In the name of God amen the fourth (?) day of the i mo Anno Dom 1657-8 I John Perse of Watertowne in the County of Midlesex in New England weaver, being through the [Lords] mercy in good health, sound mind, and of good understanding, do make and ordaine this my last will and testamt. My poore imortall soule I do desire freely and humbly to leave it in the everlasting Armes of the mercies {?) of God the father in Christ Jesus, my body I comitt to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executrix,—And as for my outward estate wch the Lord hath been pleased of his goodnes to blesse me with all, and for a short time to make me Steward of, my will is that (my funerall expenses and all other my just debts being first payd and fully sattisfied) my loveing wife Elizabeth Perse shall freely have and enjoy the same, I. e. my dwelling house, outhouses, and all my lands, cattle, corne, and all other my goods and chattels, debts and dues of what nr and kind soever, out of wth, my will is that shee the said Elizabeth with in one yeare next coming after my decease shall pay or cause to be payd unto my Eldest sonne Anthony Perse Twenty shillings, and to the rest of my children ten shillings a peece, to be payd in country pay. Also I do hereby nominate & appoynt the abovesaid Elizabeth sole executrix of this my last will and Testamt. In witness whereof I the said John Perse have here unto put my hand and seale the day and yeare first above written.

JOHN PERS. [L. S.]

     In p'sence of
Edward Tynge,
Peter Jeff. (Jett in Record Book).

The will was proved Oct. 1, 1661. The inventory of the estate amounted to about £271—7—0.