Will of James Rouse 1788

Will of James ROUSE of Baltimore County, dated 21 Jan 1788

In the name of God Aman James Rouse of Baltimore County and the State of Maryland being in parfict mamory and understanding do on this 21st day of Jan. 1788 make and ordain this my last will and testament that is Principaly and first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the Almighty God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian Burial at the descretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the Same again by the Almighty power of God and as Touching Such Wordly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me with in this life I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner:

ITEM I I give and bequeath to my loving wife Margaret Rouse my dwelling with all improvements thereon during her widowhood

ITEM and after her decease or change of Life the Lott with all the Improvements thereon to be presented to Benjamin Rouse NB said Lott Containing 40 feet front on Bond St 200 feet to Apple Alley

ITEM I give and bequeath unto my son John Rouse a Lott bought of John Bonfield ITEM I give and bequeath unto James Ruse (sic) the Lott ajoining(sic) the aforesaid Lott bought of Issac Sutten

ITEM I give and bequeath undo my daughter Elizabeth Ruse one Lott of ground ajoining Benjamin Rouse Bond St and Apple Alley

ITEM the two Schuners to remane for the year of the whole family and I do hereby appoint Benjamin Adair and my wife Saintly Excutors of this last will and Tesyament on witness my hand and seal the day and date above written.

(his X mark)
Jas. Ruse

Signed and Sealed and published and declared by the within named Testatrix to be his last will and Testament in the presence of us who subscribed our names in the presence of the said Testatrix

Adam Clackner
Benjamin Adear (sic)
Peter Shellingburg

Contributed by Bettiann Young
Source: Hall of Records, (Maryland State Archives) 350 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21401
Baltimore County Wills: Folio 301, Book 4, 1788