Eastern Shore Wills

Index of Wills

The will of Edmund Blades, Sr., 1754, Talbot Co., MD
The will of Edmund Blades, Jr., 1807, Talbot Co., MD
The will of John Blades, Sr., 1767, Worcester Co., MD
The will of Joseph Blades, 1770, Dorchester Co., MD
The 1st Prerogative Court Inventory of John Blades, 1773, Talbot Co., MD
The 2nd Prerogative Court Inventory of John Blades, 1773, Talbot Co., MD
The will of Thomas Blades of E., 1903, Talbot Co., MD
he will of Susan Kirby Blades, 1916, Talbot Co., MD
The Will of William Marshall, 1687-1740
The Will of Boon Chance, ca 1712-1771
The Will of Richard Chance, 1680-1747
The Will of Joseph Marshall, ca 1750-1824

The will of Edmund Blades, Sr., 1754

Talbot Co., MD Register of Wills, Book 16 pg 119 SR 4423-1, 14 Feb 1754
In the name of God, Amen. I, Edmund Blades of Talbot County, Planter, being sick and weak of body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God, do this fourteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty-four, make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following Est. Imp.

I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Mary Blades, all my personal estate, whom I also make my whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament. J.N. witnesses [unreadable] of I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day and year thereon.

Signed, sealed and published and declared by the said Edmund Blades to be his last will and testament in presence of witnesses James Edge1, Jacob Hindman, John Harrington.
Edmund Blades, his (x) mark and (seal)

On the back of the foregoing will was this written - Talbot County [unreadable] James Edge and Jacob Hindman two of [the] subscribing witnesses to the foregoing will being duly and solemnly sworn on the holy Evangels of Almighty God depose and say that they saw Edmund Blades, the testator, sign the foregoing will and heard him publish and declare the same to be his last will and testament, and that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind and memory. The widow declares the will and [unreadable]. Sworn this 7th day of May 1754 before H. Hollyday, Dep. Commissioner of Talbot County.

The will of Edmund Blades, Jr., 1807

Talbot County Register of Wills, JP6 pp. 181-183, 3 Dec 1807
In the name of God, Amen. I, Edmund Blades of Talbot County in the state of Maryland, being sick and weak of body, but of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, considering the certainty of death and the under certainty of the time thereof, and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs, and thereby be the better prepared to leave this world when it shall please God to call me hence, do therefore make and publish this my last will and testament, in a manner and form following; that is to say: First and principally, I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God and my body to earth, to be decently buried at the discretion of my executrix herein after named, and after my debts and funeral charges is paid, I devise and bequeath the following:

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son George Blades of Talbot County, my double-cased silver watch. And whereas the property which I now possess hath been chiefly acquired by the joint industry and frugality of my dear wife and myself, the better to enable her to live with convenience and comfort, I do therefore by this my last will, give and bequeath unto my said wife during her natural life all my personal property, and at her decease, it is to be distributed among my children, Edmund, Mary, Francis, Rebecca, John, George, Sara, and the heirs of my two children Betsey and James, are to draw [unreadable] and equal part with the rest of my children, viz. one ninth for the heirs of each. And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my dear wife, Elizabeth Blades, to be sole Executrix of this my last will and testament, revoking and annulling all former wills by me heretofore made, ratifying and confirming this and none other to be my last will and testament.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty-fifth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seven.
Edmund Blades, his (x) mark (seal)

Signed, sealed, published and delivered by Edmund Blades the above named Testator [unreadable] for his last will and testament, in the presence of us, who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereunto.
Thomas Sevin, James Dodson, Samuel X (his mark) Harrison of William

Talbot County Sct, 3rd of December 1807. Then came George Blades and made Oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that the foregoing instrument of willing is true, and the whole will and Testament of Edmund Blades, late of Talbot County, deceased, that hath come to his hands in profession, and that he doth not know of any other. Certified by James Price, Registrar of Wills for Talbot County

Talbot County Sct, 3rd of December 1807. Then came Thomas Savin and Samuel Harrison of William, two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing last will and testament of Edmund Blades, late of Talbot County, deceased, and severally made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God, that they did see the testator therein named sign and seal this will, and that they heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament; that at the time of his doing so he was, to the best of their apprehension, of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, and that they together with James Dodson, the other subscribing witness respectively subscribed their names as witnesses to this will in the presence and at the request of the testator, and in the presence of each other.
Certified by James Price, Registrar of Wills for Talbot County

The will of John Blades, Sr., 1767

Worcester Co., MD Vol. 36, pg 65-67 SR 4430
Dated 9 February 1767

In the name of God, Amen. This 9th day of February in the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred and sixty-seven, I, John Blades, Sr., of Worcester County in the province of Maryland, going on towards old age, being in perfect mind and memory, blessed be God, and calling to mind the uncertainty of this life and being willing to settle all my worldly affairs, and to dispose of that estate that it hath pleased God to endow me with, do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following, and annulling and making all other wills or wills testament or testaments be me heretofore made or done , do acknowledge this my Last Will and Testament -

Item. I recommend my immortal soul into the hands of God that gave it me in hopes through the merits and mediation of my blessed redeemer Jesus Christ to receive full pardon and remission from all my sins at the general resurrection of the Just and my body to the earth from whence it was taken, to be buried in a Christian and decent like manner at the discretion of my Executrix, hereafter mentioned.

Item. I give unto my son, John Blades, part of Adventer and part of Rocoton's Choice, beginning at marked red oak standing near the Davis Branch, thence running to the north corner of a field tended by John Blades [unreadable], thence to a pine stump where was [unreadable], thence with a line to the middle of the head line for fifty acres, to him and his heirs lawfully begotton of his body forever, but in the [unreadable] of such heirs, to my daughter, Mary Blades and her heirs forever. And my gun and carpenter's and [unreadable] tools, and one shilling sterling to him and his heirs.

Item. I give unto my brother, Samuel Blades, one hundred acres of land, being part of Adventer and part of Rocoton's Choice, beginning at a marked post standing near a watering hole, thence running up the woods by a line of marked trees to the head of Rocoton's Choice, laid out for one hand.

Item. I give unto my daughter, Ann Benston, one shilling sterling to her and her heirs forever. Item. I give unto my daughter, Elizabeth Blades, one shilling sterling to her heirs forever. Item. I give unto my daughter, Sisson Taylor, one shilling sterling, to her and her heirs forever. Item. I give unto my granddaughter, Mary Glaston, fifty shillings current money, to be paid at the age of eighteen years, and one shilling sterling to her and her heirs forever. Item. I give unto my granddaughter, Leah Pitts Blades, fifty shillings current money of Maryland, to be paid at the age of eighteen years, and one shilling sterling to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I give unto my daughter, Mary Blades, my plantation where whereon I now live and part of Rocoton's Choice, all the remainder of my land not yet given to her and her heirs forever. As all my other moveable goods and stock, plows and harrows, hoes and axes, when my debts is paid, to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I leave my daughter, Mary Blades, whole Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament.
John Blades [seal]

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us -
Thomas Tyler, William Pitts, Jemima Tyler

On the back of the foregoing will was thus written, viz. April 10th 1867. Then came Thomas Tyler and Jemima Tyler, two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing will and made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that they saw John Blades, the Testator, sign, seal and heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his Last Will and Testament, and that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehension of a sound and disposing mind and memory, and that they subscribed their names as witnesses to the said will in presence of the Testator, and at his request, and also that they saw William Pitt, the other subscribing witness, sign his name as a witness to the said Will in the presence of the Testator and at his request.
Sworn before Benton Harris, Deputy Commissioner of Worcester County

The will of Joseph Blades, 1770

Dorchester Co., MD Vol. 38, pg 142-143 SR 4432
Dated 17 March 1770

In the name of God, Amen. The seventeenth day of March seventeen hundred and seventy, I, Joseph Blades of Dorchester County in the province of Maryland, Planter, being sick and weak of body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be God for the same, and not knowing how soon it may please God to call me in this my [unreadable word] do make this my Last Will and Testament in the manner and form following:

First, I recommend my soul to God that gave it me and my body to the earth and such decent burial as my Executors hereinafter named shall think proper to bestow. Touching such worldly goods as it hath pleased God to give me, I give [in] manner and form following, that is to say -

First, I give my eldest, George Blades, my now Dwelling House and Plantation, to be bounded on the south by a small branch which makes out of Fowling Creek near Aleoch Mill and so by the south side of said branch till it comes to the road and then to begin on the north side of said branch at a small Hickory standing near the edge of said road on the hill, and from said Hickory to run with an east course to be bounded on the north by another small branch which runs near my house to the eastward, to him, George Blades, and his heirs.

Item. I give to my second son, Thomas Blades, all my lands which I have to the southward of the lands given to my son George Blades, to him, the said Thomas Blades and his heirs.

Item. I give to my third son, Levin Blades, all the lands which I hold to the north and east side of the land given my son, George Blades, commonly known by the name of Blades New Design, to him, the said Levin Blades and his heirs.

Item. I give to my fourth son, John Blades, all that tract or parcel of land which I bought of Peter Webb lying on the north side of Robinses Creek and the east side of [unreadable word] Choptank River containing one hundred and five acres, more or less, to the said John Blades and his heirs.

Item. My will is that my loving wife, Esther Blades shall keep possession of all my Negroes till my youngest child comes to age, excepting two Negro women which I shall give to my two eldest daughters, Mary and Dorothy.

Item. To my daughter, Mary Clark, I give my Negro woman Kate, [and] only the first child the said Negro woman Kate shall have to live to be one year old to be delivered to the child my wife now goes with, whether a son or daughter, the said Negro woman to be delivered to my daughter, Mary, next November.

Item. I give to my daughter, Dorothy Blades, my Negro woman, Rose, [and] only the first child the said Rose shall have to live to be one year old to be delivered to the child my wife now goes with, whether a son or daughter, to be delivered when she calls for her.

Item. I give my Negro woman, Mink [or Minta], to my daughter Elizabeth Blades and her heirs. Item. I give my Negro woman, Rachel, to my daughter Sarah Blades and her heirs. Item. I give my Negro boy, James, to my son John Blades and his heirs. Item. After my wife's decease, I give my Negro men as follows: My Negro man, Salem, to my son, George Blades. My Negro man, Harry, to my son, Thomas Blades. My Negro boy, Charles, to my son, Levin Blades.

Item. I give to my wife, Esther Blades, full possession of all my lands during her widowhood, only if she thinks proper to give my sons possession before, but to be at her discretion whether she will or not.

Item. I give what corn, wheat and bacon and pork that is now in the house to be the support of my family this year and it shall not be appraised. Likewise, my will is that any Negroes given in legacy shall not be appraised.

Item. I give all my household furniture and stock and plantation utensils to be appraised and equally divided amongst my children and wife.

Item. My will is that if my wife should die before my youngest child comes of age, that my son, George Blades, shall have the lands and Negroes till any youngest child comes to age in the same manner as I have left it to my wife and not otherwise.

Item. I give my [unreadable word] of tobacco that is now in the house to my wife, only she must pay my taxes out of it and the residue to be her property.

Lastly I constitute, appoint and ordain my loving wife, Esther Blades, and my son, George Blades, to be my whole and sole Executors of this my Last Will and Testament, and I do make null and void all former wills and legacies at any time before by me made or done. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal. Signed, sealed, pronounced and declared by the Testator to be his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us the subscribers, the day and year aforewritten.

Joseph Blades [mark and seal]
Nathaniel Potter, John Stevens, Joseph Billater [mark]

At the foot of the aforegoing will was thus written, viz't. - On the 19th day of June Anno Domini 1770, Esther Blades and George Blades, the appointed Executors in the aforegoing Will made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that the aforegoing instrument of writing is the true and only Will and Testament of Joseph Blades, late of Dorchester County, deceased, that hath come to their hands, possession or knowledge, and that they don't know nor ever heard of any other Will made since by the Testator.
Certified by J. W. Goldsborough, Deputy Commissioner, Dorcherster County

On the 13th day of June Anno Domini 1770, Nathaniel Potter and John Stevens, two of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing will being duly and solemnly sworn on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God deposed and said that they saw the Testator, Joseph Blades, sign the aforegoing will and heard him publish and declare the same to be his Last Will and Testament. That at the time of his so doing, he was to the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind and memory, and that they together with Joseph Billater, the other subscribing witness to the aforegoing will, subscribed their respective names as witnesses thereto in the presence of the Testator and at his request.
Certified by J. W. Goldsborough, Deputy Commissioner, Dorchester County

The 1st Prerogative Court Inventory of John Blades, 1773

Book 115, pg 34 - 37, Dated 7 May 1773
An Inventory of the Goods and Chattles, Rights and Credits of John Blades, late of Talbot County, viewed, appraised by us the superintendents, being legally appointed and sworn in current money of that [unreadable] this 7th day of May anno 1773.

1 Mare called Frolick 15 years old, 1 Mare, 11 years old, 1 Mare called Hoive 11 years old, 1 Cow 11 years old, 1 Cow 7 years old, 1 Cow 5 years old, 2 two-year-old Heifers, 2 yearlings, 3 Eiders, 1 Sow & 10 Pigs, 6 Shoats about 9 months old, 2 Shoats same age very sorry, 1 old Goat, 1 old canoe, 1 old tenie, 1 cart, 2 plows and tackle, 1 flax break, 2 broad hoes and 1 grubing hoe, 3 old axes, 2 iron loedgers, 1 grind home, 1 hand mite, 18 7ds brown poles, Carpenter's tools, 1 spade 5/shoemakers tools 3/, 65 lbs. old iron at 1 of, 222 lbs. bacon O, 20 dried beef, 17 pork, 22 hogs lard, 9/2 barrels indian corn, 1 bushel wheat, 2 beds, 4 furniture, 1 old bed tick & barrel of old bed clothes, 12 lbs wool, 31 lbs. undressed leather, 21 old T[unreadable], 1 lb. yarn, 1 lb. and 14 ounces of flour, 2 old kachles, 1 pair old sheep sheers, 1 pair small stiliyards, 1 old cotton drum line, 1 small looking glass, 1 case with 12/2 gallon bottles, 1 gun, 2 old woollen wheels, 3 old linen wheels, 1 old saddle and 3 old briddles, 1 curry comb, 12 old sticklers, a parcel of old books, 12 dozen old knives and forks, 1 raw hide, 1 powder horn with a small quantity of powder and shot, 1 lb. Bohea tea, 1 whip saw file, 1 mule & compass, 1 glass pocket bottle & tobacco box, 1 whip saw, 1 whip saw very much worn, 1 cross cut saw, 2 old trunks, 1 iron [unreadable], 15 lbs. brown sugar, 6 bushels salt, Gold cheers, 6 cider barrels, 5 tubs, 1 box iron & heators, 1 diaper towel, 2 diaper covers, 2 linen table covers, 1 bolster & 3 pillows, 1 tin tanhorn, collander, funnel & pepper box, 1 old copper tea kettle, 1 spice morter, 1 iron candlestick, 1 [unreadable], Fire tongs & shovel, A parcel of old wooden wares, 1 old frying pan, 111 lbs pot metal at 3 1/2 cents, 2 pair pothooks, 1 horn, shaving book & 3 old razors, 1/2 dozen stone tea cups, saucers & slop bowl, 1/2 dozen stone coffee cups, 3 stone tea pots, 2 stone cream pots, 3 small stone bowls, 1 stone butter boat, 1 stone mustard pot & salt, 2 drinking & dram cups, 2 vinegar cruets, 4 Delft platters, 1 stone pot, 1 china bowl, 1 stone mug, 1 small stone mug, a barrel of Flax unbroke, 503 lbs. of tobacco, 1 1/2 twine, his wearing apparel, 7 yards Irish Linen, 40.10.11 Cash, 11 3/4 lead, 1 small southern cot, 1 bushel flax seed.

T. Sherwood, Henry Banning, appraisers, Thomas Harrington, Philip Weathrall, creditors, Edmond Blades & Dorothy Blades, two nearest of kin.

Talbot County Sct., 25th May 1773
Then came Elizabeth and John Blades, administratrix and administrator of John Blades, late of Talbot County, deceased, and made oath severally on the Holy Evangel that the aforegoing is a [unreadable], true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods and chattels of the said deceased that have come to their hands or [unreadable] at the time of the making of therein said, that what hath since or shall hereafter come to their hands or apprehension they will return in an additional inventory. That they know of no concealment of any part or parcel of the deceased's personal estate by any person or persons whatsoever and that if they shall hereafter discover any concealment or suspect any to be, they will acquaint the constable general for the time being or his deputy with such discovery or cause of suspicion, that it may be enquired into and that they do well and truly give an account of all and every part and parcel of the deceased's personal estate that shall hereafter come to their [unreadable] apprehension or knowledge.
Certified by John Bracco, Deputy Commissioner, Exam. of Talbot County

Note: On account of Mr. Bracco's appalling handwriting and the many unfamiliar words, I don't guarantee the complete accuracy of this transcription. Each of the items in the inventory was valued, but for the sake of compactness I have omitted these values. The total value of the estate was 142 pounds sterling 16 shillings and 6 pence.

The 2nd Prerogative Court Inventory of John Blades, 1773

Inventory 115 page 57 Roll 41, 30 Oct 1773
A list of the balances due to John Blades, late of Talbot County in the province of Maryland, and deceased.

To James Howles	3.10
To Henry Spencer	7.3 -
To James Would	0.11
To James Aukcraft	5.- -
To Thomas Godvon	4.- -
To Edmund Blades	2.2.9
To Richard Wales	1.9.4
To Joseph Harrington	10.3. -
	15.10.28
Didust 4/5th [unreadable] Maryland	3.2.01
	12.8.2

Talbot County [unreadable], October 30, 1773
Then came Elizabeth Blades & John Blades administrators of John Blades, late of Talbot County deceased and dead, and made oath on the holy Evangels that the aforegoing is true and perfect [unreadable] of [unreadable] that have come to their hand or [unreadable] at the time of the making thereof and that they give an account of all [unreadable name] to the [unreadable] that they therefore come to [unreadable] or knowledge.
Compiled by John Bracco, Deputy Commissioner, Exam. of Talbot County

The will of Thomas Blades of E., 1903

Talbot Co., MD, Register of Wills, CRW 16 pg 146-148, 27 Aug 1890
I, Thomas Blades of E. of St. Michaels, Talbot County, in the State of Maryland, do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making null and void, all other wills and testaments by me heretofor made. My will is that all my just debts and funeral charges shall by executors hereinafter named be paid out of my estate as soon after my decease as shall be found by them convenient.

I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved wife, Susan E. Blades, one-half interest in and to my dwelling house, store room and other buildings situated on the lot on the north east corner of Talbot and Cherry Streets in the town of St. Michaels, together with one-half of my household furnishings during her natural life, and from and after her decease, the same to be divided equally between my children then surviving.

I give and bequeath to my daughter, Elizabeth Frances, one-half interest in and to my dwelling house, store room and other buildings situated on the lot on the north east corner of Talbot and Cherry Streets in the town of St. Michaels, together with one-half of my household furnishings during her natural life, and from and after her decease, the same to be divided equally between my children then surviving.

The dwelling house on Talbot Street adjoining Ellen J. Harrison's property on the north, my son Thomas H. H. Blades to have the option at the price of eight hundred dollars. The dwelling house between the butcher shop and the dwelling offered to my daughter Mary L. Marshall to have the option for the price of seven hundred dollars.

I do hereby authorize and empower my executors hereinafter named and appointed, within twelve months after my decease to sell and convey in fee simple for such price as they deem proper all the real estate that I may be disposed of, except the property on the north east corner of Talbot and Cherry Streets conveyed by this my last will to my wife and daughter Elizabeth F., for life.

All the [rest?] and residue of my estate, real, personal and mixed, of which I shall die seized and possessed, or to which I shall be entitled at the time of my deceased, I give, devise and bequeath to be equally divided to and among my wife, children and grandchildren as follows:
To my wife Susan E. Blades, one share, being one seventh of the whole.
To my daughter, Elizabeth F. Blades, one share, being one seventh of the whole.
To my daughter, Amelia A. Kirby, one share, being one seventh of the whole.
To my daughter, Mary L. Marshall, one share, being one seventh of the whole.
To my son, Thomas H.H. Blades, one share, being one seventh of the whole.
To the children of my deceased son William H. Blades, viz. Samuel N., Laura A. and Ella J., I give jointly one share, being one seventh of the whole, to be divided equally among them, share and share alike.
To Curtis Blades Sewell, son of my deceased daughter Fatima Sewell, one share, being one seventh of the whole.

Seventy-five dollars per annum for board to be deducted from the share of Curtis Blades Sewell accounting from the date of death of his father, William E. Sewell, and if the said Curtis Blades Sewell should die before he attains to the age of twenty-one years, the share that he would have received had he attained his majority - shall be equally divided among the surviving children.

Lastly, I do nominate and appoint my son Thomas H.H. Blades and my daughter Elizabeth Frances Blades to be the executors of my last will and testament. Witness my hand and seal, August 27, 1890
Thomas Blades of E., his (x) mark and (seal)

The above instrument consisting of one sheet of paper was now here subscribed by Thomas Blades of E. , the testator, in the presence of each of us, and was at the same time declared by him to be his last will and testament, and we, at his request, signed our names hereunto as attesting witnesses.
W. Reese Young, St. Michaels, Jas. E. Harrison, St. Michaels, Jno. W. Dean, St. Michaels

Talbot County Sct., 3rd day of July A.D. 1903
Then came Thomas H.H. Blades and Elizabeth Frances Blades, the executors named in the aforegoing will and made oath in the presence of Almighty God that they do not know of any will or codicil to a will of the said Thomas Blades of E., late of the County, aforesaid deceased, other than the aforegoing instrument of writing and that they found the same among the paper of the said deceased, after his death.
Chas. R. Woohrs, Registrar of Wills for Talbot County

Talbot County Sct., 3rd day of July A.D. 1903 Then came W. Reese Young and James E. Harrison, the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will and testament of Thomas Blades of E., late of the county, aforesaid deceased, and severally made oath in the presence of Almighty God that they did see the testator therein named . . . [photocopy ends here].

The will of Susan Kirby Blades, 1916

Talbot County Register of Wills, CRW 19 pgs 153-154, 15 Jan 1916
I, Susan E. Blades, of Talbot County in the State of Maryland, being of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner and form as follows, that is to say: After the payment of all my just debts and funeral expenses, I give, devise and bequeath my estate as follows: I give, devise and bequeath all my property real, personal and mixed, to Elizabeth F. Blades, daughter of my deceased husband, and Curtis B. Sewell, grandson of my deceased husband, to be divided between them, share and share alike. I constitute and appoint Curtis B. Sewell to be the executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other wills and codicils by me heretofore made.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this 15th day of January in the year nineteen hundred and sixteen.
Susan E. Blades her (x) mark and (seal)
Witness to the mark of Susan E. Blades: Harold Hambleton

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named testatrix as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us, who, at her request, in her presence, and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses.
J. Norman Marshall, O. Harper Benson

Talbot County Sct., 25th day of February A.D. 1916
Then came Curtis B. Sewell, the executor named in the aforegoing will, and made oath in the presence of Almighty God that he does not know of any Will or Codicil to the will of the said Susan E. Blades, except a former will which this supersedes, late of the county, aforesaid, deceased, other than the aforegoing instrument of writing and that he received it from Mr. O. Harper Benson is whose custody it has been since it was executed by the testatrix.
Sworn before Ernest H. Burns, Registrar of Wills

Talbot County Sct., 25th day of February A.D. 1916
Then came J. Norman Marshall and O Harper Benson, the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will and testament of Susan E. Blades, late of the county, aforesaid, deceased, and severally made oath in the presence of Almighty God that they did see the testatrix therein named sign and seal the said will, that they have heard her publish, pronounce and declare the same to be her last will and testament, and that at the time of her so doing she was to the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, and that they together the subscribing witnesses, respectively subscribed their names as witnesses to the said will and in the presence and at the request of the said testatrix and in the presence of each other.
Sworn before Ernest H. Burns, Registrar of Wills

The Will of William Marshall, 1687-1740

Talbot Co. Wills 22 pages 199-201 SR 4416
In the name of God, Amen. In the twenty ninth day of March in one thousand seven hundred and forty, I, William Marshall of Talbot County, Planter, being weak and low in body but of sound and perfect memory and God willing, this is my last will and testament in manner & form following that is [established] today. First, I commend my soul to Almighty God my creator as assuredly believing that I shall receive full pardon & full remission for all my sins and be saved by the Precious Death & Merits of my Beloved Savior and Redeemer Christ Jesus. And my body to the Earth from whence it was taken to be buried in a Christian manner as my Executor heretofore mentioned shall think proper. Or as touching any estate the same shall be employed & bestowed as hereafter by this my last will & testament is or shall be [unreadable] and first I do revoke, renounce, frustrate & make void all wills by me formerly made and declared and appoint this to be my last will & testament.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Daniel Marshall my dwelling plantation I now dwell on.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Joseph Marshall my plantation at the bonded hickory being part of Kingsaile and to their sons lawfully begotten forever to be equally divided between them.
Item: I give and bequeath to my son Solomon Marshall a young mare called Spring. And [unreadable] Joseph & Daniel pay to my son Solomon five hundred pounds of tobacco each of them when he comes to the age of eighteen years. My [unreadable] is that my Personal Estate after my wife's third is taken out, be equally divided between my sons Joseph, Daniel and Solomon and my grandchild Mary Moody. And I do hereby nominate and constitute and appoint my beloved wife Elizabeth Marshall to be my whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament to be performed and executed in witnesses and confirmation whereof I have thereunto set my hand and feet my soul this day and your above written.

William {his mark} Marshall {seal}

Signed, sealed & delivered in the presence of us:
Thomas Stevens, William W. Pinnemor [Pennymore], Barnabe B. Stapleford

On the back of the forgoing will is this written [unreadable] Talbot County for Thomas Stevens, being one of the people called Quakers and one of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing will made his solemnly affirmation and declared that he saw the testator William Marshall sign and seal this said will and heard him publish and declare the same to be his last will and testament in the sight and presence of William Pennymore one of the other subscribing witnesses to the said will. That at the time of his so doing, he was to the best of his apprehension of this affirmant of sound and disposing mind & memory and that he, this affirmant, and the said William Pennymore did subscribe their names respectively to the said will in the presence of the said testator and at his request and Barnaby Stapleford join the other subscribing witnesses to this will made oath upon the holy Evangels of Almighty God that he [said or saw] this testator William Marshall sign and seal this said will and heard him publish and declare the same to be his last will and testament in the sight, presence and hearing of William Pennymore his other subscribing witnesses to the said will that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of the apprehension of this Deponent of sound and disposing mind & memory and that he this Deponent and the said William Pennymore did subscribe their names respectively to the void will in the presence of the said testator and at his request this thirteenth day of May in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred forty before [unreadable] subscriber.

J.L. Bullon, Deputy Comry. of Talbot County

The Will of Boon Chance, ca 1712-1771

Queen Anne's Co., MD Register of Wills, Vol. 8 pp. 587
In the name of God, Amen. I, Boon Chance, of Queen Anne's County, being very sick and weak, but of perfect sense and memory, recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body to the ground to be decently buried by the discretion of my executrix.

Item. I give to my son, Joseph Chance, Nine pound Dollars at seven & sixpence and no more.
Item, I give to my son, Peter Chance, Nine pound Dollars at seven & sixpence and no more.
Item. I give to my daughter, Mary Chance, Nine pound Dollars at seven & sixpence and no more.
Item. I give to my son, Henry Chance, Nine pound Dollars at seven & sixpence and no more.
Item. I give to my daughter, Sarah Chance, Nine pound Dollars at seven & sixpence and no more.
Item. I give to my daughter, Elizabeth Chance, Nine pound Dollars at seven & sixpence and no more.
Item. I give to my daughter, Rebecca Chance, Nine pound Dollars at seven & sixpence and no more.
Item. I give to my daughter, Eleanor Young, Nine pound Dollars at seven & sixpence and no more.
Item. I give to my son, Joshua Chance, a piece of land called "Stony Hill", to him and his heirs forever, and no more of my estate.
Item. I give to my son, Richard Chance, one shilling sterling and no more.
Item. I leave to my wife, Rachel Chance, all the remains of my estate after my just debts is paid and likewise have her Executrix of this my last will and testament, as witness my hand and seal this 27th day of February 1771.

Boon Chance {seal}
Testes: William Parratt, Joseph Talbot

Queen Anne's County Sst. the 19th December 1771. WIlliam Parratt and Joseph Talbot, the subscribing witnesses to this written will (being of the people called Quakers) to sincerely and solemnly declare and affirm that they saw the Testator, Boon Chance, sign the same will and heard him publish and declare it to be his last will and testament. That at the time of his doing so he was to the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind and memory, and that they did subscribe their names as witnesses to the same within the presence of the said Testator at his request, which same dispositions were taken in the presence of Richard Chance, Heir at Law to the said Testator which same Richard did not object to the probate of said will.
Sworn before, Th. Wright, Deputy Commissioner

The Will of Richard Chance, 1680-1747

Queen Anne's Co., MD Register of Wills Vol. 25, pg 255-257
In the name of God, Amen. I, Richard Chance of Queen Anne's County in the province of Maryland, being in good health of body and of perfect mind and memory, praised be to Almighty God for it, but calling to mind the uncertainty of this life and knowing that it is appointed once for all men to die and after death to judgement, do hereby make this my last will and testament, first bequeathing my soul to Almighty God that gave it, hoping for a happy and glorious resurrection through the merits of my blessed redeemer, Jesus Christ, since as for what worldly substance it hath pleased God to bestow upon me, I give and bequeath as follows, viz., first my will is that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently may be after my decease. Then: --

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son, Richard Chance, all that tract or parcel of land called "Harper's Lot", lying in Dorchester County, containing fifty acres, to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotton forever, and also one shilling sterling, it being in full of his [w]hole estate, giving him and designed to be given him by me of my estate, real or personal.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son, John Chance, the uppermost part of a tract of land called "Little Worth" and beginning at the end of the second line of "Little Worth" and running with a straight line to the beginning of the house line of a tract of land called "Little Worth Addition", that line to divide between him and his brother Boone. The land given to John Chance I give to him and the lawful heirs of his body lawfully begotton forever, and likewise, one shilling sterling, in full of his portion, real and personal.

Item. I give and bequeath to my sons, Elijah Chance and Batcheldor Chance, all that tract of land called "Bare Point", Elijah to have his one-half where he now lives on, and Batcheldor the end he now lives on, and so with a line across the said tract of land to divide it equally between them, and the heirs of their bodies lawfully begotton forever, and also to each of them, Elijah and Batcheldor, one shilling sterling in full of their portions, real and personal.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son, Boone Chance, all the remainder part of that tract of land called "Littleworth" and "Littleworth's Addition" with the improvements thereon, and likewise the land bought by me of Benjamin Boon, all to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotton forever, and also one shilling sterling, in full of his portion, real and personal.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife, Eleanor Chance, the plantation where I now dwell and all the land adjoining to it as far as the land extends as I gave to my son Boone, it being the same land I give her and all I give to my wife, and all my personal estate during her widowhood, but if she should marry, then my son Boon directly enter on the plantation before giving her as aforesaid given to him. Further, my will is that at the end of my wife's widowhood, I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Rachel Swift and to my grandson, Thomas Whittington, and my granddaughter, Elinor Jordan, all my personal estate to be divided equally among them according to quantity and quality all to be surrendered at the end of my wife's widowhood to them.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son, William Chance, one shilling sterling in full of his portion and be to him no more of my estate.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son, Warner Chance, one shilling sterling in full of his portion and be to him no more of my estate.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Elizabeth Bartlett, one shilling sterling in full of her portion and be to her no more of my estate.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Ruth Jordan, one shilling sterling in full of her portion and be to her no more of my estate.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Juliana Pearson, one shilling sterling in full of her portion and be to her no more of my estate.

Item. My will is that if my daughter, Ruth Jordan, should live to be a widow, that my five sons as I have left land to, to wit, Richard, John, Elijah, Batcheldor and Boone, shall all and each of them pay unto her, the said Ruth, during her widowhood three hundred pounds of tobacco every year apiece. My will is and hereby nominate and appoint my well beloved wife, Eleanor, my whole and sole executrix, of this my last will and testament, revoking and disannulling all former wills by me made, ratifying and confirming this to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 19th day of April one thousand seventeen hundred and forty-six.
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us: Richard Chance {seal}
[witnesses] Peter Rich, Susannah Rich, Sidney Rich

On the back of the foregoing will was thus written that Queen Anne's County Court, the 24th March 1747, Peter Rich, Susannah Rich and Sidney Rich, the ascribing witnesses to the aforegoing will, being duly and solemnly sworn on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God, do espouse and say that they saw the testator, Richard Chance, sign the same will and heard him publish and declare it to be his last will and testament. That at the same time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind and memory, and that they did subscribe their respective names as witnesses to the said will in the presence of the said testator, and at his request.
Sworn before me, William Tilghman, Deputy Commissioner of Queen Anne's County

William Chance, heir at law to the testator was not present when this will was proved, but signified to me by letter that he had no objections to make against taking the probate of it.

The Will of Joseph Marshall, ca 1750-1824

Talbot Co., MD Register of Wills JP #8, pg 260-264
In the name of God, Amen. I, Joseph Marshall of Talbot County in the State of Maryland, being of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, being aware of the uncertainty of life, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner and form following, to wit:

I give, devise and bequeath to my son, Nicholas Marshall, my farm on which I live, except such portion there as shall hereinafter be reserved, to have and to hold, the same to him and his heirs forever. Also I give and devise to my said son, Nicholas, one half my stock, the whole of the farming utensils, the crops both growing and saved of corn, wheat, tobacco and provender, and all and singular other the products of my farm which may be there on at the time of my death, together with my bacon, pork, beef, lard and other family stores. Also I give and devise to my said son my cider mill and still, with all debts that may be due me at the time, either on bond, note or open account and do hereby charge my said son Nicholas with the legacies or bequests hereinafter mentioned to be paid by him, or in the event of his death, by his heirs, or the person or persons holding and possessing that portion of my farm above devised and bequeathed to my said son.

Item 2nd. To my son, Denton Marshall, although equally dear in my affections, I leave but an equal portion of my wearing apparel, household furniture, other undivided property with my other children as hereinafter directed in a subsequent item of my will, having made provision for my said son during my life.

Item 3rd. I give, devise and bequeath to my son, Nicholas Marshall, that portion of my farm which I included within the following lines, courses of distances, to wit: beginning at Cedar post standing on the creek side, on the southwest side of my farm on Broad Creek and running thence in a straight line in a northeasterdly direction to and by a stone lying at the root of a gum tree, being the corner boundry of a tract of land called "Godwin's Land", and thence running and continuing in the same straight line until it intersects the divisional line between my farm and one formerly owned by my brother, Meredith Marshall, deceased, and now occupied by or cultivated by Charles Marshall and Thomas Cockey, thence running by and with said divisional line in a southeasterdly direction to the shore of Broad Creek, thence by and with said shore to the place of beginning, to have and to hold said piece or parcel of land so included within said lines in trust for the sole use and benefit of my son, Jeremiah Marshall, and at the death of my said son Jeremiah Marshall, to be conveyed in a fee simple to his children's children equally to be divided amongst them, free and quit of all use, trust or incumbrances whatever, but in the event of my son Jeremiah's dying without issue thereof, in that case to be and remain to my said son, Nicholas, and his heirs forever, free and discharged from all use, trust or incumbrances whatever.

Item 4th. I give and devise to my daughter, Maza, the sum of one hundred and eighty dollars to be paid to my said daughter at the death of her husband, Mark Sewell, by my son, Nicholas Marshall, or his heirs, or the person or persons possessing that portion of my farm devised to my son Nicholas in fee simple, to and for his own proper use and benefit with interest thereon from and after my death to be paid annually with such part or portion of the said legacy or bequest of one hundred and eighty dollars as my said son Nicholas may think necessary and proper for her support and comfort, but neither the interest nor the principal of the legacy or bequest, nor any part thereof to be at any time demandable by or subject to the control of her said husband or his creditors.

Item 5th. I give and devise to Eleanor Marshall, the widow of my deceased son, Richard Marshall, the sum of one hundred and eighty dollars, to be paid to my said daughter-in-law by my son Nicholas or his heirs, or the person or persons possessing that portion of my farm devised to my son Nicholas in fee simple, to and for his own proper use and benefit with interest thereon from and after my death, together with such other and further sum out of said legacy as may be necessary for her comfort and support.

Item 6th. It is further my will and desire that after my just debts and funeral charges shall have been paid, all and singular my household and kitchen furniture, wearing apparel and one half of my stocks not devised, together with all and singular other of my properties not devised shall be equally divided amongst my children, Nicholas Marshall, Denton Marshall, Jeremiah Marshall and Maza Marshall and my daughter-in-law Eleanor Marshall, except that my son, Nicholas, is to receive no part of the one half of my stock to be thus divided.

And now unto the hands of my heavenly father, I commit both my soul and body, praying Him mercifully to look upon my infirmity, to forgive my sins and to receive me into glory for the sake of Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord and Savior.

Signed, sealed and delivered this 26th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four.
Joseph Marshall (his x mark) and {seal}

Signed, sealed, published, and declared by Joseph Marshall, the above named testator to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in that each of us have hereunto set and subscribed our names as witnesses thereunto:
George Shanahan, Richard Spencer, James Townsend

Talbot County Sst., 19th day of Oct 1824
Then Nicholas Marshall, who brought the [annexed?] will to be proved, made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that the [annexed?] and foregoing instrument of writing is the true and whole will and testament of Joseph Marshall, late of the aforesaid, deceased, that hath come to his hand or possession and that he doth not know of any other.
Certified by J. Price, Registrar of Wills for Talbot County

Talbot County Sst, 19th day of Oct 1824
Then came Richard Spencer and James Townsend, two of the subscribing witnesses to the [annexed?] last will and testament of Joseph Marshall, late of the county aforesaid, deceased, and severally made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that they did see the testator therein named to make his mark to and seal said will, and that they heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament. That at the same time of his so doing, he was to the best of their apprehension, of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, and that they, together with George Shanahan, the other subscribing withness, respectively their names as witnesses to the said [annexed?] will in the presence and at the request of the said testator, and in the presence of each other.
Certified by J. Price, Registrar of Wills for Talbot County