LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF MATTHEW COMPTON
March 19, 1744/45
March 19, 1744/45
In the name of God, Amen. Matthew Compton, Senior of Charles County, in the province of Maryland being in good health and memory blessed be God but considering the frailty of this life and that all flesh must yield when God by death calls, do make this my last will and testament.
In manner and form following publishing all other former wills by me made incomplete.
Item - I commit my soul to God that gave it to me for its future happiness through the merits of my Creator and merits of my Redeemer Jesus Christ my body after my decease.
I commit to the earth till resurrection to be burried as my Executor hereafter to be named shall think fit and for what wordly goods God hath been pleased to intrust me with, after just debts and funeral charges being paid, I dispose of the same as followeth:
Item - I give and bequeath to my son Samuel Compton all that part of my Estate he is possessed with in Virginia and also 2 shillings sterling in bar that he shall not claim any other part of my Estate.
Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Susanna Whitely 2 shilling sterling in bar that she shall not claim any other part of my Estate.
Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Eleanor Slye 2 shillings, sterling in bar that she shall not claim any other part of my Estate.
Item - I give and bequeath to my grandson Matthew Compton Parker 2 shillings, sterling in bar that he shall not claim any other part of my Estate.
All the rest of my Estate both reall and personal both houses, lands, goods and chattels, I give and bequeath to my son Matthew Compton and his heirs forever whom I constitute, ordain and appoint to be the Executor of this my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day of March, Anno Domni 1744/45. Signed sealed published and declared by Matthew Compton lent to be his last will and testament.
In presence of us. Geo. Briscoe and Wm. Howard.
On the back of the foregoing will was endorsed the following: To wit, Charles Co. on the fifth day of September 1747 came Geo Briscoe and William Howard, the subscribing witnesses to the written will and made oath on the Holy Evangelists that they saw Matthew Compton sign the written testament of writing and heard him publish and declare the same to be his last will and testament and that at the time of his so doing, he was to the best of their judgments of sound and disposing mind and memory.
Before Walter Hanson
Reference: SLC Fil #13761 Will #4 1734-1752, pg 235=236, Liber 25, Folio 150, Charles Co., Maryland Orphans Court
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