Catherine Keenan Brady Griffin's Will

I have reproduced this will as faithfully as I can. The "/s/" indicates a signature. There are a few stray marks which are not reproduced here. Notably there is a stamp at the top of the first page which has in part: "Filed Dec 13 19?? /s/ James ?". The signature is apparently the clerk of the probate office and is probably from 1910 or thereabouts. Also, there are notes next to the three witness signatures. Next to James F. Keenan and Frank Fegan's signatures are noted "Dead" and next to James P. Quinn is "Dec 15-1910". James Keenan apparently is Catharine's brother, although I'm not sure. I don't know if Frank Fegan is related or not, he may be Rosanna's husband. There is a Frank Fegan listed as a clerk in the 1890 DC city directory. I will have to research him.

In the name of God amen
I, Catharine Griffin, of the City of Washington District of Columbia, being of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding, do make publish and declare this instrument of writing to be my last will and testament hereby revoking any and all former wills and testaments by me made
First I give devise and bequeath the Fifteen (15) feet ten (10) inches adjoining the south 15 feet 10 inches of lot Twelve (12) in Square Five hundred and Thirty-eight (538) in the City of Washington in the District of Columbia being house and premise no 520-4 1/2 St. S.W. and all the household furniture and personal effects that I may now own or may hereafter acquire to my beloved Daughter Mary Griffin her heirs and assigns and personal representatives forever
Second I give and devise the Fifteen feet ten inches (15'10") adjoining the above and being the South fifteen feet ten inches (15 ft. 10 inch) of said lot Twelve (12) in said Square 538 being house and premises no 522-4 1/2 St. S.W. in the said Washington District of Columbia to my beloved daughter Ellen her heirs and assigns forever
Third I give and devise the west Sixteen (16) feet of sub-lot Seventy-seven (77) in Ackers subdivision in Square Eight hundred and sixty one (861) in said city and District being house and premises no 621 Acker St. Northeast to my son George his heirs and assigns forever, but he is to take the same subject to whatever encumbrance that may be upon the said house and premises at the time of my death
Fourth

I give and bequeath to my daughter Rosanna (who is married) Two hundred ($200.00) dollars and if my personal estate is not sufficient to pay the said sum, then I desire that the sum be charged in equal proportions on the devises made in the first three items, but the household goods and personal effects bequeathed to my daughter Mary are not to be subject to this bequest
Fifth To my daughter Maggie I give and bequeath the sum of one ($1.00) dollar and no more
Sixth To my son James I give and bequeath the sum of one hundred ($100.00) dollars and no more
Seventh I give and devise to my Daughter Mary her heirs and assigns forever, the house + premises known as house number 518-4 1/2 Street S.W. in the City of Washington District of Columbia subject to any encumbrance that may be upon said premises at the time of my death
Eigth All the residue of my estate Real Personal and mixed that I may now own or may hereafter acqueare I give devise and bequeath to my beloved daughter Mary her heirs and assigns forever
Ninth I hereby constituto nominate and appoint my son George, Executor of this my last will and testament
Witness my hand and seal at Washington D.C. this 16th day of November as 1899
/s/ Catharine Griffin

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named testatrix Catharine Griffin, as and for her last will and testament, in the presence of us, who in her request, and in her presence and in the presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereto

/s/ James F Keenan
/s/ Frank Fegan ?
/s/ James P Quinn

Summary of Catharine's Family

Catharine Keenan (2/1831 - 12/1910)
m. John Brady (ca 1829 - 7/1861) ca 1850.

  1. Margaret A. "Maggie" Brady (ca 1851 - ?)
  2. John T. Brady (ca 1853 - ?)
  3. James Brady (ca 1855 - ?)

m. George Griffin (ca 1828 - 4/1880)

  1. Francis Edward Griffin (12/1862 - 4/1894) never married
  2. Rosanna Griffin (8/1864 - ?) m. ?
  3. Mary Catharine Griffin (7/1866 - 1/1960) m. John O'Connor
  4. George Emmet Griffin (9/1870 - 3/1958) m. Dena Grasse [executor and my ancestor]
  5. Ellen F. Griffin (2/1873 - 4/1913) never married

Summary of Locations Mentioned

  1. 520 Four and a Half Street Southwest
  2. 522 Four and a Half Street Southwest
  3. 621 Acker Street Northeast
  4. 518 Four and a Half Street Southwest

Summary of Articles

  1. Mary Griffin – 520 Four and a Half Street Southwest
  2. Ellen Griffin – 522 Four and a Half Street Southwest
  3. George Griffin – 621 Acker Street Northeast + encumbrances
  4. Rosanna (Griffin) ? – $200
  5. "Maggie" (Brady) ? – $1
  6. James Brady – $100
  7. Mary Griffin – 518 Four and a Half Street Southwest
  8. Mary Griffin – remainder of estate
  9. George Griffin – executor

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Last Modified: Sunday, March 13, 2005