How do I find the transcript of a will from an ancestor who died 1895?

Fionn,

Please see attached re Patrick Breen - Sergeant RIC.

Value of his estate £129. Possible error in transcription?

Due to the fire n the Public Records Office in 1922, the actual Will may not be available.

Credit: Subscription site  www.findmypast.ie

Regards,

Fionn,

Patrick Breen - Service No. 31813 shows that he served in the force for  29 years - 5 months and 9 days

It records the value of the contribution to his widow and 3 children.

It is unlikely that Patrick gave his holding in County Monaghan for free, considering that he had 3 children.

You should check the Land Records in Dublin for details of the holding. He was probably a Tenant, rather than the owner of the land.

Regards,

The wording of the probate abstract (administration) means that Patrick died intestate (he left no will). Administration of his estate was therefore dealt with under intestacy laws, with his widow acting as executrix.

Police Officers often came from farming backgrounds and often described themselves as farmers in official documents.  They often appear in the 1901 and 1911 censuses as “farmers” or “farmer’s sons.” In this case Patrick may well have had the family farm, as well as being a police sergeant.

Thank you everyone.

I think this is a family rumour with mistaken names. Patrick Breen's father Michael left land in trust to his son-in-law Hugh McGinn to oversee until his son Michael returned from the US - which he never did - and is someone we can't find any details of. Patrick died aged 48, before his father, so I agree it's unlikely he had land to give to his sister's husband. The farm was in Annadrumman, Co Monaghan, Patrick served in Co Meath and his wife returned to her family in Co Kildare after his death, where I believe she was quite comfortable, eventually "inheriting" the family shop.

Thanks again, Fionn