Will of Nathan Chapman 1807

The Last Will and Testament of Nathan CHAPMAN, Sr., Dated 19 May 1807, Proved 8 July 1807

In the Name of God Amen. I NATHAN CHAPMAN SENR. Of Baltimore County and State of Maryland, Farmer, being in perfect health and of sound mind memory and understanding but considering the uncertainty of this transitory life, I do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following to wit.

First of all I commend my soul to Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth to be decently entered at the discretion of my Executors.

Item, First of all I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife REBEKA CHAPMAN my manor plantation containing one hundred thirty two acres three quarters of Land. Also my negro boy BILL and negro HANNAH and negro DEBORAH and negro SILVA and the plantation utensils and stock as she may think proper for her own use as long as she lives and after her decease the whole of my Estate to be sold and equally divided amongst my surviving heirs here after mentioned as they can agree.

I will and divide to my Eleven Children, namely, JEMIMA HUTSON, ELIZABETH DETTOR, WILLIAM CHAPMAN, REBECKAH VAUGHAN , JAMES CHAPMAN, NATHAN CHAPMAN JUNR., JOBE CHAPMAN, HELLEN REISTER, MARY CHAPMAN, JOHN CHAPMAN and HANNAH CHAPMAN all my real and personal Estate after my wife decease and then to be equally divided amongst my surviving heirs to be enjoyed by them and their heirs forever.

And I hereby nominate and appoint my two sons NATHAN CHAPMAN, JUNR. and JOHN CHAPMAN Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former will or wills by me heretofore made.

In Witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 19th day of May in the year of our Lord - one thousand Eight hundred and seven.

Signed Sealed published and delivered by the above named NATHAN CHAPMAN, SENR. For his last will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the said Testator and in presence of each other.

NATHAN CHAPMAN, SENR. (LS)

Witnesses present
JOSEPH MATHER
JACOB WOOBRY (?)
RICHARD CLARK

Baltimore County
As on the 8th day of July 1807 came JOSEPH MATHER, JACOB WOOBRY (?) and RICHARD CLARK the three subscribing evidences to the aforegoing last Will and Testament of NATHAN CHAPMAN, SENR., deceased, and made oath etc., that they did see the Testator sign and seal this Will that they heard him publish pronounce 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 disposing mind memory and understanding that they subscribed their names as witnesses to this Will in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other.
Sworn before me Register of Wills for Balto. County
WM. BUCHANAN

Contributed by Elaine Randall English
Source: Baltimore County Register of Wills, Volume 8, pp. 198-199, CR 72, 243