Will of William Watkins 1753

Last Will and Testament of WILLIAM WATKINS of Baltimore county, Dated 6 August 1753, Proved 10 June 1754

In the Name of God, Amen. The Twenty sixth day of August One Thousand Seven Hundred and fifty three, I, William Watkins of Baltimore County, Planter, being Sick in Body but of Sound and Perfect Memory: Thank to Almighty God for itt, and considering the Morality of this Uncertain life and being willing to Settle my affairs I make this my last Will and Testament and by these Presents do disannul all other Willa and Testaments of whatsoever form to be void. First, I commit my Soul into the hands of Almighty God and my Body to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like manner at the Discretion of my Executrix as she shall think fitt.

Imprimis. I give and bequeath unto my loving Wife Ann Watkins my Plantation whereon I now live on my Ladys Manner together with all Improvements, Tobacco, Corn, Cattle Horses, Hoggs, or any other Stock or Goods whatsoever together with all my Household Goods whatsoever and Lastly I do hereby make my beloved Wife my Whole and Sole Executrix of the my last Will and Testament and after my debts are paid to Enjoy the said Estate Peaceably and Quietly without manner of ___________ or ___________whatsoever.

I give and bequeath to my brother Samuel Watkins, John Watkins, and my sister Mary Watkins and Martha Standefor and Solomon one Shilling Sterling and no more to them, their heirs or assigns forever.

In Witness whereof I have Sett my hand and affixed my Seale the Day and year above written. (Note that the above Martha Standefor and Solomon Watkins wer Interlined before the Signing of the said Will)

William his X mark Watkins (Seal)

Signed Sealed and delivered In Presents of us
Richard Boddington
William Slade
James his X mark Pocock

June 10th 1754. James Pocock and Richard Boddington made both on the holy Evangelist of Almighty God that they and each of them Saw the Testator William Watkins, Sign the within Will and heard him publish and declare that 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 and Disposing mind and Memory and that they Subscribed their Respective names as Witnesses to the said Will, as also they Saw the other Witness William Slade, sign his name as an Evidence to the said Will in the presence of the Testator and at his Request. Sworn before William Young, dep Commissary, Baltimore County. The 12th day of June, William Slade came and proved this Will also before William Young,
deputy Commissary, Baltimore County.

Contributed by Joy Jinkerson