“ In the name of God, Amen. I Sarah Sands of Block Island, alias New Shoreham, in the colony of Rhode Island, and Providence Plantations, in New England, being aged and weak in body, but of sound and perfect memory – Praise be given to Almighty God for the same – and knowing the uncertainty of this life on earth, and being desirous to see that things in order be done before my death, Do make this my last will and Testament in manner and form following:
“I being wife to Mr. James Sands deceased, and. made sole executrix by my said. husband., as by will bearing date June the 18th, 1694, may plainly appear, That is to say, First, and Principally; I commend my soul to Almighty God my Creator, assuredly believing that I shall receive full pardon and free remission of all my sins, and be saved by the precious death and merits of my blessed Saviour and Redeemer Christ Jesus; and my body to the earth from whence it was first taken, to be buried in such decent and Christian manner as to my executor hereafter named shall be thought most meet and. convenient: And as touching such worldly estate as the Lord in mercy hath lent me, my will and meaning in the same shall be implied....
[Things specified for each.] That they shall be equally divided. amongst my five children, viz.: John Sands, James Sands, Samuel Sands, Sarah Niles, and Mercy Raymond.....
Signed in presence of SARAH SANDS.
SAMUEL NILES, and
HANNA ROSE, Oct. 17th, 1703.”
