Will of Thomas Bailey 1771

Last Will and Testament of Thomas Bailey of Baltimore county, Dated 13 Mar 1771, Proved 16 Dec 1771

In the name of God, Amen, the thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-one, I, Thomas Baley of Baltimore County, Planter, being weak in body, but of a perfect mind and memory, thanks be given unto God, therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die to make and ordain this my last and Testament (Note: The word "will" is not in the document, apparently a mistake), that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of the Executor, nothing doubting but that at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of and astonishing and worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in the life. I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner:

First, I give and bequeath to my son, Thomas Baley, the tract of land I now live on called Danby Hills, containing one hundred and seventy-five acres, and if my son, Thomas Baley, doth keep the said land in quiet and peaceable possession for the space of seven years after my decease, then I desire that he shall pay unto my son Groombright Baley the sum of Eighteen Pounds good & lawfull money, and likewise I will and desire my son Thomas shall have one of my best feather beds and furniture. The above land to my son Thomas Baley, his heirs and assigns forever.

Also I give and bequeath unto my son Groombright Baley all my wearing apparell and also one cow and calf, and two dishes and four plates and no more of my estate.

Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Ruth Fitch, one feather bed that not to be called the Children's bed, and the furniture belonging to it.

Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Mary Green, as a legacy Four Dollars and no more of my estate.

Also I give to my grandson, William Baley, one Gold Ring as a legacy.

Also I will and desire the residue of my estate may be equally divided between my son, Thomas Baley, and my daughter, Ruth Fitch, and my daughter, Catherine Hatton, and my daughter, Keziah Hatton. Lastly I constitute, nominate and appoint my son Thomas Baley my whole and sole executor of this my last will and testament by me made or ordained.

Signed sealed and declared by the said Thomas Baley as his last will and testament in the presence of us the subscribers:
William Bond;
Thomas Bond, son of Barnet;
Solomon Hughes

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Contributed by Derek Gilbert

Thomas Bailey was born c. 15 Dec 1693 in Anne Arundel Co., died before 16 Dec 1771, Baltimore Co.

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