Zachariah Willis Last Will and Testament Made 28 May 1875 Recorded 3 January 1890 Caroline County Maryland Liber JBS-1, Folio 131-133 I Zachariah Willis of Caroline county in the State of Maryland, being in usual health of body, but of perfect sound disposing mind, memory and understanding, considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs and thereby be the better prepared to leave this world when it shall please God to call me hence, do therefore make, ordain and publish this my last will and testament in the manner and form following that is to say ~ Item 1st It is my will and desire that my well beloved wife Mary B. Willis have all my estate both real and personal during her natural life, and that she have the whole and sole benefit of the same during her natural life, except as hereinafter devised, and she shall not be responsible for any unavoidable waste or wear and tare of the same. ~ Item 2nd It is my will that my said wife pay out of the proceeds of my personal Estate or rents of my Real Estate, unto my son Leonard Willis the sum of One hundred dollars, to be at the expiration of one year after my death, and also to pay to my grand son Herbert Willis, son of my son Leonard, the sum of One hundred dollars, to be paid or secured to be paid to him or his guardian, after the expiration of one year from the day of my death. Then it is my will that after my just debts and funeral charges are paid, and the legacies as aforesaid, that at the death of my said wife that what then remains of my personal estate together with my Real Estate be equally divided between my following named sons, namely Richard P. Henry F. Francis A. and James S. Willis share and share alike. And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my two sons, namely Henry F. Willis and James S. Willis to be whole and sole executors 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, the twenty eighth day of May, one thousand eight hundred & seventy five. Zachariah Willis (Seal) Signed, sealed, published and declared to be by Zachariah Willis the above named testator as and for his last will and testament, In the presents of us, who at his request, in his presence, and in the presence of each other, subscribed our names as witnesses thereto ~ Willis Corkran Silas Nichols Nathan Corkran Lavenia W. Corkran Caroline county to wit: The 3rd of January 1890. Then came Willis Corkran, and did solemnly, sincerely and truly affirm and declare that the aforegoing instrument of writing is the true and whole will and testament of Zachariah Willis, late of Caroline county, deceased, that hath come to his hands or possession and that he doth not know of any other will of a later date or of any codicil made by the said deceased. Cert. By Jas. B. Steele Regt. Of Wills For Caroline county ~ Caroline county to wit: The 3rd of January 1890. Then came Willis Corkran and Nathan Corkran, two of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will and testament of Zachariah Willis, late of Caroline county, deceased, and did severally, solemnly, sincerely and truly affirm and declare that they saw Zachariah Willis, the above named testator, sign and seal the said will, that they heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament, that at the time of his so doing he was, to the best of their respective apprehensions, of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, and that the respectively signed their names as witnesses to the said will in the presence of Silas Nichols, another of the attesting witnesses thereto, who they saw sign his name, but who has since died, and also in the presence of Lavenia W. Corkran, another of the attesting witnesses, and in the presence of each other ~ Cert. By Jas. B. Steele Regt. Of Wills For Caroline county Return to top of document. |
CHARLES WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 20 Nov. 1846 Recorded 12 March 1847 Liber WAF-A Folio 382 Charles Willis of Caroline County, Maryland Wife: Margaret Willis Son: Denard S. Willis land "Blacks Venture" Son: Charles Henry Willis land "Betts Range" Return to top of document. |
CHARLES WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 9 Jan 1871 Recorded 27 June 1871 Liber WGN-B Folio 309 Charles Willis of Caroline County, Maryland Wife: Tamsey Son: James H. Willis Son: William A. Willis Son: Edward Thomas Willis Daug: Elizabeth Emily Harris (Rufus C. Harris) Return to top of document. |
DOROTHY WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 24 Nov. 1795 Recorded 25 Nov. 1795 Liber JR-B Folio 310 Dorothy Willis of Caroline County, Maryland Gives all to Russell Andrew This Will was - "Declared by word of mouth" Return to top of document. |
JAMES WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 17 Oct. 1798 Recorded 7 Feb. 1799 Liber JR-B Folio 440 James Willis of Caroline County, Maryland Son: Aaron Willis Joshua Willis and Peter Willis were witnesses Return to top of document. |
JOHN G. WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 15 July 1862 Recorded 19 Aug. 1862 Liber WGN-B Folio 130 John G. Willis of Caroline County, Maryland Son: William Thomas Willis Daug: Elizabeth Ellen Hooper home on North side of Choptank - west of road between Denton and Hillsborough - Also listed in area known as Stewart's wharf - in same approximate area Grandson: John G. Willis Grandson: Leander Reese Hooper Grandson Charles Willis Mentioned Mary Elizabeth Stack to receive $50.00 Return to top of document. |
JOHN WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Recorded 23 Jan. 1764 Liber CC-A Folio 108 John Willis of Dorchester Co. in the Province of Maryland Wife: Elizabeth Children - Eldest son John Willis born of first Wife Mary, 5 shillings Mary Clift 2 shillings and sixpence Judeath 2 shillings and sixpence Elizabeth Killingsworth 2 shillings and sixpence Isaac 2 shillings and sixpence Richard 2 shillings and sixpence Joshua 2 shillings and sixpence Dorcus Nicols 2 shillings and sixpence John Willis III the son of my now wife Elizabeth and my son Gervey what is left of my estate after wife Elizabeth lives on it the rest of her life. Gives to wife Elizabeth all my land known by the title of "Willis's Regulation" with the appurtenances thereunto belonging for and during the time of her natural life. Return to top of document. |
JOHN WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 1 Oct. 1793 Recorded 20 Nov. 1794 Liber JR-B Folio 246 John Willis, planter of Caroline County, Maryland Wife: Keziah Son: Philemon Willis Son: John Willis Son: William Willis Son: Lewis Willis Son: Nicholas Willis Son: Henry Willis Daug: Sarah Nabb (John Nabb) To son John he gives "Willis's Regulation" containing 163 acres of land more or less also land called "Willis's Grove" - if no issue then to son Lewis. Also gave John 2 mares valued at 800 pounds each. To daughter Sarah Nabb 15 pounds to be paid out in sundries and wearing apparel from son John's Store. Also mentions that son Philemon should pay sister Sarah 5 pounds for clothes. Gave son-in-law John Nabb 1 shilling plus his daughter. Return to top of document. |
JOSEPH WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 9 July 1859 Recorded 4 July 1860 Liber WGN-B Folio 108 Joseph Willis of Caroline County, Maryland Daug: Jane Willis Daug: Sarah Davis Sarah's children: Wilmina Jane Davis Sarah C. Davis Franklin Davis Daug: Susan Turner (William Turner) Susan's children: Sarah Elizabeth Turner Joseph Turner Cilia Turner William H. Turner Son: John Willis John's children: Thomas Foster Willis Mary Todd Willis Gave to Daughters Sarah and Jane - farm where he now lives until death or marriage of both. At death land to be divided 1/2 to Sarah Davis's children, the other 1/2 to Susan Turner's children. Mentions that the land "abuts Mrs. Connelly's lot and Thomas Connelly's old tract" Son John - all lands on East side of above division line. Joseph gave Susan his negro girl Sarah Catherine for 10 years after his death then she should be freed. He also had a servant boy who was to be bound to serve until 1879 after which he would be free. He was to be hired out and any and all wages to be divided between Joseph's 3 daughters. Witnesses: Willis Corkran Rebecca Corkran Mary Sain Return to top of document. |
LOVEY WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 28 March 1813 Recorded 9 Nov. 1813 Liber JR-C Folio 240 Lovey Willis of Caroline County, Maryland Son: William Willis Son: Charles Willis Daug: Charity Bonwell Daug: Elizabeth Willis Daug: Henrietta Grayham Daug: Peggy Willis Daug: Anne Willis Granddaug: Elizabeth Medford Return to top of document. |
PETER WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 15 Feb. 1834 Recorded 15 Oct. 1834 Liber WAF-A Folio 145 Peter Willis of Caroline County, Maryland Wife: Elizabeth Willis Son: John Francis Willis Daug: Elizabeth Willis Daug: Margaret Maria Willis Grandson: William Thomas Everngam He expressly orders and directs that house and lot at Cabben Creek in Dorchester County deeded to him by James Medford shall be deeded to Margaret Willis widow of James Willis after she pay the judgement against her (by Peter) in Dorchester County Court - If she doesn't pay then land etc. goes to his 2 daughters. Return to top of document. |
PETER WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 4 Jan. 1897 Recorded 15 Nov. 1898 Liber RJ-8 Folio 34 Peter Willis of Caroline County, Maryland Erect a substantial fence around family burial Plot Wife: Martha Willis Daug: Annie Willis Son: Charles Willis Son: Penn Willis Son: John M. Willis Son: Joseph A. Willis Tract of land - east side of road between Harmony and Preston - Adjoining lands of Harriet McNash and William Dean on road between Harmony and Fowling Creek Mill. Return to top of document. |
RICHARD WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 12 Feb. 1823 Recorded 3 April 1823 Liber JR-C Folio 465 Richard Willis of Caroline County. Maryland Wife: Britania all that part of my land lying on the north west side of the County Road whereon my dwelling house stands, during her natural life or widowhood and after her decease to my youngest son Peter Willis to him and his heirs forever, it is also my will and desire that my daughter Ann Willis shall have a home in my dwelling house during her single life without being interrupted. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Senah Willis all that part of my land laying up the County Road and on the south east side of said Road down to a cross fence opposite the mouth of my lane and with that fence a straight line out to the line of said land to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Foster Willis all the remaining part of said land lying on the south east side of said Road the cross fence before named to be the division line between them to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Zachariah Willis all the lands which I purchased from Phillip Clark and Levin Stewart so far as it is lying joining together to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give unto my two daughters Rebecah Corkren and Dorcas Willis the sum of fifty dollars each of them out of my moveable estate also fifty Dollars to my daughter Elisabeth Stevens to be paid as aforesaid. Mentions 4 sons - Senah, Foster, Zachariah, and Peter again. Then states - It is also my will and desire that there be no administration on my estate whatever. Return to top of document. |
SARAH WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 17 May 1812 Recorded 29 Sept. 1812 Liber JR-C, Folio 213 Sarah Willis of Caroline County, Maryland Son: Joseph Willis Son: Charles Willis Son: Peter Willis Daug: Sarah Andrew (Norton Andrew) Daug: Francis Wheeler (James Wheeler) Mentioned land called "Hab-nab at a venture" Return to top of document. |
TAMSEY WILLIS Abstract of Last Will and Testament Made 19 July 1882 Recorded 22 April 1884 Liber WGN-B Folio 616 Tamsey Willis of Caroline County, Maryland Lived in Federalsburg. Son: William Adams Willis Return to top of document. |
ARTHUR JOHN WILLIS Last Will and Testament Made 18 May 1886 Recorded 26 March 1889 Liber JBS-1 Folio 126-129 In the name of God, Amen, I Arthur John WILLIS of Caroline County and State of Maryland, being weak in body, but of sound mind, memory and understanding do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following Item 1 I give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved wife Belle M. WILLIS all that piece or parcel of land at Potters Landing contained within the following metes and bounds viz commencing at the fork of the roads near O. M. HIGNUTTS store, and bounding with said roads untill it reaches a line running parallel with the west end of the building commonly known as the Hotel, said line to run from the county road leading to B. G. Stevens Store, Fifteen feet west of said Hotel Building supposed to contain one and a half acres of land more or less together with all the buildings and improvements thereon, during her natural life, and at her death to go to the children of my daughter Mary Virginia STEVENS equally, and I further will that my executors hereinafter named shall pay at my death to my said wife Belle M. WILLIS the sum of Two Thousand Dollars as agreed between us before our marriage, also that they pay her whatever dividend maybe declared during her life on Twenty Shares of preferred Stock of Northern Pacific Rail Road, and at her death said Rail Road Stock to go to my Grand Daughter Caroline E. VANSICKLE, and I further will to my said wife One Piano, Piano cover and Stool, One full set of Cottage furniture with Bed, Bolster, Pillows and Bed clothes complete, one chamber and chamber Bucket, Wash Bowl & Pitcher, Six Towels, Combs & Brush, Flower stand and all the Pot Flowers, with all she had before our marriage and all she has accumulated since 2nd I give devise and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Virginia STEVENS wife of B. G. STEVENS all my lands and improvements that may belong to me at the time of my death (except that part herein willed to my wife) on the South side of the County road leading from Lidens Mill to T. F. Johnsons Store running with said Johnsons line South to a big Stone and thence West to the Wharf on the Great Choptank River Known as Potters Landing I further will and bequeath unto her One Hundred and Fifty Four Shares of Preferred stock of the Northern Pacific Rail Road. 3rd I give devise and bequeath unto my Daughter Caroline S. Messick Three parts or parcels of land Situated in the 4th Election Districk of Caroline County, One of which is Known as the P. J. WILLIS tract 150 acres on which (unreadable word) Mill has been erected, The 2nd tract Known as the R. S. WILLIS tract containing 136 acres, The 3rd Known as the Timber land tract containing 85 acres, all formerly owned by Short A. WILLIS Dec'd, I further will her One Hundred and Fifty Four Shares of Preferred Stock of the Northern Pacific Rail Road. 4th I give devise and bequeath unto my daughter Georgeanna VANSICKLE wife of John T. VANSICKLE, Three Hundred Shares of Preferred Stock of the Northern Pacific Rail Road to be held in trust by my executors for her use, and for the support and education of her children, she being hopelessly insane, and in case the dividends should be more than sefficient for the maintenance of herself and children, the surplus to be invested for her use, and in case of her death all shall be equally divided between her children when they arrive at lawful age to receive their portion. 5th I give devise and bequeath unto my Grand Son A. J. Willis STEVENS my farm known as the Willis Homestead on which Rownell CARROLL at present resides, laid down for 150 acres of land, and in case he should die without lawful issue I will it to my Grand Son A. J. Willis MESSICK. 6th I give devise and bequeath unto my Grand Daughter Caroline E. CROSBY formerly Caroline E. STEVENS all that tract or parcel of land lying on the Northside of the County road leading from Lidens Mill to T. F. JOHNSONS land whereon Capt Robert HUTCHINSON at present resides. 7th I give devise and bequeath unto all my Grand children that may be living at the time of my death (equally divided) One Hundred and Forty shares of the Preferred Stock of the Northern Pacific Rail Road, and I hereby direct that my Executors shall invest the dividends for their use untill they shall arrive at lawful age to receive their portion. 8th I hereby direct that all my personal property not herein specified, be sold by my executors at Public sale and after paying my funeral expenses and other just debts the balance of the proceeds of said sale be equally divided among my three children. I hereby appoint B. G. STEVENS andR. M. MESSICK sole executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made, In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 18th day of May 1886. Signed and Sealed A. J. WILLIS Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Arthur John WILLIS, to be his last will and testament, in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names, as witnesses to the same ~ T. F. JOHNSON W. F. LIDEN J. W. HIGNUTT Caroline County to wit: The 26th of March 1889. Then came Thomas F. Johnson, the depositor of the aforegoing instrument of writing and made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God, that the said instrument of writing is the true and whole will of Arthur John WILLIS, late of Caroline County, deceased, that hath come to his hands or possession, and that it was delivered to him by the testator, and that he doth not know of any will of a later date left by the said deceased or of any codicil. Cert by Jas B. STEELE Reg of Wills for Caroline county ~ Caroline County, to wit: 26th of March 1889. Then came Thomas F. JOHNSON and William F. LIDEN, two of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will and testament of Arthur John WILLIS, late of Caroline county, deceased, and severally made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God, they did see the testator sign and seal the said will, that they heard him publish, pronounce 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 apprehensions, of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, and that they respectively signed their names as witnesses to the said will in the presence and at the request of the testator, and in the presence of each other and of John W. HIGNUTT the other subscribing witness ~ Cert byJas B. STEELE Reg of Wills for Caroline county ~ Caroline County, to wit: 26th of March 1889. Then came John W. HIGNUTT one of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will and testament of Arthur John WILLIS, late of Caroline County, deceased, and made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God, that he did see the testator sign and seal the said will and that he heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament, that at the time of his so doing he cannot say that the testator was, to the best of his apprehension, of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding, but that he together with Thomas F. JOHNSON and William F. LIDEN the other subscribing witnesses respectively subscribed their names as witnesses to the said will in the presence and at the request of the testator, and in the presence of each other ~ Cert by Jas B. STEELE Reg of Wills for Caroline County Return to top of document. |
