Will of James Waters

In the name of God, Amen. I James Waters of Somerset County in the State of Maryland being of sound disposing mind, memory and understanding do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say. Imprimis I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife Margaret all my Estate Real and personal during her natural life. Item after the death of my beloved wife I will and bequeath unto my son John Waters and his heirs forever all my land provided my son John Waters shall pay within ten years the sum of one thousand dollars to be disposed of as I shall herein direct. Item I will and bequeath after the death of my beloved wife, all my personal estate together with the one thousand dollars above mentioned to my children not herein named to be equally divided between them. Lastly it is my express will and desire that there be no administration or appraisement of my estate whatever. And I do hereby constitute and appoint my beloved wife Margaret, sole Executrix of this my last will and testament, revoking and annulling all former wills by me heretofore made ratifying and confirming this and none other to be my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal affixed this 20th day of Jan in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named James Waters as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto. Francis Waters, William T. Waters, Wm Murray Jas Waters {Seal} Somerset County, to wit: November 26th 1823. Then came John Waters and made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God, that the within instrument of writing is the true & whole last will & testament of James Waters late of Somerset County, deceased, that hath come to his hands or possession and that he doth not know of any other. Before James Polk Reg W.S.C. Somerset County, to wit: November 26th 1823. Then came Francis A. Waters and William T. Waters two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing last will and testament of James Waters late of Som. County deceased, & severally made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God, that they did see the Testator therein named sign & seal this will that they heard him publish pronounce and declare the same to be his last Will & Testament that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of each of their apprehensions of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding capable of executing a valid contract that they respectively subscribed their names as... Liber J.P. 4 Folio 75