This will of Joseph "the tanner" was contributed by David Moore, who reports that he transcribed it from a rather poor copy. Presumably that copy was penned in the 1700s by the clerk of Cecil County, MD, from the original or, perhaps, a copy of the original.
a]nd weak in body but through the Mercy of God .. [?] perfect in my Understanding, judgment and Memory .. [?] this my last Will and testament as folleth. first I [be]queath to my son in law Elias Alexander a Sarton Bond assigned to me by Sarah Steven[?] baring date the Nineteenth of Aug.t 1718 eccept So much as is alredy paid and fourty Shillens to my daugter Sophiah
Item. I Will and bequeath to my son francis twenty Shillings to my daugter iane muley ten Shillings to my daughter.. Abigail Clapan ten Shillings
item. all and Singular the rest of my Estates real and moueable of what Denomination natre or kind Soever I will and a Bequeath to my Son James his heirs & Assigns for Ever: and I doe also appoint Ordain and Constitute the Said James Alexander to be Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, Witness my Hand and Seal the thirteenth day of December Anno 1726.
Sined Sealed and delivered Joseph Alexander (seal)
in presents of us
Owen ODonnell
his
Anne ~ Taylor
mark At ye foot of ye aforegoing
John dail Will was thus Written sa.. [?]
his
John M. McKnight
mark
Cecil County lst 9th March 1730. Then psonally came John Macknite &
Ann Taylor Two of the Subscribing Evidances to the foregoing will &
made Oath that they Saw & heard Joseph Alex-
ander the Testator Sign Seal Publish & Declare the Same to ..
be his Last Will & Testament and that at the time of doing ..
the Same he was of Sound and Disproveing Mind Memory and
Understanding to the best of their Knowledge Sworn before me
S Knight: D Comty[?]