Robert Middleton Estate Bonds

The Middleton family has played a prominent role in the history of Maryland for more than 300 years. Recognizing that, we offer this document as an example of the type of documents that have survived and can aid genealogical researchers in their quest for information.

Robert Middleton (1651 - 1708) is believed by some researchers to be the oldest known ancestor of the Middletons who migrated westward through Maryland and beyond.

Know all men by their presence that I, one Mary Middleton and I, John Middleton and Thomas Middleton are held and firmly bound unto our Sovereign Lady Queen Anne & in the fair and just Sum of one hundred and fifty pounds Sterling Money to be paid to Her Majesty, Her Heirs and Successors. As the which payment well and truly to be made and done we bind our Selves & either of us, our and either of our Heirs Executors and Administrators in the whole and for the whole joyntly and severally firmly by these presents, Sealed with our Seals and dated the 6th day of May in the Seventh Years of Her Majesty's Reign Anno Domo 1708.

The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound on Mary Middleton and John Middleton ----- Administrators of all and singular the Goods Chatels and credit of Robert Middleton --------- late of Prince Geo. County deceased do make or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the Goods, Chattels and Credits of the said deceased (appraised in money) and the same so made do exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the Office for Probate of Wills & c, at or before the fourth day of August now next ensuing, and the said goods, chattels and credits do well and truly administer viz, do pay the debts of the said deceased which he did owe at the time of his decease, so far forth as the said goods chattels and credits will extend to and the Law will charge, and further do make or cause to be made a true and just account of and upon their said administration within twelve Months from the day of their admittance to such (next several words illegible) said goods as shall be found remaining upon the said account examined and adjusted by the judge appointed for the time being for Probate of wills 5c. distribute and dispose as by the said judge shall be limitted and appointed. And Lastly, do at all add every time or times hereafter clearly acquire discharge and save harmless Her said Majesty, Her Judges and all other Her Officers and Ministers from all persons having or pretending to have any Right, Title or interest in and to the said Goods, Chattles and Creditors that then this present obligation to be void and of no effect otherwise --- found remain and be in full Force, Power and Vertue in Law.

Signed Seal'd and deliver'd in the presence of us

Seton Willoh
Mary Middleton
Wm Middleton
John Middleton
the mark of
Thomas T Middleton

Contributed by Linda Harden Pirrone