Somerset County MDGenWeb John Gillis of Somerset County Will Written 20 Apr 1720, Liber EB 9, fol. 70

This will transcription has been provided by Iva Thompson. Many thanks, Iva!

In the name of God Amen, I John Gillis of Somersett Cty in Maryland being sick and weak in body butt of perfect mind and memorie & calling to mind the uncertainty of this transitory life do make & ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as followeth; First and principally I give and bequeath my soul to God who gave it; and for my body I recommend it to the earth to be buried in a Christian-like and decent manner at the discretion of my exrs nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such wordly Estate, where with it has pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give and bequeath and dispose of in manner and form following: imprimis - give and bequeath to my son John three hundred acres of land on Barron Creek called Maiden Lott wheron he lives to him and his heirs for ever

Item - I give and bequeath the two hundred acres of land called the Rich Ridges, between my sons Thomas and Ezekiel as they have taken their choices already to them and their heirs forever; I give and bequeath to my two sons Thomas and Ezekial two hundred acres of land at the head of Quanticoe one hundred called Gillis Adventur, the (other) Gillis Addition to be divided between them as they think fit to them and their heirs forever.

Item - I give and bequeath to my son Joseph five hundred and fifty acres of land wheron my Plantation stands in three tractes to him and his heirs forever, one halfe of the said land and houses and all other conveniences to my wife during her life.

Item - I give and bequeath to my two sons Thomas and Exekiel my cattle and hoggs at the Ridges to be equally divided between them and a small hut there to Ezekiel.

Item - I give and bequeath to my loving wife two horses called and known by the names of Projeck and Chestnutt alsoe two cows and calves one called Lady the other Good Luck

Item - I give to my daughter Rebecca a cow called Stately

Item - I give to my son Joseph a cow called Braslett

Item- I give to my daughter Betty a brown heifer two years old

Item - I give to my daughter Bridget a heifer two years old called Young Braslett

Item - I give to my loving wife the bed and furniture she lies on and the choice of my Potts at home also three sows and piggs

Item - I give my son Thomas who I design to have my ext. with my wife for his trouble in paying and receiving my Estate six pounds out of twelve he owes me and the other six to be pd into my Estate

Item - I give and bequeath to my wife and children after my just debts are paid the residue of my Estate to be equally divided among them my wife having her first choice

Item - Upon the Administration every one (to) have their part. Joseph and Bridget to remain my dwelling plantation with their Mother until she decease or Joseph come of age. I give to my son Ezekial, my son Joseph for two years he finding him cloths and giving him three month schooling; and afterwards such a consideration as Ezekiel shall see fit

Item - I give my daughter Bridget to the care of my daughter Sarah until she arrive at the age of Sixteen years. If her mother decease before that time.

Item - I make and ordain my loving wife Mary and my son Thomas exr of this my last will and testament revoking and disanulling all other wills by me heretofore made of intended, ratifying and confirming this to be my last will and testament and no other. In witness herof I have herunto set my hand and seale this 20thday of April Anno Do 1720.

John Gillis. His Mark

Witnesses:------Isaac Knott, William Roberts, Robert King

Monday, 10-Sep-2018 10:04:35 MDT