Will of William Billingsley, 1745, St. Mary's County, MD

In the name of God, Amen. I William Billingsley of St. Mary's County, in the Province of Maryland, being of Perfect Memory thanks be to God for the same tho sick and weak in Body and not knowing how soon a Change may come, knowing we are all mortal, I make this my Last Will and Testament revoking all others heretofore made in any kind whatsoever as followeth.

First, I give my Soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it to me and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be Buried at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named.

First I desire that Funeral Charges Just debts to be Paid then the rest of my estate as followeth.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Wood an hogg about two years old.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ann Hardesty one Ewe and Lamb.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my son William Billingsley and my son James Billingsley my two negroes Sambo and Ben. I also desire that my son William make his choice of them by Christmas after my death. I also desire that my son James have a young horse named Spark that I promised him for learning his younger brothers and sisters to read and that he comply with this part of the agreement.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my five younger children, Margaret, Clare, Francis, Siare and Elizabeth all the rest of my personal estate to be equally divided amongst them or the survivors such as shall come to age to recieve the same and

lastly I hereby ordain and appoint my son Willim Billingsley Executor of this my Last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 11th day of Aug. Anno Dom. 1745.

Witnesses:
Rachel Billingsley
James Kuch


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