Jamaican Family Search Genealogy Research Library
Continued from Trelawny 7
WESLEYAN CHURCH, FALMOUTH
The first mention of this denomination in our notes was on the 8th December, 1834, when it was Resolved that the Reverend John Walters be allowed to use the Falmouth Court House to hold religious services on Sundays while the Wesleyan Church was undergoing repairs.
This Church is located in Duke Street and is very spacious.
Like all the other denominations it has suffered a dwindling congregation.
Jan. 1848, the Rev. H. B. Foster was granted £25, in aid of the Chapel at Sawyers.
Its boundary extends from Duke Street to the North and George Street on the South and comprising one quarter of the block. The Church was built by the Methodist. It is a two-storey one with galleries on three sides. The Organ to the North and the upper pulpit to the south. The superstructure is of wood. The congregation at one time consisted of an exclusive set. Almost like the puritans of old days, they abstained from Horse Racing, Dances, Drinking and other pastimes which were calculated to divert and wean the mind from spiritual dogmas. The congregation was nevertheless large as the Ministers were eloquent and forceful in their preaching. We have in mind the Reverends Atkins, Graham, Glasspole and Smith.
On the same compound was a large Schoolroom to seat comfortably 500 children.
Located to the south of the Church, it had a 10 foot elevation suspended on brick columns. The structure was of imported pine lumber. After the schools were amalgamated and no further use could be made of the building, it was taken down. The Wesleyan Ministers displayed a keen interest in the school and its educational facilities and made it second to none in the parish. For their Mission they acquired the town residence of the late Mr. Edward Moulton Barrett on Market and Lower Harbour Streets, adjacent to "Barrett's Wharf", now "Trelawny Wharf". It was built in the year 1799 by Mr. Barrett. It is one of the only buildings that has survived the storms and hurricanes. It was previously the mecca for the elite of the Parish.
FALMOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH
There is so much historical facts in connection with this denomination in Trelawny, but we will have to disappoint you in its brevity. The Reverend R. A. L. Knight, M.A., B.D., the present Minister of this Church having already published an exact and verified account of its progress through the ages, we will not steal his thunder or bark his tree.
The Reverend John Rowe, however, first appears in our notes and this is in relation to the opening of the first non-conformist school in the Parish. In those days all public schools were by law under the auspices of the State Church. It says Mr. Rowe's deportment made him to be liked and the Custos of Trelawny became interested and obtained legal sanction and protection to enable him to open a public school in Falmouth in February, 1814. It was called the "Suffered" School and later "Suffield". Mr. Rowe died in June 1816, greatly lamented.
Mr. Rowe used this school room as the first seat of the Baptist Ministry in Falmouth and as far as we are aware in Trelawny. In the upper circle his preaching to the slaves on the brotherhood of man in Christ, was not popular but the spirit of the age should be taken into account as an apologia. Up to the sixth century the people of Britain were slaves to the Romans. When Pope Gregory saw some youths from Britain exposed for sale in the market in Rome he asked if the inhabitants of that Island were pagans and to an affirmative reply he remarked "that the prince of darkness should possess countenances so luminous". What is the name of the nation? Angli it was said. "Their countenances are indeed angelic; it is to be regretted that they are not co heirs with the angels in heaven" replied Gregory. Therefrom Jamaicans should feel no shame that their forefathers were slaves.
The Reverend Thomas Burchell visited Falmouth about the year 1827, and made an effort to found a Church, and he was given a great welcome by the slaves particularly. The gospel message was an inspiration to these poor children of Africa whose religion as they had some such form, did not enjoin love and fellowship in Christ and the Fatherhood of God. This good man did not preach Church dogmas and dry exposition of the Scriptures but words of consolation and promise.
The Reverend James Mann succeeded the Rev. Burchell. Hundreds would walk over ten miles to attend worship. He died in 1830, after a very useful career. Next arrived the militant Rev. William Knibb. It was during his pastorship that the first Baptist chapel was destroyed by fire. Mr. Knibb was at one time prevented from preaching. He also suffered arrest and transferred to Montego Bay by a Canoe or dugout and treated with grave indignities by the Militia. Mr. Knibb at about this time sailed for England and succeeded in arousing public sympathy and resentment against Slavery. On Mr. Knibb's return to Jamaica in 1834, he started to build the famous spacious Baptist Chapel to accommodate upwards of 2,000 souls. This building after surviving storms, earthquakes and tempests from the period became an absolute ruin by the cyclone of Sunday, the 20th August 1944. At the opening of this Church in 1836, we learn that over £1,000 sterling was taken in Collections. There was a membership of nearly one thousand. These Baptist ministers did not confine themselves to preaching but went about teaching not only knowledge of the Scriptures but how to build houses. We know of Granville Pen of over one hundred acres being purchased by Mr. Knibb and sold in lots. When Emancipation came in 1838, it is recorded that out of sheer joy Mr. Knibb's son died. The Rev. Knibb died in 1845. In the Baptist Church yard his monument is the most prominent and substantial of all others.
We who have had the opportunity of knowing the history of the operations of the Baptist Ministry in Jamaica conclude that it is no wonder the descendents of slaves still have and cherish grateful remembrance and faithful alliance to that denomination. While the Rev. Mr. Knibb was zealously spreading the gospel and fighting to secure freedom for the unfortunate sons and daughters of Africa, the Curate in charge of the Parish Church at Falmouth was complacently drawing his salary. On his being asked if he was not interested in the cause of emancipation of the body and soul of these dark people he replied, "it is not my duty to fight but to perform the last offices of the Church for the dying and dead and which he was ready to do". In recording this incident we do so in justice to the Baptist but with no desire to deride the Anglican ministry. In these memoirs the spirit of the age should be appreciated.
The following ministers have been successors to the Rev. Knibb: Thomas Abbot, 1846; Robert Guy, 1848; Ellis Fray (snr.), 1856; Thomas Lea, 1861; John Kingdon, 1868-1914; Rev. George Stone, 1914-1918; R. A. L. Knight, M.A., B.D., 1918-. The last time that this Church was filled to overflowing was on the 1st August, 1927 when it celebrated the one hundredth Anniversary of its operations in the Parish of Trelawny. On the 1st August, 1936, it also celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Emancipation of the Slaves in Jamaica when adherents and friends from all parts of Jamaica were present to do honour to the occasion as well as to honour the memory of the Reverend William Knibb, who worked so assiduously in the consummation of Freedom.
Baptist Chapels are to be found are to be found in every village in the parish where a hundred or so people reside: Duncans, Waldensia, Unity, Wakefield, Deeside, Duan Vale, Clark's Town, Refuge, Stewart Town, Alps, Ulster Spring, Spring Garden, Rio Bueno. At this latter Township was first established the Calabar High School for the training of local Baptist Ministers. In the later years it was transferred to Kingston where it is now operating.
Although we do not claim the distinction of being members or adherents of the Baptist persuasion, we as Christians are proud of its achievements. We salute the Baptists:
"They came to chase the gloom of night
To spread abroad celestial light
By them the gospel plan was given
To raise lost souls to God's own heaven."
FALMOUTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ST. ANDREW'S KIRK
The St. Andrew's Kirk is located on an entire block and surrounded by Rodney, Princess, Lower Harbour and Newton Streets. It is in one of the coolest localities, being near the sea. The structure is entirely of bricks. The seats are all boxed in with doors. Like all Scotch Kirks it possesses no ornaments or lavish design in architecture, but just a plain building for workshop.
In the early days of this Parish, Trelawny, emigrants from Scotia were in the majority and they were all free men. They had brought their religion with them to this Island but finding no place of worship peculiar to their early training formed themselves in a Committee setting aside all differences in "clan". They wanted their National Kirk. In the year 1830, the Justices and Vestry sold this parcel of land to the Committee consisting of seven for the sum of £300. In July 1831, the line fence was run. In the year 1882 [1832] it was recorded that a grant of £700 was made by the Vestry towards the completion of the Scotch Kirk. Further in the year 1834 it was Resolved that the sum of £300 be paid to the Committee of the St. Andrew's Kirk as a donation to the Reverend Mr. Thorburn. In April 1836 it was Resolved that £300 be given in aid of the St. Andrew's Kirk. In April 1838, a petition was read from members and others of the St. Andrew's Kirk asking for a grant of money to assist in paying off the debt on the Institution.
The members of the Vestry thought that the Scotchmen had been helped sufficiently to now paddle their own boat, so after much discussion it was Resolved that it was not legal to entertain the petition as a Law had recently been passed debarring financial assistance being rendered Churches from public funds.
The Church progressed both materially and spiritually. The attendance was always satisfactory. The Ministers were filled with piety and the deeds of charity manifested in their career, developed a lively sympathy towards the mission in the community. Even to this day that feeling for the old Kirk is cherished.
In every family there is always some dissension and in the life of this Church it was painfully exhibited as the following facts indicate. This was the Scotch Kirk but there was also the United Presbyterian. That latter body which had some adherents among the Scotch settlers in this Parish, laid claim to the Church. There was no agreement between them for some time. This difference developed into a wordy battle insomuch that on Sundays both branches would take charge of the Church and sing their own hymns, thereby enacting a most regrettable comedy. Each side fulminating on their inherent rights to the sacred edifice and deprecating the other's authority.
On the 10th October, 1860, Mr. Preston, a Solicitor presented to the Justices and Vestry certain Deeds relating to the lands on which the St. Andrew's or Scotch Kirk was built and inferred that as the original Deed was defective for want of a Corporation Seal which the Board had not 25 years ago, he would now apply to the Vestry to perfect the original design by affixing their Seal to a new Deed which he had prepared and which was presented, and Moved the following Resolution: That the Seal of the Church Wardens of Trelawny, be adopted by the Justices and Vestry and that it do fix the said Seal to the Conveyance entitled the "Justices and Vestry of the Parish of Trelawny to Neil Malcolm as Trustee on behalf of the Kirk of the lands and premises in the said Deed mentioned.
A letter from the Reverend William Gilles of the United Presbyterian Church to His Honour the Custos, was read, when Mr. Lindo Moved and it was agreed to that the Deed mentioned by Mr. Preston be referred to a Committee for examination and comparison with the original alleged to be imperfect Deed of Conveyance, and that the Committee do Report to the next meeting whether the two Deeds were strictly correspondent or not. The Committee to consist of Messrs. A. Lindo, J. R. Kitchen, D. Archer, James Wilson and R. S. McLaughlan.
In January, 1861, the Committee to whom was referred for comparison the original and alleged imperfect Deed of Conveyance by the Falmouth Corporation of the lands upon which the St.Andrew's Kirk is situated and the Deed in substitution thereof submitted to the Vestry for examination of the said Deeds, they find the same materially at variance inasmuch as the original Deed Vests the premises in a Body of Trustees, seven in number, termed a Committee and it is by that Deed declared to be the true intent and meaning thereof and of the parties thereto and of the subscribers and contributors to the said Church and when and so often as any vacancy may happen to occur among the seven Committee men of the said Church that the same shall be supplied by the Minister, Elders and Communicants so that the said Committee may form a perpetual body of Office bearers in the temporalities of the said Church. Whereas the new Deed proposes a Conveyance in fee of the premises and to put Two Trustees. (Sgd.) A. Lindo, J. R. Kitchen, James Wilson, R. S. McLaughlan.
It was Moved by Mr. Lindo, Seconded by Mr. Wilson that the Board being a meeting
of the Vestry and not a meeting of the Corporation of the Justices and Vestry under I Victoria Chap. 27, is incompetent to deal with the application for execution of a Deed for the land on which the St. Andrew's Church is situated.
Mr. Kidd Moved as an Amendment, Seconded by Mr. Preston that the Vestry now assembled are a competent Body to deal with the question of the St. Andrew's Kirk now before the Board.
On division there were in favour of the Amendment Messrs. T. P. Kidd, A.D. Preston, George Lyon and R. S. McLaughlan (4); Against: Messrs. Abraham Lindo, John Reid, William Foss, Robert Nunes, Fred Lindo, James Wilson and J. A. Vine (7).
The matter was not finished as we find that at a Special meeting of the Justices and Vestry held on the 2nd February 1861, it was Moved by Mr. Preston, Seconded by Mr. Kidd, in regards to the St. Andrew's Kirk lands, that the Seal of the Church Wardens of Trelawny be adopted by the Justices and Vestry of this Parish and that the Clerk of the Board do affix the said Seal to the Conveyance entitled the Justices and Vestry of the Parish of Trelawny to Neil Malcolm and Thomas P. Kidd as Trustees on behalf of the Scotch Kirk of the land and premises in the said Deed mentioned.
Mr. Lindo Moved as an Amendment, Seconded by Mr. Robert Nunes That it appears that the land upon which the St. Andrew's Kirk is situated was held by the Falmouth Corporation under Deed from the late Edward A. M. Barrett from whom was purchased certain lands in the Town of Falmouth. That by the repeal of I Victoria Chap. 22, which Act created that Corporation, has since the year 1838 ceased to exist. That the said Act constitutes the Justices and Vestry of Trelawny a Body Corporate with functions similar to those of the Falmouth Corporation was appointed to discharge but does not Vest in the new Corporation it creates the property held by that which it abolishes. That this Board is consequently without Title and cannot Convey the premises in question.
Mr. Wilson Moved as an Amendment Seconded by Mr. McLaughlan, That the Deeds and documents connected therewith which the Board has been asked to Seal be submitted by the Parochial Solicitor to Her Majesty's Attorney General and that this Board be guided by his decision. . .
The Chairman was of opinion that Mr. Wilson's amendment involved a question of expenditure which this Board not having the means at its disposal of defraying, declined to put that amendment to the vote.
Mr. Lindo's Amendment was put to the Vote and resulted in Five for and Five against. The Chairman gave his Casting Vote in favour of the Amendment and declared it carried.
The curtain was then lowered and the matter closed as far as the Justices and Vestry were concerned.
The Presbyterians seemed to have settled their differences and harmony once more prevailed.
In addition to the present Church, a School was also established on the same land parallel to Lower Harbour Street. This building was totally destroyed by the Hurricane in 1903. This School was called the St. Andrew's Academy and its masters were always the Ministers in charge of the Church. Its scholastic achievements were second to none in those days. It was a criterion to say that you were educated at the St. Andrew's Academy. The fees were very modest and those who were unable to pay were shown no difference in attention. The masters invariably were actuated by the missionary zeal to educate then Christianize. Many a poor child has been helped by these Ministers with shoes and clothing to enable them to attend that School. We lament the fact that this Church has lost that prominent position it held in the community, due principally to the migration of its members to other parts of the Island. The membership is now very small but its influence on our people is not dormant.
The Church at Falmouth is operated in conjunction with those at Bellevue and Reids Friendship. The Missionary Society of Scotland we understand still affords financial help to the Churches but it is expected to be self-supporting.
ST. THOMAS CHURCH, STEWART TOWN
There appears to have been a Mission Station at Stewart Town before the year 1832, as we find that in July of that year Mr. Samuel G. Barrett moving that a Grant of £500 be given towards the erection of the new Chapel at Stewart Town and that the sum of £500 allowed by the House of Assembly be applied for the same purpose and that Tenders for the building of the same be advertised for and opened at the next Quarterly Vestry agreeably to Plan and specification, also that Mr. Thomas P. Kidd be paid £514 for his land at Stewart Town for purposes of erecting a Church in that Township.
From 1832, no further reference was made to this Chapel, except that the School had 60 scholars and that the Master, Mr. Jarvis Johnson was being paid £30 per annum, in the year 1838, while Mr. Stevens at Rio Bueno received £70 and Mr. Edward H. Evans £200 for the National School at Falmouth.
In January, 1840, a letter was read from the Rev. T. R. Beaufort to the Rev. G. W. Rowe respecting the rebuilding of the Stewart Town Chapel also a letter from the Governor's Secretary to Mr. Rowe enclosing a donation from the Governor for £100 for the above purpose. It was ordered to remain over until the next Vestry. At the next Meeting the Tender of Mr. James Wishart for mason work on the Chapel for £1,500 sterling was accepted . . .£500 to be paid on levelling the window soles, £500 on levelling the top of windows and £500 on the work being completed . . . Mr. Wishart to report as to the site this day week. The tender of Mr. James Smith for the required Carpenter work for £2,100 sterling was also accepted and that the work was to be completed in 3 months after the roof was on and at least 15 months after date of Bond. . .£300 was to be paid when the roof and steeple were completed, £500 when the flooring, doors and sashes were finished and hung and the remainder when the whole of the work was completed and approved by the Committee.
In January 1841, Mr. Wishart reported that the foundation of the old chapel was good and it was agreed for him to proceed . . . The foundation of the North-east corner to be built at 8 feet depth if necessary.
Mr. Smith was given 18 months to complete his job of Carpentry.
In October 1841, it was ordered that Mr. Wishart be paid the first installment for mason work.
In April, 1842, a petition from inhabitants of Stewart Town praying that the intended enclosure round the new Church should be curtailed from 36 feet as was laid down by the Surveyor to 16 feet having been read was rejected.
Mr. Smith was paid his first installment of £648.18/7 for Carpenter work on the Church.
In April, 1843, £100 was granted for procuring Communion Plate and Books for this church.
In July, 1843, Mr. James Smith was paid his last instalment of £247. 7/- on his £1,200 contract and Mr. James Wishart £500 and £50.
On the 23rd January, 1845, Mr. Thomas Kidd was paid £40 for fencing the Church lands.
In that same year the tender of Messrs. Alexander And William Hamilton was accepted for £1,170 for repairing the School house at Stewart Town. The Rev. Griffith Griffiths agreed to contribute £10 towards this work.
The Sexton was paid £10 per annum and the Beadle £20.
This Church is a very substantial structure and while in our opinion it is not in the same class as St. Marks at Rio Bueno, from an architectural point of view, is daily increasing in this dispensation of spiritual services with an appreciative congregation.
The Rev. J. S. Rowe, M.A., B.D., is its Rector.
CHARITABLE BEQUESTS
To us it is remarkable, astounding and an unfortunate reflection on the men who have achieved prosperity in the Parish of Trelawny, that in their hey day gave no thought to their poorer or less fortunate brethren by leaving a bequest or some sort of gift even to perpetuate their memory, with but two exceptions, which we will name. You are reminded of the Moraleses, Lindos, Delissers, Nuneses, Lyons, Sewells and may we add Delgado. They made their name and established fame in this Parish but all that posterity knows of them is the eulogy on their tombstones. Of Mr. Morales in about the year 1896, when he died, he bequeathed the Princely sum of Fifty Pounds for the poor of Falmouth. His Executors were puzzled as to the best method in disposing of this sum. After consulting some prominent citizens it was decided to found a Soup Kitchen. Mr. Emanuel Messado, a Vice-Chairman of the Parochial Board gave a lot of land situate in Cornwall Street and with the aid of donations from the community a building constructed and called the
Public Soup Kitchen. There was, however, no soup. More subscriptions were collected and the Kitchen was operated in the following manner: Tickets were sold to those citizens who dispensed charity at the rate of 1/- for 10 tickets. The value of each ticket being penny-half-penny, and this was also the price of a plate of soup. Instead of giving cash to your poor client, who might forget the soup by the smell of rum, a ticket was given and he was sure to get a well cooked and seasoned plate of beef soup three times each week on three tickets. The management of the kitchen was in charge of a committee of ladies who showed keen interest in this undertaking. The sale of soup was not confined to those persons presenting Ticket but was sold to any one desiring this facility. This Institution kept operating until around the year 1902, when by death and removal otherwise of the interested parties, it was closed down. The premises is now rented and under the control of the Inspector of Poor who uses the proceeds to supplement the New Year's Dole Fund.
Another Bequest which we know of was that made by a very eccentric gentleman by name of James Stewart of Mount Pleasant through which the Dornock Water Supply pipeline passes. Mr. Stewart was unmarried but not without children. We happen to have a good knowledge of one of his sons, i.e., William Stewart, the Carpenter. As will be observed the old fellow had another of his sons named William who was differentiated by calling him William of Maida (sounds like of royalty). William the Carpenter whom we knew, resided in a two-storey house in Falmouth, which is mentioned in the Will to be sold. The Executors might have as an act of grace accepted a small sum from the Carpenter William, as he was in possession of the premises until his death, when his son, James Stewart, inherited and now by Ernest Stewart, the great grand-son of James Stewart of Mount Pleasant.
The Stewarts have all been fond of their liquor. The old gentleman of Mount Pleasant fell ill and summoned the Doctor. Old Dr. Chance pronounced his case serious and predicted that he would peg out within three months. Stewart had his Will made and not that only but his Coffin and Grave. He wanted no fuss, he said, nor did he desire his funeral to be an expensive affair. A Coffin and grave for the living are considerable more economical than for the dead. The old gentleman, despite the warning of imminent death, never neglected his bottle. He lived out the three months and went over to six months feeling more fit each day. He could hardly any longer endure his coffin leaning up in his house empty, so called in his carpenter and had shelves fitted it is and there stored his liquor. He would ever after invited his friends to have a drink from his coffin. He died around the year 1867.
The Reverend E. A. M. Stewart, then Rector of Rio Bueno, was very interested in his name sake, although not connected. On one of his visits the Rector suggested that William should get spliced to one of his women. Old William informed the good Rector that he must be allowed to marry three of them at the same time as he had the same love for all, if any. The manner of the old fellow's laughter on the approach of the subject so angered the good old Rector that he took his exit never more to see William again.
We append a copy of the Will which is interesting both in the diction as well as the several bequests made. The Executors named in the Will have long since passed away but the functions are being carried on by certain Attorneys of Sugar Factories in the Duncans area. Messrs. Sewell, Muschett and Milliner are Trustees at present. To our knowledge the poor of the Parish are still being given funds from this source. If the property had been cultivated in Coconuts the proceeds would still be greater but it is at present leased to a Mr. McDonald at a moderate rental. It is now being sold to the Electric Lighting Co. Ltd.
JAMAICA S.S.
In the name of God. Amen.
I, James Stewart of the Parish of Trelawny, in the County of Cornwall in the Island of Jamaica, Esquire, being of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, thanks to Almighty God, but in an infirm bodily state of health, and knowing the uncertainty of life, and that it is appointed once for all men to die do make this my last will and testament, in manner and form following. In the first place I commend my Soul to Almighty God, who gave it, trusting to the merits of Jesus Christ my Redeemer for the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life and happiness.
My body I leave to be interred at the discretion of any person well disposed towards my memory.
Touching such worldly goods wherewith I am blessed.
Item, I give and bequeath to my heir-at-law whoever he or she may be, five shillings lawful money of Jamaica in lieu and bone of all claims whatsoever. It is my will and desire that my funeral testamentary expenses and debts, which shall be justly due and owing by me, at my death may be fully paid and satisfied by my Executors and Trustees, hereafter named with the payment whereof I do hereby make liable all my estate real and personal. Item, I give and bequeath to Mrs. Anne Miller, my house and land at Rio Bueno, adjoining Miss Small; for her sole use and benefit forever, and fifteen pounds (£15. 0. 0) as soon as possible after my decease to assist her in repairing the house likewise permission to keep a cow and her increase to the extent of two on Mount Pleasant, during her natural life, free of pasturage. Item, I give and bequeath to my son William the Carpenter a piece of land in the gully road, belonging to Mount Pleasant adjoining Friendship and Retirement, on condition that he shall not sell it. Item, I give and bequeath to my son William of Maida my houses at Duncans and Rio Bueno, during his natural life and to his lawful issue thereto if there be any, but if not the same to go to his Brother John and his lawful issue, but in the event of no account of him two years after the death of his Brother without lawful issue then the same to revert to my estate and to be sold for the benefit of the purposes hereinafter mentioned. Item, it is my will and desire that my house at Falmouth adjoining Mrs.Virgo's be sold by my Executors immediately after my death, and the proceeds invested in Island Security for the benefit of my Son John, and his lawful issue, should there be any, but in case there be no account of him for two years after my decease, then the same to revert to my Estate for the benefit of the purposes hereinafter named. Item, it is my desire that my land adjoining Benedate on the Dry Harbour Road and a piece of land at Duncans be sold, as well as a part of my silver not otherwise herein mentioned as per Memorandum annexed be sold as soon as possible after my decease and the proceeds applied for the general benefit of my Estate by my Executors hereinafter named according to their discretion. Item, I give and bequeath to my Son William of Maida a part of my silver, three spoons, three forks, one ladle, a bedstead and two tables or agreeable to articles innumerated in memorandum herewith. Item, it is my wish and desire that Mount Pleasant Plantation, and the stock thereon shall be retained by my Executors hereafter named, and managed by them to the best advantage for the benefit of
the purposes of this my Will hereinafter named, by renting the house, paddock and close pasture, on the whole property with the stock to a proper and responsible person who can give security to keep it in order and return it in the same, and who will engage to make good the value of the stock. Item, I give and bequeath to the following, namely to the President of the Theological institution at Calabar thirty shillings (30/-) per annum and to the Directors of the Industrial School connected with the same, seventy shillings (70/-) per annum, to the Archdeacon of Cornwall twenty shillings (20/-) per annum, for the Church of England Missionary Society, and twenty shillings (20/- per annum) for the School connected with St. Mark's Chapel at Rio Bueno, to the Minister at the Wesleyan Chapel at the Crawle near Duncans twenty shillings (20/-) per annum, last to the Rector and Church Wardens of the Parish of Trelawny any balance that may accrue from any source whatever of my Estate, for the benefit of the poor of the Parish. I constitute and appoint Utten T. Todd Esq. of the Ridge St. Ann, and Henry Purchas Esq. of Swanswick Estate Executors and Trustees of this my last Will and Testament, and I do hereby revoke all and every other former Wills by me before willed and bequeathed certifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament. In witness thereof I have thereunto set my hand this tenth day of June, 1863.
(Signed) James Stewart.
Signed and published by the said James Stewart as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us his last Will and Testament in the presence of us the subscribing witnesses, who at his request have affixed our hands.
(Signed): John Martin McDonald, Baron Hill.
Nicholas Palmer, Baron Hill.
I, James Stewart do hereby declare this to be a Codicil to my last Will and Testament bearing date, the tenth day of June last past.
Whereas by my said Will I have devised and bequeathed unto my son William of Maida inter alia my house at Duncans for the term of his natural life now I hereby revoke so much of the said bequest as relates to the said house at Duncans and instead thereof I declare it to be my Will and desire that my Executors should pay unto my son William of Maida annually for the term of his natural life a moiety of the rent arising from the said house, and that my Executors should apply the remaining moiety to the general purposes of my Will dated this 18th July, 1865.
(Signed) James Stewart.
Signed and published by the said James Stewart as a codicil to his last Will in the presence of us who at his request, in his presence and in the presence of each other, have affixed our names as witnesses.
(Signed): Robert A. Laing, Rio Bueno
Charles Rob, Rio Bueno.
Continued at Trelawny part 9
Used by kind permission of Donovan Ogilvie and the late Pearl Ogilvie
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