Examples of Contracts and Provisions in Wills

CONTRACT 1

North-west Finland, February 1864

I, Karl Johanson Magas, give and donate to my sons, Johan and Anders Karlson, my share of Magas farm (freehold) in the parish of Nykarleby, value 2400 silver marks, purchased by me (document 9th June 1829). They are to have one half each and in addition all movable assets, excluding 1 cow.

I, Brita Lena Mickelsdotter Magas, give all my share of the movable assets, excluding 2 cows, 4 sheep and all the goods and utilities that we need to use in our retirement.

We will live together on the farm until our son Anders has reached the age of majority and I (father) will take care of his share for now. However:

1. 1. If one of the sons dies without offspring, the other one or his offspring will be the owners of the share of the deceased.

2. 2. The owners of the farm have the responsibility for outstanding debts on the land.

3. 3. We require in yearly upkeep: 6 barrels of grain, rye and barley 1/2 of each, 12 wagonloads of hay, 3 sheaves of straw, 2 wagonloads of barley straw, 10 units of salt, 1/4 barrel of salted herring, 6 pounds of tobacco, 10 pounds tobacco leaves, 4 pairs of boots, 18 kg dried meat, 4 pounds of wool and 24 marks silver per year. In addition the owner of the farm is obliged to provide us with space in the house, firewood and warmth, a potato patch, necessary transport. At the death of one of us the payments will decrease by a third. We also require a decent funeral.

4. 4. The following compensation is to be given to our other children: the daughters Anna Lovisa and Sophia are to have 400 marks silver, 1 cow and 2 sheep each when they marry by the owner of the farm. If either of them, because of illness or accident, will be unable to provide for themselves, she is to be cared for on the farm for life and be provided with a decent funeral. The payments due to her will revert back into the farm.