In the name of God. Amen. I Richard Prather of Washington County State of Maryland being weak in Body, but of sound disposing mind and memory and calling to mind the uncertainty of this life do therefore make my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say. First I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Elizabeth a negro Woman Named Nell, one Horse or Mare of her own choice (Excepting the Wagon Horses) One cow and Calf, and one feather Bead and its furniture.
Secondly, I give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Rebecca a negroe Girl Named Molly, one Horse of next choice to her Sister (except the Wagon Horses) One Cow and Calf, and a feather Bead and its Furniture.
Thirdly, I give and Bequeath unto my Sons Samuel and Henry all the Lands I die possessed of to them and their heirs to be equally divided. Return them Recording to Quantity and Quality, subject to an Annual Rent Charge of Eight Pounds Current money to be paid yearly to my Son Basil from the time of my Death, during his Natural life -- and in case my Sons Samuel and Henry or either of them should depart this life having no Lawful Issue it is then my Will that their part or parts ??? divided amongst my Remaining sons, and Daughters (said son Basil excepted) and their heirs, ??? the Rest and Remainder of my Personal Estate after payment of my Just Debts, and funeral Charges is to be equally divided amongst my Sons and Daughters exepting Basil who I have otherwise provided for). Constituting and appointing my Sons Thomas and Samuel Executors of this my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty nine.
Richard Prather
Signed Sealed and Delivered
by the Testator to be his last
Will and Testament in the
presence of us
John Barnes, Denton Jacquest, Bolly Cronover
On the Back of the Original Will of the said Richard Prather are the following Endorsements to wit
Washington County St On the 19th day of December 1789 came Thomas and Samuel Prather & made Oath that the within Instrument of Writing is the true and whole Will & Testament of Richard Prather late of County Deceased that have come to their hands or possession and that they do not know of any other. At the same time came Denton Jacques & Bolly Cronover two of the subscribing witnesses of the within Last Will & Testament of Richard Prather late of said County Deceased and made Oath on the holy Evangels of Almighty God, that they did see the Testator herein named Sign & Seal this Will, that they heard him publish, pronounce & declare the Same to be his last Will & Testament, and that to the best of their apprehentions he was at the time of his so doing of sound and disposing mind, memory & understaning, and that they Subscribed their names as Witnesses to this Will, in the presence of each other, and that you saw John Barnes do the Same. And on the 1st day of January 1790 Came the Widow of Richard Prather late of said County Deceased, and Claimed her Right of Dower in both Real and Personal Estate of her said husband Deceased.
Recorded 19 day of December 1789. Certified by Thomas Belt, Reg't.
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