Will of Joseph Pearce Sr 1829

Last Will & Testament of Joseph Pearce, Sr. (son of William Pearce) of Baltimore County, Dated 26 January 1829, proved 28 January 1835

In the name of God, Amen! I, Joseph Pearce of Baltimore County and State of Maryland being infirm in body but of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in order and manner following. After payment of all temporal debts and charges Imprimis

I will and bequeath to my daughter Rachel Pearce one coloured girl named Sophia to serve until she is thirty years old and then she is to have and enjoy her freedom and if she has any children they are to be free at the same age. I also do will that she nor her children shall never be sold, said girl was born the 8th day of July one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven. Also one feather bed and furniture, one Cow and twenty dollars to be paid by my executor hereafter named if my said daughter should marry but while she remains single she is to enjoy the same privileges with her mother and brother at the place they live at, as she now has.

Then I will and bequeath to my son Luke Wyle Pearce one coloured man named Samuel a slave for his life, And one black woman named Lucy a slave for her life but her children that she may hereafter have I do will that they shall serve until they are thirty years old and then to have and enjoy their freedom. I also will that thease children shall never be sold; and I also give to my son Luke Wyle Pearce two coloured twin boys named Nelson and Jarratt to serve until they are thirty years old then to have and enjoy their freedom. And I also do will that thease boys shall never be sold said boys was born the 11th day of July one thousand eight hundred and twenty four. I also give and bequeath to my son Luke Wyle Pearce one lot of land in fee simple lying in Harford County State of Maryland part of my lady's Manor containing sixty two and one half acres known by the name of lot No. forty six, and I give and bequeath to my son Luke Wyle Pearce all my Stock of Cows, horses, hogs and grain of every kind I have at my death together with all my household and kitchin furniture and farming utensils and every thing that is mine at my death.

The above described land and negroes And the other personal propertyI do will that my wife Comfort Rebecker Pearce shall hold for her support during her natural life, together with my son Luke Wyle Pearce but she shall have no power to sell or dispose of the above named property in any manner whatever without the consent of my son Luke Wyle Pearce.

Then I give and bequeath to my son John A. Pearce what he has already had and one dollar and no more. I then give and bequeath to the heirs of my son William Crawford Pearce all they and their father has had and one dollar each, and no more.

Then I give and bequeath to my son Joseph Pearce Junior al that he has already had and one dollar and no more.

Then I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Pearce who intermarried with John Sheppard the first child that the before named Lucy may hereafter have to be took away when it is weaned. And what she has already and one dollar and no more.

Then I give and bequeath to my son Greenbury W. Pearce all that he has already had and one dollar and no more.

Lastly I do make constitute and appoint my son Luke Wyle Pearce Executor of this my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 26th day of January 1829.

Joseph (his mark) Pearce {seal}

Signed sealed published and pronounced by the said Joseph Pearce as his last will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
Philip Pearce
William Pearce
Joseph Blottenberger

Baltimore County, On the 28th day of January 1835, came Philip Pearce, William Pearce and Joseph Blottenberger the three subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last Will and Testament of Joseph Pearce late of said County deceased and made Oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God 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 apprehensions of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding and that they subscribed their names as witnesses to this Will in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other. Sworn to in open Court:
Test: D.M. Perine, Register of Wills for Baltimore County

Contributed by Bill Pearce
Source: Baltimore County Wills (MSA: C435; liber 15, p. 246-247)