Will of James Crawford Sr 1755

Last Will and Testament of James Crawford, Sr. of Baltimore Co., Dated 16 April 1755, Probated 3 March 1756

I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Sarah Crawford my dwelling plantation called "Double Purchase" containing by patent fifty acres during her natural life. I likewise give and bequeath unto my said wife Sarah all my personal estate of what nature or kind so ever except such as shall be hereafter willed and bequeathed to her and her heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my son James my said dwelling plantation and a negro boy called Sam after the death of my wife Sarah to him, the said James, his heirs and assigns forever. And in default of issue of him, the said James, to fall to my son Josias and in default of issue of him and the said Josias to fall to my son Mordecai, his heirs and assigns forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my said son Josias, a negro girl called Dorcas, after the death of my wife, Sarah, to him, his heirs and assigns forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Rachel, a negro girl called Jane, after the death of my said wife, Sarah, to her, her heirs and assigns forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto the rest of my children, Viz: John, Elias, Jennett, Mordecai, Ruth, Sarah, Hannah, and Rebecca, What I have already given them and one shilling sterling and no more.

And Lastly, I do hereby make, ordain, constitute and appoint my said dear wife, Sarah whole and sole executor, disannulling all former and other wills by me heretofore made intestimony whereof, I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal this sixteenth day of April, Seventeen Hundred and Fifty Five.

Signed with his Mark

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Contributed by LouAnn Corrigan
Source: Baltimore County, MD Will Book 2, pp 107-108

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