Will of Anthony Johnson 1718

Will of Anthony Johnson, Dated 30 March 1718

In the Name of God Amen, I Anthony Johnson of Baltimore County being sick and weak in body, but of ? mind and memory ? so be God to make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in Manner and Form following.

1st I bequeath my Soul into the hand of almighty God my Saviour hoping and trusting the moritorious ? and passion of Jesus Christ my Only Saviou and ? free pardon and forgivings of all my sins and my body to be decently buried at the direction of my Executrix hereafter named.

2nd I give and bequeath unto my Sons Anthony Johnson and Benjamin Johnson and their heirs forever all the remaining part of a tracat of land called Johnson's Interest lying on the north side of Patapasco River containing by survey two hundred acres more or less to be by this ? equally divided and laid out fora them, the said, Anthony and Benjamin Johnson when the said Anthony shall arrive to the age of twenty one years. And if either or both of my said sons Anthony and Benjamin Johnson should happent o be without heirs then it is my will that the above mentioned land belonging to either or both my sons Anthony and Benjamin Johnson shall revert and full to my son Thomas Johnson and his heirs forever.

3rd I give and bequeath unto my sons William Johnson and John Johnson and their heirs for ever all my land on the South side of Patapsco River called Howard's Prize? containing two hundred and forty acres and one other tract of land containing fifteen acres the name of which I do not now remember-to be by this ? equally divided and laid out for them, said William and John Johnson when the said William Johnson shall arrive to be the age of twenty one years ? nevertheless and it is my will and desire that my beloved wife Catharine Johnson shall favorably and quietly without any interuption possess enjoy my ? Plantation, that without say the tract of sixteen acres and as many acres of Howard's range as will amount to her thirds of the land on the south side of Pataspco River will Liberty to ? ? and suit ? during her the said Catharine's natural life.

4th I give and bequeath unto my said loving wife Catharine Johnson one Mulatto Girl named Jenny during her natural life and at her , the said Catharine Johnsons d? ? and dispose of to any my children ? or f? and the said Catherine's discretion.

5th I give and bequeath unto my loving son Anthony Johnson and his heirs forever two cows and calves and two sows and piggs to be delivered him the said Anthony Johnson at the age twenty one years or when married.

6th I give and bequeath unto my son John Johnson and his heirs forever two cows and calves and two sows and piggs to be delivered him the said John Johnson at the age of twenty one years or when married.

8th I give and bequeath unto my son Benjamin Johnson and his heirs forever two cows and calves and two sows and piggs to be delivered him the said Benjamin Johnson at the age of twenty one years or when married.

9th I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Johnson and her heirs forever two cows and calves at the day of marriage.

10th I give and bequeath unto my daughter Catharine Johnson and her heirs forever two cows and calves at the day of marriage.

Lastly I give and bequeath all the remaining part of my Personal Estate after my just debuts and legattes are paid and discharged to my beloved wife Catharine Johnson and her heirs forever and I do hereby ordain nominate and appoint her the said Catharine to be whole and ? Executrix of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof ? ? hereunto ? my and Seal this 30th day of March Anno ? 1718.

Signed sealed published and ?
Robert Parker,
Elizabeth Parker(her mark) .

Maryland 1721

Contributed by Julie Bright
Note: Anthony's wife Catharine Johnson was nee Catharine Smith
Source: Maryland State Archives, Prerogative Court (Wills), Anthony Johnson, Dated 30 March 1718, Book 17 pp. 81-82, SR 4411