, in the presence of us, who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses
Attesting witnesses William North Senr John Neil Jr
(Listed in the margin next to this will the following)
Fiat Decr 3/14 C.J. Admn c.t.a. Decr 4/14 granted to Ellen Hogan
Sureties: Thos Cooke James Blundon
Estate sworn at $200.00
Note: Patrick was the first Howard to settle at Daniel’s Cove. Family tradition says that he came to this area from England. In 1818 at St. John’s, he married Margaret Geary, daughter of Martin Geary who was a Justice of the Peace at Grates Cove. The Howard’s laid claim to the north side of the cove while the Kelly’s claimed the south side.
In the name of God Amen, I Patrick Howard of Daniel’s Cove, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland being weak of body but of perfect mind and memory, blessed be the almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say: First, I give and bequeath to my children without distinction lawfully begotton on the body of Margaret Geary all my room and plantation situated in Daniel’s Cove, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland together with all my cattle, goods and effects to make use of them jointly and mutually on the said fishing room and plantation, and if any one of my said children will at any time think fit to leave or abandon this fishing room or plantation, they are not to claim nor take any of the said property or material with them; but should they think fit to return again they are at liberty to make use of the room for their welfare and support. I likewise appoint my son John Howard as being the eldest, to be the governor and protector of the family and all to go on by his directions. And I do nominate, constitute and appoint Morgan Doil of Grates Cove planter and James Collins of Old Perlican executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills, deeds or promises made by me.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Daniel’s Cove, this 18th day November in the year of Our Lord 1839. Signed, sealed and declaredby the above named Patrick Howard to be his last will and testament, in the presence of (Sgd.) Patrick Howard (seal)
(sgd) Thomas Gorman (sgd) James Collins (sgd) John Collins
St. John’s, Newfoundland
I James Collins of St. John’s aforsaid Notary Public make oath and say that the forgoing paper writing purporting to be a true copy of the last will and testament of Patrick Howard formerly of Daniel’s Cove, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, deceased bearing date the 18th day of November A.D. 1839 is a true copy of his last will and testament.
Sworn before me at St. John’s aforesaid this 25th day of Sept. 1897
James J.Collins
Note: This is the will of Michael Kelley, a brother of Judith Kelley who married Michael Kelly (1817), a son of James Kelly of Grates Cove. Michael of James had married Judith Kelley and settled at Daniel’s Cove. In his will Michael Kelley leaves some property to his nephews John Kelly and Patrick Kelly and his niece Bridget (Kelly) Tilley. Bridget is a daughter of John Tilley and Mary Kelly, a sister of Michael Kelly. It seems that the Michael of 1817, son of James Kelly, who married Judith had died and the plantation at Daniel’s Cove went to Michael Kelley, brother of Judith. This Michael Kelley is the one who married Catherine Blundon but had no children.
In the name of God, amen. I Michael Kelley, of Daniel’s Cove in the island of Newfoundland, fisherman, being sick & weak in body but in perfect mind and memory do hereby make & declare this to be my last will and testament. First I give & commend my soul to Almighty God who gave it, and my body I commend to the earth to recieve at the hand of my executor a decent Christian burial–and as ——– such worldly estate wherewith God has blessed me with in this life, I give and bequeath the same in the following manner and form.
First and in consideration of the love and good will I have and do bear toward my beloved wife Catherine Kelly, I give unto her all my lands and dwelling houses, stores and cattle, moveable effects and that portion of the fishing room that belongs to me and to be hers during the term of her widowhood, but she is in no way to prevent or hinder my two nephews John Kelly or Patrick Kelly to do anything that may lend to an improvement in my said property or plantation, and at her decease or in the event of her entering again into a married state, said property shall become the property of my two nephews, the said John Kelly and Patrick Kelly and to be theirs and their heirs forever.
Secondly, for and in consideration of the love I do bear toward my beloved niece Bridget Tilley, I give and bequeath unto her at her marriage day one cow if such be found suitable among my livestock at the time, otherwise to wait until my executor shall have a young cow raised for her, and also a feather bed to be given her on the day of her marriage—and if it be consistent to the wish of my beloved wife, should she eventually marry, she and her husband can occupy a portion of my said plantation wheresoever pointed out by my beloved wife—but should she and her husband go elsewhere to live then they forfeit any further privledge or claim in my said plantation, neither shall she the said Bridget Tilley or her husband if she ever marry bring any other person or persons on this my said plantation contrary to the wishes of my said beloved wife or nephews and at the decease of my beloved wife the said Bridget Tilley shall become the possessor of my clock.
Thirdly, for and in consideration of the love I have and do bear toward my beloved niece Bridget Kelly, I give and bequeath to her on her marriage day a feather bed and also one cow on the conditions of the one bequeathed to the aforsaid Bridget Tilley or by the best means my executors may determine on.
Fourthly, in reference to my nets I depose of them as follows, that is I give and bequeath one half the same unto my beloved nephews the said John Kelly and Patrick Kelly and the other half unto my beloved wife and my two beloved neices the said Bridget Tilley and Bridget Kelly but on the marriage of either of them, her or their portion of said nets shall become the property of my wife the said Catherine Kelly.
Fifthly, I also constitute and declare my two nephews John Kelly and Patrick Kelly the executors of this my last will and testament.
Wherunto I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this twenty second day of June one thousand eight hundred and seventy five.
Michael(X his mark) Kelley
Signed, sealed, published and declared in the presence of us:
William Collins
Eli King
A surname of England and Ireland from Old English hlinc meaning dweller by the hill. Traced in Devon and in Counties Antrim, Down, Caven, Clare, Cork, Tipperary, Donegal and Tyrone.
Thomas Lynch may have come to Bay de Verde as a servant to the Stevens, an established English planter family. He married Sera, a daughter of Charles Stevens. He was also given land by Sera’s brother Henry and was in possession of such land in 1794. It appears that the first Thomas or perhaps his son moved to Tickle Harbour, now Bellevue sometime before 1839 while his older son John stayed at Bay de Verde.
The Lynch name disappeared from Bay de Verde with the death of Daniel in 1972. Some of the descendants of the first Lynch still live at Bellevue.
1 Thomas LYNCH b: Abt. 1770 in Ireland
+Sera STEVENS b: Abt. 1780 in Bay de Verde, NL m: Before 1805
..2 John LYNCH b: October 20, 1806 in Bay de Verde, NL
.. +Sarah KEEFE b: Abt. 1810 in Bay de Verde, NL m: May 24, 1828 in Harbour Grace, NL
. ..3 Michael LYNCH b: September 01, 1828 in Bay de Verde, NL
. ..3 John LYNCH b: May 17, 1831 in Bay de Verde, NL
….. .+Mary MURPHY b: October 06, 1832 m: October 17, 1856 in Northern Bay
…. 4 Patrick LYNCH b: September 01, 1857 in Bay de Verde, NL
…. 4 John LYNCH b: December 24, 1859 in Bay de Verde, NL
…. 4 Daniel LYNCH b: July 13, 1862 in Bay de Verde, NL
…. 4 Andrew LYNCH b: July 20, 1866 in Bay de Verde, NL
…….. +Mary F BROADERS b: Aug 20, 1869 in Bay de Verde m: June 02, 1901 in Bay de Verde , NL
…… ..5 Catherine LYNCH b: February 14, 1908 in Bay de Verde, NL d: 1990 in Bay de Verde, NL
………. ..+William FLEMING b: Nov 18, 1905 in Bay de Verde m: Nov 18, 1929 d: Feb 13, 1986 in Bay de Verde
…… ..5 Daniel LYNCH b: 1906 in Bay de Verde, NL d: June 16, 1972 in Bay de Verde, NL
………. .+Margaret ABBOTT b: 1910 in Bay de Verde m: Abt 1940 d: Dec 20, 1973 in Bay de Verde, NL
…. 4 Mary Joseph LYNCH b: April 14, 1869 in Bay de Verde, NL
…….. +Thomas Francis RIGGS b: Sept 11, 1870 in Bay de Verde m: 1896 in Bay de Verde , NL
…. 4 Margaret LYNCH b: February 09, 1873 in Bay de Verde, NL
…….. +Michael NORTH b: June 08, 1873 in Bay de Verde m: Nov 24, 1897 d: Mar 25, 1947 in Bay de Verde
3 Margaret LYNCH b: September 08, 1833 in Bay de Verde, NL
. …3 Patrick LYNCH b: February 14, 1836 in Bay de Verde, NL
. 3 John LYNCH b: January 23, 1842 in Bay de Verde, NL
..2 Thomas LYNCH b: April 07, 1810 in Bay de Verde, NL (may be the son who moved to Tickle Harbour )
..2 Anne LYNCH b: May 26, 1816 in Bay de Verde, NL
Town of Bay de Verde
Tel: (709) 587-2260
Email: info@baydeverde.com
Office Hours: M – F 10am – 3pm
Address:
P.O. Box 10
71-75 Route 70
Bay de Verde, Newfoundland & Labrador