May 22, 2023
Pages 489
Whole Number 30
WILL OF 1.1 JOHN SPARKS
of QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND, DATED 1699
(Editor's Notes: During the first half of the eighteenth century, there were probably more persons named Sparks living in Queen Anne's County, Maryland, than in any other section of America. Today, many thousands of Sparkses living all over the United States descend from these pioneers in Queen Anne's County. The earliest Sparks will found there thus far is the one given here. It was copied from the recorded copy by William Perry Johnson.)
In the name of God amen I John Sparks being Sick and Weak in Body but of perfect Sence of mind and memory for the avoiding suits at Law or controversies that may happen after nor Death do make and ordain and declare this to be my Last will and Testament herby Revoaking all wills formerly made as Vizt
1st - I bequeath my Soul into the hands of Almighty God my Saviour hopeing by his precious Blood to obtain Remission and forgiveness of all my Sins - and my Body to be Desently Buried at the Discretion of my Executrix hereafter named.
2ndly - I give to my Beloved wife Ellinor Sparks after my Just Debts paid my whole and small Estate to her heirs or assignes.
3rdly - I give to my Sons John and George Sparks one hundred acres of Land Called Bucks Hill provided Either of them Comes to Enjoy it.
4thly - I do Constitute and appoint my wife Ellinor Sparks my whole and Sole Executrix of this my Last will and Testmt In wittness hereunto I have Sett my hand and affixed my Seal the 2 day of September 1699
his
John S Sparks
mark
Signed Seald and Delivrd and Declared
to be my Last Will and Testament in the presence of us
Jno. Salter
his
Thos T Prestige
mark
her
Elizab Robinson
mark
On the back of the aforegoing Will was thus Written as follows Vizt
Janry the 3d 1701 -
County Kent
Than Came the within named John Salter, Thomas Prestidge, and Eliza Robinson Wittnesses to the Wth in Will and made oath upon the holy Evangelist that they Did See the within John Sparks Signe and Seale the Within Will and Declare the Same to be his Last Will and Testamt
Elias King Depty County Kent Couty
Letters Testafy same time Granted to the Within one word illegible
Warrt to appraisers Vizt Mr. Jno Salter and Mr. James Smith
(Note: The third item in the above will is somewhat ambiguous. It probably means that John and Ellinor Sparks had come to Maryland late in life and had left their sons. John and George, in England, that if these sons later come to America, they shall inherit the property. Neither of these sons has been identified in later records. REB)