Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Will of George Archer Blake, Esquire, District of Poorneah, Province of Bengal, India - The National Archives PROB 11/1769, probated 7 Apr 1830

The testator, George Archer Blake, was buried in London at St James Garlick Hill (Garlickhythe) the 24th February 1830. He was born (according to his burial registration) circa 1787. There is a records of his baptism 19 Apr 1790 son of Benjamin Blake at Fort St George, St Mary Church, Madras, India (Find My Past).

A Benjamin Blake was baptized 2 Mar 1789 at Fort St George, St Mary Church, Madras son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Blake.

A John Blake was baptized 19 Apr 1790 at Fort St George, St Mary Church, Madras son of Benjamin and Mary Blake.

A Mary Anna Blake was baptized 12 Nov 1793 at Fort St George, St Mary Church, Madras daughter of Benjamin and Mary Blake.

A Charles Henry Blake was baptized 26 Oct 1795 in Bengal son of Benjamin and Mary Blake.

A James Blake was baptized 2 Sep 1800 at Lucknow, Bengal son of Benjamin Blake.

In the will below the testator mentions a brother Benjamin and a brother Charles Henry (signed Charles Edward in the probate).

There is a burial for Benjamin Blake born 1790 and buried 25 Aug 1833 at the age of 43 years at St Mary Church, Madras.

An online tree at World Connect has been produced by laura foenander where she has the parents of George Archer Blake as Benjamin Blake and Mary Ann Powney. Benjamin said to be born 1754 in England. The death of Benjamin is said to be in 1820 in Poorneah, Bengal. He is said to be the son of John Blake (born circa 1713). Benjamin’s second wife has the name Mary Ann Powney in this tree on World Connect. His first wife appears to be Elizabeth (unknown).

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=lauza002&id=I7368

There is a Benjamin Blake baptized 14 Dec 1755 at Walton on the Hill, Surrey son of John and Ann Blake.


Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 30 Jan 2017
Source:  The National Archives, PROB 11/1769
Name of testator: George Archer Blake, Esquire
Place: District of Poorneah, Province of Bengal in the East Indies
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 7 Feb 1828, probated 7 Apr 1830

[In margin] George Archer Blake, Esquire 12

1    In the Name of God Amen, I
2    George Archer Blake merchant of the District of Poorneah in the province
3    of Bengal in the East Indies but now about to embark from Calcutta to England
4    do make this my last Will and Testament (hereby revoking any other Will or
5    Wills heretofore by me made of subscribed to) in form and manner following
6    Imprimis Being possessed of a half share with Mr Alexander Abberlee (also
7    of Poorneah) who has the other moiety of several Indigo Factories (named
8    Rajah, Bissonpoor and Bimbang) all situated in the said District of Poorneah
9    I will and devise that my said share and interest therein shall be disposed of to
10    the best advantage as soon as my decease shall be ascertained but in conformity
11    with the Terms of an Agreement entered into between me and the said Alexander
12    Abberlee which Agreement (of which he holds a Counterpart Copy) is lodged
13    in the hands of my agents Messrs Alexander and Co of Calcutta and when the
14    proceeds thereof shall be ascertained or collected together with any other money
15    effects or property real or personal belonging to me or that may accrue to me from
16    Bequests or otherwise whether in England or in India I will that the same
17    shall be disposed of as follows 1st I bequeath to Mrs Mary Blake (widow of
18    my lamented Father now in England so much in cash or money as will purchase
19    for her a clear Annuity in the English Funds of Sixty pounds Sterling (60 £ S[terli]ng) per
20    annum for her natural life and I strictly enjoin my Executors or Administrators
21    that the same is without fail purchased immediately and secured to her for her
22    sole use and behoof 2nd I bequeath to Harriet (now Mrs Woodward Wife of
23    Lieut Woodward of the Madras Army) Sister to Celina the Wife of my Brother
24    Benjamin Blake the sum of Five thousand Sicca Rupees (SaR 5000) to be
25    paid to her upon her sole receipt 3rd I give and bequeath to Helen Napier
26    daughter of the late Adam Napier (late a Surgeon in the Service of the hon[ourab]le
27    Company) and a Ward of the Bengal Orphan Institution now in England the
28    sum of five thousand Sicca Rupees (SaR 5000) to be held in Trust by my
29    constituted Executors for her use until she be married when the principal
30    amount together with any Interest that has accumulated thereon shall be
31    paid to her as a marriage portion Should the said Helen Napier die before
32    marriage then the said Sum of SaR 5000 shall go to and be divided between
33    my Brothers Benjamin and Charles Henry Blake and in case of their or
34    either of their deaths to their respective Offspring heirs or Survivors to be
35    shared in equal portions between then 4th I give and bequeath to my
36    Godson Horatio George Cowan Share Son of Thos A Share Esquire of
37    the Hon[oura]ble Companys Civil Service the sum of Three thousand Sicca Rupees
38    (SaR 3000) and if the said Horatio George Share be yet an infant at the
39    time of my decease the said Sum of 3000 Rs  shall be paid to his Father or
40    Mother Mrs Emma Share in Trust for his use 5th I give and bequeath all
41    the Residue of my property real or personal remaining after the above
42    mentioned Bequests are paid or disposed of to my Brothers Benjamin Blake
43    now a Captain in the Hon[our]able Company’s Military Service and Charles Henry
44    Blake late of Bengal Indigo planter and now in England to be divided between
45    then share and share alike their lawful Offspring heirs or Survivors
46    respectively It is my meaning and intention that should my said Brothers
47    Benjamin and Charles Henry Blake or either of them die before me or before
48    the operation of this Will this share of the residue of my property that would
49    fall or go to them respectively shall devolve or descend to their respective
50    Children (Sons and Daughters alike) in equal proportions or to whomsoever of
51    them shall be surviving at the time of my decease or of the execution of this
52    my Will and Testament I do hereby constitute nominate and appoint my
53    Brother Charles Henry Blake George Ballard Esquire of Calcutta of the Firm
54    of Alexander and Company and John Archer Esquire of Busear Indigo planter to
55    be Executors of this my last Will and Testament In Witness and
56    confirmation whereof I have hereunto put my Seal and Signature this
57    Seventh day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
58    and twenty eight G A Blake Signed sealed and declared to be the
59    Testators last Will and Testament in the presence of us (Signed) James Hay
60    Jas Meliss Hissen Mohun Bhosr of Baug Barar
61    Additional Clause to my Will from the circumstance
62    of my property and Cash funds being partly in India and partly in England and
63    considering that some time may elapse before the amount thereof might be
64    realized and collected for payment and distribution as bequeathed in any Will I
65    hereby enjoin my Executors hereinbefore named that they will immediately on
66    the realization of every item or sum of my property when the same shall
67    amount to 1000 £ in England and 5000 Rs in India place or invest the same in
68    the Government Funds for security and for the eventual benefit of those concerned
69    in the disposition of my Will and Testament Wittness my hand this 9th day of
70    February in the year of our Lord above written G A Blake
71    Copy of my last Will and Testament left in the hands of Messrs Alexander and Co my
72    agents at Calcutta G A Blake Feby 1829
73    Proved at London with a Codicil 7th April 1830 before the Worshipful
74    Jesse Addams doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the Oaths of Charles Edward
75    Blake Esquire the Brother and George Ballard Esquire two of the Executors by whom
76    Administration was granted Limited until the Original Will and Codicil or a more
77    authoritive Copy thereof shall be brought into and left in the Registry of the
78    Prerogative Court of Canterbury having been first sworn duly to Administer
79    power reserved of making the like Grant to John Archer Esquire the other Executor
80    when he shall apply for the same The Original Will and Codicil being in the
81    hands of Messrs Alexander and Co the deceaseds Agents at Calcutta in the East
82    Indies as by Acts of Court appears

Monday, January 30, 2017

Will of Philemon Charles Blake, Queen Ann County, Province of Maryland, now Maryland USA, - The National Archives PROB 11/792, probated 3 May 1766

Philemon Charles Blake, the testator, was the son of Charles Blake and Henrietta Maria Lloyd born circa late 1690s.

Charles Blake’s will was blogged earlier:

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2017/01/will-of-charles-blake-of-maryland.html

Philemon Charles Blake married Sarah Frisby circa late 1740s. They had four children:

Philemon Charles Blake
Elizabeth Blake
Henrietta Maria Lloyd Blake
Charles Blake

Philemon Charles Blake died 6 Feb 1761. Since the administrator of the will was appointed by Sarah Blake (widow), now named Sarah Anderson, and named William Anderson, Philemon Charles Blake must not yet be 21 years of age at the time of probate in 1766.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 29 Jan 2017
Source:  The National Archives, PROB 11/792
Name of testator: Philemon Charles Blake
Place: Queen Anns County, Province of Maryland now Maryland, United States of America
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 13 Jan 1753, probated 3 May 1766

[In margin] Philemon Charles Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Philemon Charles Blake of Queen Anns County in the Province
3    of Maryland being sick and weak in Body but of sound Mind and
4    Memory Thanks be to Almighty God do make this my last Will
5    and Testament in manner following Imprimis I give and devise to
6    my dear Wife Sarah Blake during her natural life any one of the
7    Tracts or parcels of Land I shall be possessed of at the time of my Death
8    she shall think fit to make Choice oft Item I give and devise to my Son
9    Philemon Charles Blake and to his heirs and assigns for ever
10    my Dwelling Plantation and all the Lands adjoining originally
11    consisting of several Tracts but lately reserved by my deceased
12    Father Mr Charles Blake and called by the general Name of Blakeford
13    and likewise that part of two Tracts or Parcels of Land called
14    Lloyds Meadows and Sharps Meadows Addition given to me by my
15    Aunt Alice Lloyd and lying near the head of Wye River Upon
16    Condition that he the said Philemon Charles Blake shall
17    within eighteen Months after my Decease in case he shall
18    then be of the age of twenty one years and if he be then
19    within Age that he shall within eighteen Months after he
20    shall arrive at full age dock and effectually cut of the Entall
21    of my Land lying on Corsier Creek called Bennetts Regulation
22    and in due and legal Manner convey the same in Fee Simple
23    to my Son Charles Blake his heirs and Assigns for ever
24    And if my said Son Philemon Charles Blake shall fail in the
25    Performance of this Condition Then I utterly revoke the devise
26    aforesaid of my Dwelling Plantation and Lands adjoining called
27    by the Name of Blakeford and of my part of this aforesaid
28    two Tracts of Land called Lloyds Meadows and Lloyds Meadows addition
29    And I hereby in such case give and devise the same to my
30    said Son Charles Blake and the heirs and Assigns forever
31    Item I give to my dear Wife Sarah Blake all my wearing
32    apparel and likewise my Linnen or other Goods she may have
33    by her at the time of my decease intended for her own proper
34    wear Item I give to the Reverend Mr James Bedwall a Suit of
35    Mourning and ten pounds current Money Item all the remaining
36    part of my personal Estate my Wifes one third part thereof
37    first deducted I leave to be equally divided amonge my four
38    Children Viz[ a vi]t Henrietta Maria, Philemon Charles, Elizabeth and Charles
39    And Lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my
40    dear Wife Sarah Blake my whole and sole Executrix of this
41    my last Will and Testament In Testimony whereof I have
42    hereunto subscribed my Name and affixed my Seal this thirteenth
43    day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
44    hundred and fifty three Phil Chas Blake Signed Sealed
45    published and declared by the above named Phil Charles Blake
46    to be his last Will and Testament this thirteenth day of
47    January in the year of our Lord 1753 before us Susannah
48    Tilghman Juliana Carroll Edward Neale
49    On the third day of May in the year of our Lord one
50    thousand seven hundred and sixty six Administration with
51    the Will annexed of the Goods Chattels and Credits of Philemon
52    Charles Blake late of Queen Anns County in the province of
53    Maryland deceased was granted to William Anderson the
54    lawful Attorney of Sarah Blake widow the Relict of the
55    said deceased and sole Executrix named in the said Will
56    for the use and Benefit of the said Sarah Anderson now
57    residing in Queen Anns County aforesaid he having been first
58    sworn duly to administer

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Will of Joseph Blake, Esquire, Berkley County, Province of South Carolina now South Carolina, United States of America - The National Archives PROB 11/792, probated 20 Feb 1752

The testator, Joseph Blake, is descendant of a known Blake line. His grandfather Captain Benjamin Blake was a brother of Admiral Robert Blake.

Admiral Robert Blake [101] is the Granduncle of Colonel Joseph-117 Blake [319]

                                Common Ancestor

                               * Humphry-43 Blake [25]
                                   (Abt 1563-1625)
                      * Sarah Swithers formerly Williams [100]
                                  (          -1638)
                               Married 5 Oct 1597 [26]
                                         |
                     ---------------------------------------------------------
                     |                                                                |
                     |                                                                |
     * Captain Benjamin-66 Blake [111]         * Admiral Robert Blake [101]
                      (1614-1689)                                              (1598-1657)
           Elizabeth Blake [191]
             (          -1676)
               Married  [50]
                     |
                     |
          * Joseph-94 Blake [196]
                (1663-1700)
          Elizabeth Axtell [316]
                (1663-1725)
          Married 6 Dec 1698 [98]
                     |
                     |
     * Colonel Joseph-117 Blake [319]
                (1700-1751)

Joseph Blake (the testator)  married Sarah Lindrey 16 Jun 1720 in Charleston, South Carolina.

Their children were all born in South Carolina.

Rebecca born circa 1721, married Ralph Izard circa 1741 and died circa 1762

According to the article published in the South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Society and blogged earlier today, this family continued at least to 1900 in the southern United States and perhaps descendants of this family are still living today. Finding a descendant of this family would greatly assist in determining the haplogroup of the Blake family of Somerset.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 29 Jan 2017
Source:  The National Archives, PROB 11/792
Name of testator: Joseph Blake Esquire
Place: Berkley County, Province of South Carolina
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 18 Dec 1750, probated 20 Feb 1752

[In margin] Joseph Blake Esquire

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Joseph Blake of Berkley County in the Province of South Carolina
3    do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in manner
4    and form following Imprimis I will that my whole Estate be kept
5    together until it raises the Sum of two thousand Pounds Sterling
6    Money of Great Britain and One thousand Pounds Proclamation
7    Money or the Value thereof in the currency of this Province
8    Exclusive of the Maintenance of my Sons Daniel Blake and
9    William Blake and my daughter Ann Blake and other necessaries
10    and charges on the Estate to the time that the said Sum is cleared
11    Item after the said Sums of two thousand pounds sterling and
12    one thousand pounds proclamation money is cleared then I will
13    that the said Sums be kept at Interest and the Interest to be
14    applied towards Educating and Maintaining my Sons Daniel Blake
15    and William Blake and daughter Ann Blake until they at age
16    several and I will that as they severally arrive at age One
17    thousand Pounds Sterling Money or the Value thereof in the
18    currency of this Province be paid unto my Son Daniel Blake the
19    like Sum of one thousand Pounds Sterling to my Son William
20    Blake and the remaining Sum of one thousand Pounds Proclamation
21    Money to my daughter Ann Blake Item after the aforesaid Sum
22    is raised then I give devise and bequeath unto my Son Daniel
23    Blake and his heirs for ever the Plantation I now live on
24    called Newington and a tract of Land on the Cypruss Swamp lying
25    between the Lands of Mr James Postell and Barnaby Brandford
26    part of which I purchased of Mr James Postell deceased the
27    Remainder I took up of the King and that part of my Land on
28    Charles Town Neck which lies between the High Road and Cooper
29    River and Fifteen hundred Acres of Land to be taken out of my
30    Lands on Cumber River between Mrs Londson’s Line and the
31    Land I bought of Colonel William Bull the Line to run
32    towards Calf Pen Savanah as far back as will take in the
33    Quantity of fifteen hundred acres and a Plantation containing
34    five hundred ninety seven acres in two Tracts bounding on Mrs
35    Donings and Mrs Drake to the North East and to the Dr West
36    on Mrs Donings Mrs Sacheveralls and Doctors Brisbanes to the
37    S West on a tract of Land which was formerly Mr Dowses but now
38    mine and on Mr Days to the S East on Mr Richard Sparings Item
39    I give and bequeath unto my Son William Blake and to his heirs
40    for ever my Plantation containing more or less on Wadmelaw
41    River and New Cut commonly called Plainsfield lying between
42    the Lands of Mr John Atchinson and Mr Fuller and that part of
43    my Land on Charles Town Neck that lies between the High Road
44    and Ashly River bounding on Mr Cadsdens Mr Hunts and Mr
45    John Humes and two Tracts of Land lying between Mr Atchinsons
46    and Mr Stobols one tract containing two hundred and thirty acres
47    the other Seventy six and two Tracts of Land containing four
48    hundred and forty acres purchased of Stephen Dowse by Mrs
49    Jennis bounding on Mr William Elliott Mr John Drayton and Mr
50    Graves to him and his heirs for ever I give devise and bequeath
51    unto my love daughter Rebecca Izard to her and her heirs for
52    ever a tract of Land containing one thousand eight hundred and
53    seventy three acres in my Granville County on the Lead of Coosaw
54    Hatchers and Chili Phinaswamp bounding on James Therrs to the
55    N West and an Island on Port Royal River in Granville County
56    commonly called Catt Island containing four hundred acres to her
57    and her heirs for ever I give devise and bequeath unto my loving
58    daughter Ann Blake to her and her heirs for ever One thousand
59    acres of Land to be laid out by my Executors and Executrix on
60    the calf Pen Savanah to be taken out of my Lands on Cumber on
61    the head of the said Tracts and an Island containing two hundred
62    and eighty six acres of Land in Granville County on the North
63    East side of Port Royal River and on all other sides on Marshes
64    and Creeks out of the said River to her and her heirs for ever
65    Item I give all my Real Estate (that is not already given
66    devised or bequeathed) unto my two Sons Daniel Blake and William
67    Blake to them their heirs or assigns Item I give all my
68    household Goods and Plate to be divided between my two Sons
69    Daniel Blake and William Blake and my daughter Ann Blake to each a third Item
70    I give unto my son Daniel Blake my coach and harness and
71    Plinne Thorn his Wife Betty Molly and all their children
72    which they have or shall have Item I give unto my Son
73    William Blake Wally Johnny Molatto Peter Sirol Inda and all
74    their Children which they have or shall have Item I give unto
75    my daughter Ann Blake Lampset Nanny Patty and Molly
76    child of Hannah and all their Children which they have or
77    shall have Item I give all the remainder of my Personal
78    Estate (not already given devised or bequeathed) unto my
79    four Children Rebeccah Izard Daniel Blake William Blake
80    and Ann Blake to be equally divided between my four Children
81    in four equal parts and in case any of my three Children
82    Daniel Blake William Blake or Ann Blake should happen to die
83    without heirs and before they arrive to the Age of Twenty one
84    years then his hers or their shares to go to my daughter Izard
85    and the Survivor of the Survivors of the three in equal shares (that
86    is to say) In Case one dies then to be divided in three shares one
87    share to my daughter Izard and two shares between the Survivors
88    and so in proportion in case a greater number dies and in
89    Case my daughter Rebecca Izard should die before me or
90    before the death of any of my Children before age or
91    Marriage then I will that the Children of my said Rebeccah
92    Izard shall have the same share as if she was alive at the
93    contingency she would have had Lastly I do hereby nominate
94    and appoint my love daughter Rebeccah Izard my Son
95    Daniel Blake and my Son Ralph Izard Executrix and Executors
96    of this my last Will and Testament and Guardians to my
97    Children until they arrive at the age of Twenty one years and I
98    do give them Power to borrow as much of the Income of their
99    Estate as they shall think proper on their Education and likewise to
100    Improve the Estates of my said Children either by putting
101    Money at Interest buying Slaves or any other way they shall
102    judge most advantageous and I do hereby ratify and confirm this
103    to be my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former
104    Wills In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal
105    this Eighteenth day of December Anno Domini 1750 Joseph Blake
106    Signed Sealed and Published in the presence of us Jacob Molte
107    William Roper Alexander Rigg
108    Secretarys Office The foregoing writing of two Sheets of paper is a true copy from the Original
109    Will of the Hon[oura]ble Joseph Blake Esquire deceased Exam. And certified by Wm Pinckney Dep[u]ty Sec[reta]ty
110    11 February 1752
111    Appeared personally John Ouldfield of South Carolina
112    Planter at present residing in the City of London and William
113    George Freeman of South Carolina aforesaid at present also
114    residing in the City of London Gentleman and being Sworn on
115    the holy Evangelists to depose the truth made Oath each for
116    himself as follows That they very well know William
117    Pinckney deputy Secretary of the Province of South Carolina
118    aforesaid and are well acquainted with his Manner and Character
119    of handwriting having several times seen him write and having
120    more carefully viewed the Memorandum or certificate wrote at
121    the end of the Copy of the last Will and Testament of Joseph
122    Blake late of Berkley County in the Province of South
123    Carolina Esquire deceased bearing date Eighteenth day of
124    December anno domini 1750 and hereto annext which said
125    Memorandum or certificate is contained in the following Words to
126    wit Charles Town So Carolina Secretarys Office The foregoing
127    Writing of two Sheets of Paper is a true copy from the Original
128    Will of the honourable Joseph Blake Esquire deceased
129    examined and Certified per Wm Pinckney Depty Secty they these
130    appearers do severally say that they do verily believe the
131    whole contents of the said Memorandum or Certificate and the
132    said Name and Words Wm Pinckney Depty Secty thereto
133    Subscribed to be all of the proper handwriting of the said
134    William Pinckney Deputy Secretary of the said Province of
135    South Caroline aforesaid Jno Ouldfield Wm Geor Freeman
136    same day the said John Oldfield and William George Freeman
137    were Sworn to the truth of this affidavid before me Robt Chapman
138    Surrogate Present Hen: Stevens sr p
139    This Will was proved at London before the Worshipful
140    Robert Chapman doctor of Laws Surrogate of the Right honourable
141    Sir George Lee Knight also doctor of Laws Master Keeper or
142    Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully
143    constituted on the Twentieth day of February in the Year of our Lord
144    One thousand seven hundred and fifty two by the Oath of Daniel
145    Blake Esquire the Son of the deceased and one of the Executors
146    in the said Will named to whom administration was granted of
147    all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased
148    being first Sworn duly to administer Power reserved of making
149    the like Grant to Ralph Izard and Rebecca Izard his Wife the other
150    Executors named in the said Will when they or either of them shall
151    apply for the same The Letters of Administration of the Goods
152    of the said deceased heretofore to wit in the Month of September
153    last granted to John Nickleson the Curator or Guardian lawfully
154    assigned of the said Daniel Blake and also of William Blake Minors
155    two of the natural and lawful Children of the said deceased as well
156    for the use and benefit of the said Minors as of the said Rebecca
157    Izard and also of Ann Blake Spinster a Minor the other natural
158    and lawful Children of the said deceased then residing at South
159    Carolina aforesaid until one of the said Minors should attain the Age
160    of Twenty one Years or untill the Original Will of the said decease
161    if he made any should be brought into the Registry of the
162    Prerogative Court of Canterbury being first brought in voluntarily
163    and declared to be ceased and expired as by the Acts of the said
164    Court more fully appears

South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Volume 1 No. 2, April 1900, pages 153 - 166

 This article appeared in the SC Historical and Genealogical Magazine as mentioned below. Now out of copyright, I decided to post it to my blog in partial explanation of the will to follow of Joseph Blake of South Carolina Province later South Carolina State in the United States of America.


South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Volume 1 No. 2, April 1900, pages 153 - 166

Blake of South Carolina

by Langdon Cheves, Esquire

Arms: Arg: a chevron between three garbs sable. Crest: On a chapeau gules turned up ermine, a martlet argent.



This distinguished Carolina family is descended, as Oldmixon tells us, from a brother of Admiral Blake (1).  In his History of the British Empire in America, Oldmixon writes : "I say the more of Mr Blake because his family is one of the most considerable in this Province; where he arrived in the year 1683, with several other Families the followers of his fortune (2). What estate he sold in England he sold to carry the effects along with him and tho' the sum was not many Thousands, if it did at all deserve the plural Number; yet t'was all that his great Brother left him, tho' for several years he commanded the British Fleet and in a time when our Naval Arms were victorious and the treasures of New Spain seldom reached home. By Mr Blakes presence in Carolina, the sober party, we call them so in opposition to Mr Archdales ill livers, began to take Heart and the other to be discouraged in their irregularities"; of this:

Benjamin Blake of Plainsfield and Pawlets, Esq: J. P, Lords Proprietors Deputy and Member of the Grand Council of Carolina, Gov: Archdale in his Description of Carolina says: "In Gov: Moreton's time General Blake's Brother with many Dissenters, came to Carolina, which Blake being a wise and prudent person of an heroick temper of spirit, strengthened the hands of sober inclin'd people and kept under the first loose and extravagant spirit, etc. The Governor as we are told marry 'd Mrs Elizabeth Blake his daughter, (3) and by this alliance the strength of their party was so increased that we hear little of the other till Mr Colleton's government."  Capt. Blake received considerable grants of land in the province and settled the large plantations of Plainsfield and Pawlets in Colleton County. About the year 1685 he was appointed Lords Proprietors deputy and in October of that year signed the new constitutions and oath of allegiance to King James.

He served in the Council during the administrations of Gov: Moreton and Colleton; the Lords Proprietors recommended him "as a confidential man" and appointed him Clerk of the Crown and Peace for S. Carolina. (4) In 1686 he was commissioner under the act for public defence and in 1687 one of the committee to revise the constitutions which drew up a new form of government for the province. Capt. Blake died about the year 1689 and was succeeded by his son:

Right Honourable Colonel Joseph Blake of Plainsfield and Pawlets, Esq: J. P., Landgrave of Carolina, one of the true and absolute Lords and Proprietors of Carolina and twice Governor of South Carolina. Was born and educated in England. He probably followed his father to Carolina and on his death was appointed Lords Proprietors deputy in his stead but was removed by Gov. Sothell, Oct. 1690. The Proprietors remonstrated and reappointed Blake to Gov. Ludwells council, Nov. 1691. He served in Gov: Ludwells and Smiths councils and on Gov: Smith's resignation, Oct. 1694, succeeded him as Governor of the province and was created a Landgrave. Col. Blake provided for defence of the province "in these times of Warr with the French King" and served as governor until Gov. Archdale's arrival 1695 and then as deputy in his new council.

In Nov. 1696 "Gov. Archdale returned for England and Joseph Blake Esq: become a Proprietary (5) was looked upon as the fittest person to succeed him in the Government; in which office he behaved himself to the satisfaction of the Country, which he Govern'd with equal Prudence and Moderation" Oldmixon His administration was disturbed only by the effort, urged by the Proprietors, to settle the constitutions to suit themselves and the people (6). Many important laws were enacted. Thro' his influence the Huguenots were enfranchised and a maintenance settled on the church of England, for "tho' accounted in some measure a dissenter" "he possessed the most, liberal sentiments towards men of a different persuasion." In June 1695 he had purchased for and ultimately gave to, the Presbyterian congregation in Charlestown the land on which the Circular church now stands. In 1698.9 when storm, earthquake, fire and pestilence afflicted the province, "Gov: Blake deeply sensible of the public distress tryed every art for alleviating the misery of the people and encouraging them to patience." Gov: Blake inherited a good estate, received large grants of land himself and acquired a considerable property. He m. Dec 1698 (7) Elizabeth widow of Francis Turgis Esqr (member of Assembly 1695) and dr. of Landgrave Daniel Axtell and Rebecca his wife. "His Lady also was one of the greatest benefactors towards the ornaments of the church." Oldmixon

She was a clever and energetic woman, careful of her husband's estates and the education of his only son, the young Proprietor. She died in 1726. (8) He left issue :

1. Joseph Blake, born 1700, his heir.
2. Rebecca Blake, b. 1699 m. March 1717 George Smith, esq: 2nd son of Hon: Thomas Smith Landgrave and Governor of Carolina. (9)

Gov: Blake died 7th September 1700 (10) and was succeeded by his only son:

Honourable Colonel Joseph Blake of Plainsfield, Pawlets and Newington, Esq, J. P Lord Proprietor and Landgrave of Carolina, member of H M. Hon: Council for South Carolina and Colonel of the Provincial forces. He was born 1700 and educated probably partly in England. Soon after coming of age he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and elected to the Assembly.  Gov: Nicholson recommended him 25 June 1724, as one of 12 gentlemen fit to supply vacancies in the Council, he was afterwards Colonel of the Berkley regiment and 2nd April 1733 Gov: Johnson "recommends Col. Blake son of one of the late Proprietors" for the Council. In 1734 he was a trustee of the Free school at Dorchester and 10 Nov. 1736 was elected to the Commons for St Helena and sat until 3 June 1740 when he was appointed to the Council. In 1741 he was of the Committee to distribute the Fire relief fund. He went to England in 1746 and seems to have remained until 1748. (11) He continued of the Council until his death in 1751.

Col. Blake inherited his father’s Proprietorship and landed estates, besides a good estate from his mother’s family including the Newington, Mt Boone and Cypress lands, some 6000 acres, and the fine Newington mansion, where he chiefly resided. His Proprietorship was surrendered to the King under Act of Parliament 1729.

He m. 16 June 1720 Sarah dr. of Daniel Lindrey esq: (mem: assembly 1703) and Elizabeth his wife. (12) She predeceased him. He had issue :

1. Daniel Blake, his successor
2. Robert Blake, d. infant s: p. (13)
3. William Blake, of whom presently
1. Rebecca Blake, m. Ralph Izard esq: and left issue
2. Anne Blake, m 5 Nov: 1761 at Dorchester Adam Daniel esq: (mem: assembly 1763) she d.s.p? 17__ (14)

Col. Blake died in 1751 and was succeeded by his eldest son:

Honourable Daniel Blake of Newington Esq: J. P. Landgrave of Carolina, member of H. M. Hon. Council for S. Carolina etc was born at Newington ? 23 April 1731 (15) and educated in England; He inherited Newington (16) and a large estate. In 1755 he was Justice of the Peace and member of the Commons for Prince Williams, in 1757-59 for St Bartholomews, in 1761, 1762 for St Georges and 5 June 1762 was appointed to the Council. He supported Gov. Bull in 1765 and maintained a conservative course thro' the troubled years following. Mr Blake lived at Newington and in Charlestown and travelled at the North until June 1770, when he went to England (for his wife's health) resided in London, Bath and Buxton and travelled in England and on the Continent. He returned often to Carolina, where he was in the Councils of Lord Charles Montagu 1772 and Lord Wm Campbell 1775, and again in 1780. He died at Newington Dec. 29? 1780 s: p. (17) Mr. Blake m Nov: 1758 Margaret dr. of Henry Izard esq: and Margaret, dr of Gov. Johnson, his wife: she died 17__ . (18)

He m. 2nd, March 21, 1762 Elizabeth dr. and coheiress of Joseph Izard esq: and Anne, dr of John Bull esq; his wife. She survived him, lived many years abroad and at Newington and died 1792. (19)

William Blake (2nd son of Hon: Joseph Blake) of Plainsfield and Pawlets Esq: J P. afterwards of Sunbury Place, Middlesex, and Great Cumberland Place St Mary le bone.

Was born at Newington 1739 and educated in England. He received a large fortune from his father and acquired considerable estates in England and Carolina. (20) He was a subscriber to the Ludlam school fund, was in the Commission of the Peace and Sept. 1760 was elected to the Commons for St Bartholomews and 1762, 1763, 1764: etc for Prince Williams. He was in England in 1774 and joined in the petition to the King against the Boston Port bill; but he was conservative in his views and remaining in England was amerced by the act of 1782 as a Royalist.

Mr Blake m. 11 Feb: 1759 Anne dr. of Walter Izard Esq: (Mem: Commons) and Elizabeth dr. of John Gibbes esq: his wife; she was b. 19 Octr 1741, survived him and d (unknown); He left issue:

1. Joseph Blake, b 1769, his successor.
2. Daniel Blake, b 1775. of whom below.
1. Anne Blake, d. unm. 186_

Mr Blake died July 1803 (21) and was succeeded by his eldest son:

Joseph Blake of Hamells Park in the County of Herts Esq: was born 1769 and educated at Eton and Cambridge. He resided chiefly in London, m. 17__ Miss Hough dr. of Colonel Hough of the English army and had issue:

1. William Blake, his successor.
2. Joseph Blake, of whom presently.
3. Robert Blake, b ____ d. unm. s. p. 18__
4. Walter Blake, of whom below.
5. Francis Blake, b ___ , of British army, d unm: s: p. 1865.
1. Anna Maria Blake, m. Henry King, Esq: and had issue: Cecil Mowbray Wm King and Maria
Louisa Josephene Amelia King m. Viscount de la Pouy.
 2. Louisa Blake, m 12 April 1837 Arthur Marcus Cecil Hill, Baron Sandys P.C. 3rd son of Arthur Marquis of Downshire. His lordship d. 10 April 1863, issue:
    1. Augustus Frederick Arthur Sandys, Baron Sandys of Omersley, County Worcester, hon. Colonel Queens own Worcester Yeomanry Cavalry, b. 2 March 1840 ; m. 3 Aug. 1872 Augusta Ann dr. of Sir Charles Des Voeux, Bart.
    2. Marcus Windsor George, Capt. 3rd batt: Duke of Edinburghs Wilts, regmt, b. 28 Sept. 1849.
    3. Michael Edwin Marcus Sandys, b. 30 Dec: 1855.
    4. Edmund Arthur Marcus Sandys b. 9 March 1800.
    1. Mary Georgiana Carolina, m. 21 Oct. 1858 Sir Edmund Filmer, Bart.
    2. Anna Maria Frances, m. 28 Aug. 1868, Herbert Hay Langham, esq: and d. 27 May 1876.
    3. Cecil Josephine
    4. Charlotte Blundell d. 24 Aug. 1854.
    5. Rosa Louisa Vernon, m. 14 Oct. 1874 Capt. Duberley late Grenadier Guards, of Gaynes Hall Co. Huntingdon and has issue.
    6. Nina Violet America, m. Nov. 1880 Ambrose Charles Lisle Phillipps DeLisle esq: of Garendon Park Co: Leicester (who d 1883) and has issue.

Mr Blake d 27 March 1865 in England and was succeeded by his eldest son:

William Blake of Newington (22) S. C. and Park Crescent, Worthing and then of 28 New Styne, Brighton, Esqr, was born and educated in England; m. Dec. 1828 Jean Wykeham dr. of Fiennes Wykeham Martin, esq: of Leeds Castle, County Kent and of Chacombe Priory, Northamptonshire and Eliza, dr. of R Bagnell esq, his wife, and had issue:

1. Joseph Fiennes Blake.
2. Wenman William Frederick Blake.
1. Jean Elizabeth Blake.

Mr Blake died at Brighton April 1889.

Joseph Blake of _______  (2nd son of Joseph Blake esq:) was born and educated and resided in England. He m. 1837 Elizabeth Mary Anne dr. of Maj. Gen. Sir Evan John Murray McGregor K. C. B. Gov. of Windward islands and Elizabeth dr. of John 4th Duke of Athole and had issue:

1. Walter Francis Blake, b _____ Colonel HM _th Regiment.
2. Arthur Marcus Blake, b
3. Augustus Frederick Blake, b
4. Robert Blake, b

Mr Blake died at 80 Guildhall St: Bury St Edmunds in his 90th year 28 May 1889.

Walter Blake, of Bonny Hall. (S C) Esq: (4th son of Joseph Blake esq:) was born in England 1804 and educated at Cambridge; he came to Carolina and in May 1838 m. Anne dr of Ralph Izard esq: and Hester (dr of Thos Middleton esq:) his wife (she d. 10 Aug: 1892) and had issue:

1. Walter Blake jr: esq: b. Aug: 1841 m. Aug: 1870 Henrietta Louisa dr. of Daniel Blake esq: and d. s. p. 187__
2. Godfrey Mundy Blake, of whom presently.
3. Reginald Edmund Blake, b. May 1849 d. unm. s. p. 18__
4. Alfred Sidney Blake, of Hayfield, N. C. b. June 1851.
1. Louisa Patience Blake, b. 1840. m. May 186_ Daniel Blake Heyward esq. Issue:
     1. Anne Louise Heyward.
     2. Henrietta Heyward d. an inf. 18__
She [Louise Patience (Blake) Heyward] m. 2nd 1872 James R. Rutledge esq: (he d. Sept. 1899.)
2. Anna Maria Blake, b. 1843 m. 186_ Colonel Henry M. Rutledge 25th N. C. Regt, C. S. A. Issue: Frederick Rutledge. (She d. 187_)

Mr Blake died at Savannah Aug: 1871, was succeeded by his son:

Godfrey Mundy Blake, esq: of Rice Hope, Savannah river, b. July 1845 m. 1897 Jane dr of ______ Hardee, of Hardeeville S. C.

Daniel Blake of West Preston in County Sussex, and Board House, S. Carolina, Esq: (2nd son of Wm Blake esq:) was born in England 1775 and educated at Cambridge. He came to Carolina, where he possessed large estates, and m. 1 Jan: 1800 Anne Louisa dr. of Hon. Arthur Middleton and Mary, dr of Walter Izard esq: his wife, (she d. 1819) and had issue:

1. Daniel Blake., His successor.
2. Arthur Middleton Blake, b. in England 1812 d. s. p. in London 1881.
1. Louisa Blake, m Arthur M. Heyward esq: and d. 1852 leaving issue Daniel B. Heyward, Walter B. Heyward.
2. Frances M. m. Thomas P. Rutledge esq: and was lost with him on the steamer Pulaski 1836, s. p.

Mr Blake died in Savannah, Ga 9 Dec. 1834 (23) and was succeeded by his eldest son:

Daniel Blake of Board House and the Meadows, Esq: was born in England 31st Jan: 1803, educated at St Johns College Cambridge; But resided in Carolina. He m. Emma Middleton dr. of Henry Rutledge esq: (she d. 23 April 1853) and had issue:

1. Frederick Rutledge Blake, his successor.
2. Francis Daniel Blake, of whom presently.
3. Arthur Middleton Blake, of whom later.
4. Henry Middleton Blake, b. 1855 d. 1855.
 1. Frances Helen Blake, b. 10 Aug 1842.
2. Henrietta Louisa Blake, b. Oct. 1843, m. Walter Blake jr. esq: and d. Sept. 1872, s. p.

Mr Blake m 2nd, July 22, 1856 Helen dr. of Samuel Craig of New York esq: and Helen Bayley his wife and had issue:

1. Robert Bunch Blake of the Meadows, N. C. Esq: b. 23 Jan: 1861, educated in Switzerland and at U. S. Naval Academy.
1. Emma Craig Blake, m. 5 Oct: 1892 Benj. H. Rutledge of Charleston, esq: and has issue.
2. Helen Bayley Blake, m 5 Oct: 1892 Oliver M. Rutledge of the Knoll, N. C. and has issue:

Mr Blake died at the Meadows 10 Aug: 1873, his eldest son:

Frederick R. Blake of Newington N. C. and Board House Esq: M: D, Capt: 25 N. C. Regt C. S. A. was b. 24th Jan: 1838, educated at Philadelphia Medical College, served thro' the Confederate war, as lieutenant and then captain in that regmt and was wounded at Cold Harbour; m 1865, Olivia dr of Oliver Hering Middleton esq: and has issue:

1. Edmund Molyneux Blake.
2. Daniel Blake, b. October 1872.
1. Emma Rutledge Blake b. Aug. 1868 d. March 1873.
2. Eliza Fisher Blake.

His eldest son:

Edmund M. Blake, b. 14 Jan: 1866, educated at Virginia Mil: Ins: and West Point. Lieutenant __th Artillery U. S. A. m. 189_ Eleanor dr of Colonel Farley U. S. A. and has issue:

1. Ayliffe. B. Blake, b.
1. Olivia Middleton Blake.

Francis Daniel Blake (2nd son of Daniel Blake esq:) late captain Artillery C. S. A. was born May 1841, served thro' the Confederate war and d. at the Meadows Oct. 1872. He m. 186_ Sarah dr of Lieut General Leonidas Polk C. S. A late Bishop of Louisiana, and left issue:

1. Francis Polk Blake, C E. of Birmingham Ala, born 1st June 1872, educated at Boston School of Technology.

Arthur M. Blake of Quitman Ga: (3rd son of Daniel Blake esq:) born May 1848 m. Nov. 1872 Catherine Maxwell, and had issue:

1. Wade H. Blake. 
2. Joseph Blake
3. Charles Blake b. ___ d. 1891
4. Francis H. Blake
5. Z. Vance Blake
6. Daniel Blake.
1. Emma Blake.

Notes.
(1) "T'was about this time, that the Persecution rais'd by the Popish Faction, and their adherents, in England, against the Protestant Dissenters, was at its height; and no Part of this Kingdom suffered more by it than Somersetshire. The Author of this History liv'd at that time with Mr. Blake, brother to the famous General of that name being educated by his Son-in-law, who taught School in Bridgewater; and remembers, tho' then very young, the reasons old Mr. Blake us'd to give for leaving England : One of which was, That the miseries they endur'd, meaning the Dissenters then, were nothing to what he foresaw would attend the Reign of a Popish successor; wherefore he resolv'd to remove to Carolina: And he had so great an Interest among Persons of his principles. I mean Dissenters, that many honest substantial Persons engaged to go over with him." Oldmixon, Car. Col: 2.p 407

(2) Warrant to Maj: Maurice Matthews: To lay out to Capt: Benjamin Blake 1090 acres of land in some place not yett laid out etc the said land being due to the said Benjamin Blake by and for the transportation into this province of himselfe and 21 persons whose names are recorded in the Secretarys Office in the said province etc 10 May 1682 etc Dated 18 March 1683, Joseph Morton etc Sec: Office Bk 1682-92 p 243. This was probably Pawlets; The grant to Plainsfield, 1000 acres was 5 July 1683.

(3) And Randolph in 1701 calls Landgrave Morton Gov: Blake's brother in law. But Elizabeth dr. of Benj: Blake esq: m. Wm Dry esq: who d. 1699 intestate (leaving a son Wm Dry esq:, Speaker of the Assembly 1728 and probably a dr. Elizabeth m. Geo. Crichton esq: J P.) she m. 17__ Richard Weekley gent : she d. 1728. 22 Feb. 1699-1700 We Landgrave Jos. Morton, Jas Stanyarne, Capt. Edm. Bellinger, Eliz : Dry and Geo. Logan are bound to Jos: Blake, Govr etc Elizabeth Dry admx of Wm Dry late of this province deceased. Bk 1691-99. p. 335. Aug 27 1714 will of Geo. Crichton of Berkley Co : wife Elizabeth one half estate and all plate etc my dr Ann Crichton £200 ; my dr Elizabeth Crichton and her brother Geo. Crichton, my wife Elizabeth's children; my mother Elizabeth Weekley and my brother Wm Dry mourning etc proved 7 April 1715. Bk 1729, 31. p 9. Aug. 20 1715 mar. setmt Wm Wallace of Carolina & Elizabeth Crichton, widow. etc her children George and Eliz: Crichton 17 Dec. 1716 Richard Weekley of Charleston neck, gent : all to my wife Elizabeth Weekley and appoint her sole exex; proved 29 July 1720. Bk 1690-1725 p 101. 7 Dec. 1727 deed of gift Elizabeth Weekley of Berkley Co: widow to loving kinswoman Elizabeth Fenwicke wife of John Fenwick of Charlestown mercht, and in consideration that he hath agreed to maintain me during my life etc negroes etc. 1728 May 12 Then was buried Mrs Weekeley by the Rev: Mr Garden. St Phil Reg. 

(4) 1687 Oct: 10. Lds Proprietors to Benjamin Blake Esq: commission appointing him Clerk of the Crown and Clerk of the Peace for that part of Carolina lying south and west of Cape Fear. H S. S. C. vol. I. p. 120. 116. 119 

(5) Gov: Blake is styled Landgrave in a warrant 20 Nov. 1694 also in Act 17 Jan. 169 4/5 A A 2 p. 86 and Proprietor 10 March 169 6/7, Ibid 132: He was probably made a Landgrave on succeeding Gov. Smith and Proprietor on succeeding Gov. Archdale, altho' the deed conveying Lord Berkeleys proprietorship was not made until 11 April 1698.

(6) 25 April 1697 Lds Proprs to Jos: Blake esq: one of the Landgraves of Carolina; express their satisfaction in the conduct of Mr Archdale and his placing his proprietary in such good hands as those of the person addressed; as he is now one of them urge him to get settled in Carolina by the Assembly constitutions which may tend both to the good of the people and themselves. Hist Soc. Col. I. p. 141.

(7) 6 Dec: 1698 Jos: Blake esq: bond to John Alexander of Charlestown mercht £1258 17s, whereas Francis Turgis gent: late of this Province deed, dyed intestate whereby admin'n of his estate was committed to Elizabeth Turgis relict of ye sd Francis and whereas ye sd Francis Turgis left two daughters Elizabeth and Mary to whom by law 2/3 of his estate did belong, estate £944; and whereas there is an Intermarriage intended between ye sd Joseph Blake and ye sd Elizabeth Turgis relict of ye sd Francis Turgis Now condition etc pay £314 14s 9d each to sd Elizabeth and Mary at 21 or marriage and meantime give and allow without any charge to ye sd children such maintenance and education in this Country as shall be thought requisite by ye sd Elizabeth Turgis Mother of ye sd children or ye sd John Alexander etc Bk 1693-704 p. 270 Elizabeth m. Thos Diston esq: mem: Council 1710.11; Mary m, 19 may 1713 Walter Izard esq: mem: Commons.

(8) 30 Sept. 1725 will Elizabeth Blake widdow in the County of Berkley in the province of Carolina etc to my drs Elizabeth Dicton and Mary Izard £500 each, to every one of my gd children living at my death £100 etc to the building of an Anabaptist parsonage house in CharlesTown £50 and to the Minister £20 per an: to my beloved Sister Elizabeth Weekley for life £20 per an: the said Elizabeth being the dr: of Benjamin Blake decd; to my beloved Son Joseph Blake all the rest etc appoint him ex'or. Pd. 23 July 1726.

(9) 19 March 1716 bond £10,000. and Indenture between Hon: Landgrave Thomas Smith of Berkley Co: & Mary his wife 1st part, the Honourable the Lady Elizabeth Blake of Berkley Co: wido & Walter Izard esq: 2nd part, and Rebecca Blake dr, of ye said Eliz: Blake 3rd part; whereas a marriage by ye Grace of God is intended shortly etc between George Smith one of the sons of Landgrave Thos Smith and the said Rebecca Blake Now etc to Geo. Smith paid & by Eliz: Blake as ye marriage portion of Rebecca Blake etc joynture made to her etc plantation 787 acres etc

(10) 27 Dec. 1699 will Joseph Blake of Plainsfield in ye County of Colleton; to my dr. Rebecca my proprietary in ye 1/8 of ye Province of Carolina with all ye Royalties etc all my lands in Carolina with the buildings etc but if she die before 21 etc then to my cousin Wm Dry son of my sister Elizabeth Dry; to my beloved sister Mrs Elizabeth Dry £100; I remit what is due to me on ye Presbyterian Meeting house in Charlestown and desire that title be made to the house etc my friend Dr Jas Williams; his dr. Margaret Williams £50; Mr Jas Stanyarne £50, assist my wife in managemt of my estate ; all rest to my wife Elizabeth Blake & my dr. Rebecca ; wife sole exe'x. Mem: I give to my affectionate Mother ye Lady Rebecca Axtell £20 to buy her & her waiting maid mourning and will in case my wife be delivered of a child and it be a son that he have my Proprietary and lands and 1/3 residue of my estate. Bk 1687-170O p. 37.

(11) 4 Oct: 1746 Gov Glen writes: Mr Blake and Mr Atkins have asked leave to go to England. Charlestown 31 March 1748 the Snow Nancy from Bristol was taken by Spaniards in sight of the Town the Hon: Joseph Blake who came passenger in her was landed here the same day by her long-boat. S.C. Gazette
 
(12) 1 June 16 1720 Then was married Joseph Blake & Sarah Lyndrey by ditto (Rev. Alex. Garden) License by Gov. Johnson St Phil. Reg:

(13) 31 Ang. 1738 Thomas Distons will: my uncle Joseph Blake; my cousins Daniel & Robert Blake.

(14) 18 Dec. 1750 will Joseph Blake of Berkley Co: in prov: S. Carolina; estate be kept together until it raises £2000 ster. & £1000 proc'n money, exclusive of maintenance of my sons Daniel Blake & Wm Blake and dr. Anne Blake, interest towards their education & maintenance; £1000 to each at 21 etc; to son Daniel Blake plan'n I live on called Newington also Cypress and lands on Charlestown neck between High road & Cooper river. 1500 acres, 597 acres etc; to my son Wm Blake plan'n on Wadmelaw & New cut called Plainsfield, land on Charlestown neck betw High road & Ashly river; to dr Rebecca Izard 1873 acres Granville Co: etc to my dr Anne Blake 1000 acres etc rest of real estate to sons Daniel & Wm Blake; household goods & plate to sons & dr. Anne; coach & horses to son Daniel; rest personal estate to my four children etc exrs dr Rebecca Izard, son Daniel Blake, son Ralph Izard. Pd 30 Aug. 1751. Bk 1747.52 p. 448

(15) Daniel ye son of Joseph and Sarah Blake of Dorchester baptised Oct ye 24, 1731. St Andrews Register 

(16) The stately brick mansion, with its fine grounds and avenue of four rows of live oaks, was one of the finest in Carolina; long a picturesque ruin, it has now been destroyed.

(17) Charlestown 30 Dec: 1780: Death: After a few days illness, Daniel Blake Esq: S. C. & Am. Gen. Gaz. Will 9 May 1773 Daniel Blake of Charlestown in the Province of S. Carolina, Esq now residing in London; wife Elizabeth Blake £5000 ster: all plate, furniture, linen, jewels etc; to wife for life Newington and Cypress etc and in fee plantations in Pr Williams, St Helena and Craven County; to nephews Ralph & Walter Izard each £1500 and 1/2 my Savannah river lands; £1500 each for my nieces Lady Wm Campbell wife of Lord Wm Campbell and Rebecca Campbell wife of Collin Campbell esq; to friend Ralph Izard son of Henry Izard, deed, £4000; to the S. C. Society, Friendly Society & Library Society each £100 ; Free School of St Georges £150; to Church Wardens of parish of St Georges £100 the interest to go to the Rector or Preacher of an annual sermon on 23rd April in every year in that Parish Church; all rest to my Brother Wm Blake; my said Brother, my nephew Ralph Izard Jr. Ralph Izard, son of Henry Izard & Miles Brewton esq: exors. Codicils S. Carolina 28 March 1780 & 28 Dec. 1780; pd 4 Jan. 1781 Wm Blake exor. Bk 1778-81 p. 688

(18) About three weeks ago, Daniel Blake esq; one of the Representatives in the General Assembly of this Province for the Parish of St Bartholomew, was married to Miss Margaret Izard only Daughter and Heiress of the late Henry Izard, Esq; a young Lady of fine Accomplishments with a great fortune. S. C. Gaz. Dec. 1758. On Sunday last, Daniel Blake, Esq; to Miss Elizabeth Izard, daughter of Joseph Izard Esq : deceased. Ibid Sat 27 March. 1762.

(19) 1 20 April 1783 Eliz: blake widow of late Daniel Blake of S. C. now residing in London, all lands etc inherited from my father and mother Joseph and Ann Izard to my cousin Ralph Izard; his sister Lady Wm Campbell; inherited from my grandmother Mary Bull; £100 ster: each to parishes Pr. William, St George, St Philip & St Michael for poor; £200 to Wm Blake of S. C ; all left by my late husband to his youngest nephew Daniel Blake & all plate with the Blake arms ; my watch & pearls to Mrs Eliz: Farr for her attention to my late husband in his last illness ; Codicil Dorchester 7 April 1786; 1791 friend Mrs Drayton house in Church St. and furniture at Newington; pd 18 Oct. 1792
(20) 20 June 1760 he sold to Daniel Blake esq: for £5250 his 1/2 of lot 313 with brick mansion, in Archdale square north of the State House, granted 20 Dec 1696 to Hon. Jos: blake grandfather of said Daniel and Wm Blake and by their father Hon. Jos: Blake devised' to them 18 Dec. 1750. Bk V. V. p._ 17 Feb. 1761 he sold Plainsfield & Pawlets 2796 acres to Francis Yonge esq: and bought Grove Hall 1945 acres of Fr. Kinloch esq: and 1790 Bonny Hall on Combahee of Thos Middleton esq: Bk B. no 3. P 290. W W 725.

(21) 18 March 1802 Wm Blake a citizen of U. S. but now of Sunbury Place Co. Middlesex — wife Anne Blake £500, all furniture etc house Gt Cumberland Place, wife and Edgell Wyatt esq: to sell Sunbury Place and invest in Public funds etc wife £1500 per an: interest £36500 & £13500 annuities; my gd son Wm Blake £10000; gd son Jos. Blake £20000; gd dr. Anne Blake £50.0; gd son Robert Blake £5000; sons & dr. of my son Jos. Blake; to son Jos. Blake lands in Carolina purchased of Thos Middleton esq: also Newington & Cypress for life, then to his son Wm Blake; to my son Daniel Blake all plant'ns Board house, Savannah, Hickory hill etc and Savannah river lands, negroes etc land Charlestown neck and all rest to sons Joseph and Daniel Blake, wife and E. Wyatt exors England, sons Joseph and Daniel Blake and Thos Parker exors S. Carolina, Codicil 3 Dec 1802 dr Anne chariot & horses etc. Pd Canterbury 15 July 1803.

(22) Mr Blake 23 March 1830 sold Newington & Cypress 4021 acres to Henry A Middleton esq: Bk N no 10 p. 474 see also M. C. O. Bk F. no: 9. p. 31, and L no. 9. p. 549 for recitals of descent.
(23) Died, in the City of Savannah, on the 9th inst : after a short illness Daniel Blake, Esq: of this State, in the 59th year of his age. Courier 25 Dec. 1834

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Will of Charles Blake, Gentleman, Parish of St George Hanover Square, Middlesex - The National Archives PROB 11/655, probated 1 Dec 1732

Charles, the Testator, does not mention that his son Charles is in America. The contents of his will stating that his son Charles Blake has disposed of the property he was to inherit from his father in his will does make me think this could be the will of his father. Verifying that would take time for sure but I do transcribe this will to follow yesterday’s will to allow the consideration to be made that this is the father of Charles Blake whose will was transcribed on the 26th of January 2016 and placed on my blog.

A possibility is Charles Blake, son of Thomas and Dorothy Blake born 5 Mar 1637 at Hurstbourne Tarrant, Hampshire.

Teresia Tilden, daughter of George Tilden and Teresia Blake was baptized 2 May 1707 at Saint Paul Covent Garden, Westminster. She would have been 25 when her grandfather wrote this will.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 28 Jan 2017
Source:  The National Archives, PROB 11/655
Name of testator: Charles Blake, Gentleman
Place: Parish of St George Hanover Square, Middlesex, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 27 Oct 1732, probated 1 Dec 1732

[In margin] Tm Caroli Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Charles Blake of the parish of St George Hannover Square in the
3    County of Middlesex Gent being of sound and perfect mind and memory
4    (praised be God the Lord) But well knowing the uncertainty of this frayle
5    life do make ordaine publish and declare this to be my last Will and
6    Testament in manner and forme following And first I bequeath my Soule
7    into the hands of Almighty God hopeing to be saved by and through the merits
8    of the bitter death and passion of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and my
9    body to the Earth from whence it came to be decently buryed in the Church
10    yard of St Pauls Covent Garden of the West and beside the place where my
11    late wives and their Children were buryed Butt my desire and intent is that
12    the whole charge of my Funerall do not exceed the summe of Twenty Five
13    pounds And as to that worldly Estate of which I shall dye possessed of what
14    nature of kind soever the same be (after my debts legacies and Funerall
15    expences are paid and is charged) I give bequeath and dispose of the
16    same and every part thereof in manner and forme following (that is to say)
17    Imprimis I give and bequeath to my son in law George Tilden the summe of
18    Tenn pounds to buy him mourning Item I give and I bequeath to my Grand
19    Son and Godson George Tilden the summe of Tenn pounds to buy him a
20    Mourning and also my Gold Watch and Chains to it Item I give to my Grand
21    daughter Teresia Baladine Sister to the above mentioned George Tilden the
22    summe of Tenn pounds to buy her Mourning and my diamond Ring and alsoe
23    to her husband       Baladine the summe of Tenn pounds to by him
24    Mourning Item I give to my Nephew Charles Blake and his Wife a Ring
25    apiece valued a Guinea each Item I give to my Neice Dorothy Blake Twelve
26    pounds per annum for her life Issuing out of my Estate and alsoe Five pounds
27    for mourning my Guilt spoone knie and forke and my Coffee and Tea
28    Equipage and all my wearing linen of what nature or kind soever Item I
29    give and bequeath unto Richard Shelton of St James Westminster Esquire
30    and Robert Deale of St Georges Hannover Square Gentleman ______
31    and good friends the summe of Tenn pounds apiece and also a Ring of a
32    Guinea value to each of them Item I give and bequeath to Elizabeth
33    Howard my present Maid servant a legacy of Five pounds to buy her
34    mourning Item I further give to my above said Grandson George Tilden
35    the summe of Two hundred and Fifty pounds to be paid to him as soone and as
36    conveniently my Executors hereinafter named can pay the same Item
37    I further give to my above said Grandaughter Teresia Baladine and
38    Sister to the abovesaid George Tilden the like summe of Two hundred and
39    Fifty pounds to be paid to her as soon as my said Executors can conveniently
40    raise and pay the same and all the rest and residue of my reall and
41    personal Estate of what nature or kind soever which shall be so seized and
42    comprised of (after my debts funeral expences and legacies hereby given
43    and bequeathed are paid and discharged) I give and bequeath the same to
44    be disposed of in such manner and proportion as my late son Charles Blake
45    has by his last Will and Testament in writing or by any other deed guift
46    or Testament under his hand and seale directed and appointed And I do
47    hereby ratify and confirme such settlement and disposition thereof as
48    my said late Son Charles Blake hath by such Will deed or other settlement
49    directed and appointed And I hereby direct and appoint and it is my last Will
50    desire and intention that if any of the Legatees herein mentioned and to whome
51    I have by this my last Will given any legacy or legacies or any person or persons
52    claiming by from and or him her or they or any of them shall att any time
53    after my decease trouble hinder or molest my Executors herein after
54    named or either of them in the due Execution and performance of this my
55    last Will and Testament in any respect whatsoever either in law or Equity
56    or in the Prerogative Court of otherwise heresoever that then and from
57    thence forth the legacy or legacies bequest or bequests of him her or them
58    or other person claiming or to claim by from or under him her of them
59    so in bring arresting troubling hindring or molesting my said Executors or any
60    of them in the execution of this my last Will and Testament in any aspect
61    whatsoever or for concerning or relating to any legacy or legacies matter or thing
62    therein contained shall and is hereby declared to be null and void to all intents
63    constructions and purposes as if no such legacy or legacies had ever beene
64    given or bequeathed to him her or them so judging as aforesaid And I do hereby
65    constitute and appoint the above mentioned Richard Shelton of St James
66    Westminster and Robert Deal of St Georges Hannover Square to be my
67    Executors of this my last Will and Testament and do desire that they will
68    permit my above mentioned Neice Mrs Dorothy Blake to continue in the
69    possession of my household goods plate and belongings unto my said house
70    until my Executors thinke fit and proper and I do hereby revoke and
71    denounce all former Wills by me att any time before made and publish and
72    declare this to be my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I have to
73    this my last Will contained in one Sheete of paper sett my hand and Seale
74    this twenty seventh day of October in the yeare of our Lord Christ one
75    Thousand seven hundred and Thirty two Charles Blake Signed Sealed
76    published and declared by the Testator as his last Will and Testament in
77    the presence of us and who at his request and in his presence sett our names
78    as witnesses hereunto George Shelton Jas Snowden John Prescott
79    Probatum fuit hujusmodi Testamentum apud London
80    prime die Mensis decembris Anno domini Millesimo Septingentesimo
81    tricesimo seconde Coran venerabili viro Edwarde Kinaston Legum
82    doctore Surrogato venerabilis et Eg edgij viri Johannis Bettesworth
83    Legum doctoris Curie Prerogative cantuarie viro Magistri Custodis
84    sive Commissary legitime constitute Juramentio Richardi Shelton et
85    Roberti Deal Executorum in dicto Testamento nominat Quibus commissa
86    fuit administration omnium et singulorum bonorum junuim et
87    creditorium dicti defuncti de bene et fidelier administrando eadem ad
88    sancta dei evangelia jurat

Friday, January 27, 2017

Blake families of America

For the most part I do not attempt to separate out Blake families in America. It isn't that I do not think it could be done but so many books have been published and the desire to be descendant of the Blake families in Massachusetts so strong that I tend to avoid the discussions.

Finding the will of Charles Blake in Maryland was really very very interesting. He was apparently, according to some published family lore, educated in Paris at a Roman Catholic Institution. His descendants appear to still be in Maryland in 1790 and it would be easy to continue pulling them from the census records.

Why, in the late 1600s would someone choose to be educated in Paris? The Restoration of the Monarchy has eliminated the Puritan influence of the Cromwell era but restored the Church of England as the religion of the land. In neither realm would a Roman Catholic adherent have felt comfortable.

I did toy with the idea that this Charles who left his will in 1732 might be from the Wiltshire Blake family (namely the South Newton area) but I did find this family still quite intact in the Wiltshire area in the latter part of the 1600s when Charles was already in London. There was a Blake family in London in this time period and they created the Blake Pedigree Chart held by the Swindon and Wiltshire Record Office as well as by the actual creator of the Pedigree the College of Arms.

I do have an electronic copy of that chart and there was a Charles son of Thomas Blake of Finkley and Finkley was near Andover, Hampshire and he did live in London according to the chart. This chart was initially prepared in 1690 when Charles Blake, the testator of the 1732 will, was known to be living in London. Unfortunately this line was not traced down any further. This family was not wealthy but they were likely comfortable.


Will of Charles Blake of Maryland Province - The National Archives PROB 11/663, probated 17 Jan 1733

Charles Blake, the testator, was married to Henrietta Maria Lloyd. He died 18 Mar 1732 at Queenstown, Queen Ann, Maryland Province (currently Maryland, USA). They had four children

John Blake
Henrietta (Henny) Maria Blake 1700
Philemon Charles Blake
Dorothy Blake born 26 Nov 1702, died 8 Jul 1734

Charles Blake, the testator, was the son of Charles Blake and Dorothy Sayer. Charles (the father) left his will dated 7 Oct 1832 and had knowledge of his son’s death prior to that time. In Charles’, the testator) will he mentions property which his father has given him leave to sell and expressed a desire that his father do sell this property and the money to come to his children as proposed in the will. I will transcribe Charles’ father’s will next.

Charles Blake, the testator, is born in England likely as his father is still living there.

Online trees suggest that Charles Blake married Henrietta Maria Lloyd in London, England but I could not find a verification of this marriage in the records in London but they could have married at a “Peculiar” Parish.

This is one of the “founding” Blake lines in the United States. There is information on the Lloyd family in “Adventurers of Purse and Person, Virginia, 1607-1624/5: Families G - P; edited by John Frederick Dorman and published by the Genealogical Publishing Company.

https://books.google.ca/books?id=tcM40zgdAZgC&pg=PA437&lpg=PA437&dq=Charles+Blake+wye+river+maryland&source=bl&ots=xMAwnPEk9a&sig=afSJUlY4EVIThXp2E2gI1uL_RZ0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi6nbfxouLRAhVK7YMKHVmNBxcQ6AEIGjAA#v=onepage&q=Charles%20Blake%20wye%20river%20maryland&f=false

From this particular book:  Henrietta Maria Lloyd was the daughter of  Philemon Lloyd and Henrietta Maria (Neale) Bennett (widow of Richard Bennett).  She married Charles Blake who came to Maryland about 1685 and settled at Wye River. Their children named in this book: John Sayer Blake, Philemon Charles Blake, Henrietta Maria Blake (married (unknown) Stringfellow); and Dorothy (married to Charles Carroll).

The Lloyd family arrived in Maryland as early as 1623/24 and on 30 Mar 1636 he received a patent for 400 acres in the westernmost branch of Elizabeth River.

A tree on World Connect has transcribed a will purported to be that of John Sayer Blake:

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=spot54&id=I17088
    BLAKE, JOHN SAYER, Queen Anne's Co., gentleman. 5 Oct, 1748; 24 Nov, 1748
    To sons JOHN, CHARLES, and the child unborn, 1 tract of land called "Russendal," and 1 tract adjoining called "Coursey's Neck," which when intailed on me by my father CHARLES BLAKE.
    To exs., my land in Talbot Co., generally known by name of "Grosses"; sd. land to be sold,
    1/3 of my estate to wife; remaining 2/3 to my 5 child, and unborn child.
    Wife, bro. Philemon Charles Blake, and bro.-in-law Philip Darnal, exs.
    Wit: Edward Knott, R. Porter, James Tilghman. 25. 460
    (contributed by Norma Lundgren)

    probably kin:
    Sayer, Peter, Col.,Talbot Co.,29th Aug., 1697;
    2nd Nov., 1697.
    To wife Frances, 1/3 of estate, real and personal, except the plate and linen.
    To nephew Charles Blake and godson John Blake, 1/3 of estate, real and personal, equally.
    To the English Benedictine Nuns and English Benedictine Monks at Paris, and to English Fri****rs, 1/3 of estate.
    Testator directs exs., viz, wife Frances and Charles Blake afsd. to sell “Propt'rs Island” or some other piece of property, and out of the proceeds to pay certain personalty to Thomas Lifeholly, each of testator's grandchild. (unnamed) and to all priests in the Province. Sd. exs. also to have charge of Aunt Varney.
    Test: Peter Jolly, Chris. Goodhard, Jacob Petett, Lewis de Rochburn. 7. 334.

None of the lines are traced down in any tree that I have found thus far but there were sons of John Sayer Blake living at the time of the writing of his will.

A second tree on world connect provides details on Philemon Charles Blake:

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=my-update&id=I39929

BLAKE, PHILEMON CHARLES, Queen Anne's Co. 13 Jan, 1753; 6 Feb, 1761
To wife Sarah Blake, land and clothing. At her decease, to son Philemon Charles Blake, dwelling plantation and all lands adjoining of several tracts, but lately resurveyed by my dec'd. father, Charles Blake, and called Blakeford; likewise that pt. of tracts called Lloyd's Meadows and Lloyd's Meadows Addition, given to aunt Alice Lloyd, lying near the head of Wye River, upon condition that sd. Philemon Charles Blake shall, in 18 months after my decease, at that time he will be age 21, cut off the intail of my land lying on Corsia Creek called Bennett's Regulation, and convey to my son Charles Blake; if son Philemon Charles Blake shall fail in the performance of this condition, then I revoke the devise of dwelling plantation.
To Reverend James Bodnall, suit of mourning; 10 lbs. current money.
Children: Henrietta Maria, Philemon Charles, Elizabeth and Charles.
Extx: Wife Sarah.
Wit: Susanna Tilghman, Juliana Carrol, Edward Neale. Probated by Julianna Tilghman, late Juliana Carroll, one of the witnesses.
Depositions of Susanna Tilghman and Juliana Tilghman, made 6 Feb, 1761, that they saw testator sign his will.
Deposition of Francis Hall of Cecil County, gentleman, who says he belieyes the name Edward Neale, subscribed as a witness to the above will, is the handwriting of his father-in-law Edward Neale. 31. 166

Mr. Philemon Charles Blake 90.209 QA £902.16.5 Apr 24 1765 Sep 1 1766
Appraisers: John Willson, Philemon Gran.
Creditors: Anthony McCulioch, Thomas Clayland.
Next of kin: Charles Blake, Henritta Maria Blake.
Mentions: father Philemon Charles Blake.
Executrix: Ann Blake.

Philemon Charles Blake also has living sons named in his will above.

At this time I will not attempt to follow these lines down but looking at the 1790 US census in Maryland there are eleven Blake families listed.  Charles Blake, John S Blake and Philomon C Blake all at Queen Annes as three separate families, George Blake and Thomas Blake at Worcester, Isaac Blake at North Susquehannah, John Blake, William Blake and William Blake at Talbot, William Blake at Dorchester and William Blake at Baltimore Town.

The next will to transcribe will be that of the possible father of the present testator.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 27 Jan 2017
Source:  The National Archives, PROB 11/663
Name of testator: Charles Blake
Place: Maryland Province (now Maryland, USA)
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 24 Aug 1723, probated 17 Jan 1733

[In margin] Charles Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    the four and twentieth day of August One thousand
3    seven hundred and twenty three I Charles Blake the
4    unworthy Servant of God well and strong both in body and
5    mind blessed be God but knowing the uncertainty of the
6    continuance thereof do freely and intirely resign myself to
7    my Creator hoping wheresoever it shall please him to take me
8    out of this troublesome World to be made a partaker of his
9    Eternall Glory thro’ the Meritts and passion of my dear
10    Redeemer and Saviour Jesus Christ into whose hands I
11    recommend my Soul and my body to the Earth from whence it
12    came to be buried by me dear Wife if I dye in Maryland
13    and of my worldly Estate I thus dispose viz [a vi]t Imprimis I give
14    and bequeath to my son John two Tracts of Land called
15    Russendale and Courseys Neck adjoyning to it in Wye River to
16    him and his heirs male lawfully begotten but in case he
17    should dye without such Then I give and bequeath the two
18    aforesaid Tracts of Land to my Son Philemon and his heires
19    male and in case it should please God he also should dye
20    without heirs male Then I give and bequeath the two
21    aforesaid Tracts of Land to the female heires of my son
22    John and their heires for ever Item I give and bequeath to
23    my son John all the rest of my Land whatsoever lying between
    [Examined by Me Nath Patten Notary Publick]
24    Wye River and the wading place for him and his heires for
25    ever provided he my son John quit all claime and demands
26    of or to any part of my personal Estate on the account and
27    by virtue of my Uncle Sayer’s last Will and likewise makes
28    good to Pet[e]r harwood my Title to the Land sold him by me
29    which was my wifes which two things if he shall not bona
30    fide do and perform Then I bind the abovesaid Lands to make
31    good the damages which may accrew to my other Children by
32    his non performance thereof Item I give and bequeath unto my
33    son Philemon all my Land on Chester River viz [a vi]t white banks
34    Coursey Neck and long Neglect to him and his heires for ever
35    And whereas my father has promist me and given me an
36    estate in England by his last Will and has also given me
37    leave to dispose of it by Will I therefore confiding if it should
38    please God I dye before him that he will make good; this part
39    of my last Will and Testament do thus dispose of that Estate
40    in England viz [a vi]t I give and bequeath unto my dear daughter
41    Dorothy Carroll fifty pounds a year sterling to be paid her
42    yearly and every year for the space of ten years out of the
43    aforesaid Estate Item I give and bequeath to my son John
44    one third part of the remaining Revenue and to my Son
45    Philemon two thirds until he shall receive the summe of three
46    hundred pounds sterling more than his brother John Then the
47    whole to be equally divided between my two Sons John and
48    Philemon and their heires and for fear my intent and
49    meaning may be missunderstood I desire my daughter Carrol
50    may have five hundred pounds sterling paid her out of that
51    Estate in ten years space and Philemon have three hundred
52    pounds sterling more than his Brother John according to the
53    aforesaid partition Item I order and appoint the aforesaid
54    limitations being ended and give and bequeath all the rest
55    and remainder and whatsoever left me by my Father last
56    Will and Testament reall and personal to be equally divided
57    between my two Sons John and Philemon and their heires
58    for ever Item I give and bequeath to my dear daughter
59    Henny a Suite of mourning and nothing else having an
60    otherways taken care and provided for her All the rest of my
61    Estate whatsoever reall and personal my just debts being paid
62    I give and bequeath to be equally divided between my two
63    Sons John and Philemon and their heires for ever But if
64    it should please God that either of my two Sons John or
65    Philemon should dye without an Issue male lawfully
66    begotten Then I give and bequeath all the reall Estate left me
67    or that shall be left me by my Father in England to the
68    heire male of the surviving Brother and do appoint
69    constitute and make my two Sons John and Philemon the
70    Executors of this my last Will and Testament and do hereby
71    revoke annul and make void all other former Wills and Testaments
72    whatsoever by me formerly made before the date hereof
73    In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and
74    seale the day and yeare above written Cha: Blake
75    Signed Sealed published and declared in presence of us
76    Rd Tilghman Otto Coursey Richd Tilghman junior etc
77    Whereas Charles Carrol of Annapolis in Maryland
78    Surgeon who marryed my daughter Dorothy hath lately
79    exhibitted a Bill of Complaint against me in the Chancery
80    Court of Maryland thereby suggesting a promise I made him
81    of giving my said daughter five hundred pounds portion
82    which I solemnly declare was after no other manner or form
83    than as is above by me bequeathed and sett down my true
84    will intent and meaning therefore is that in case the said
85    Charles shall obtaine a decree in the Chancery Court against
86    me for the said five hundred pounds that then the within
87    Clause of my Will giving to my daughter Dorothy wife of the
88    said Charles five hundred pounds in the manner therein
89    declared And I do againe faithfully declare that I never made
90    any promise to the said Charles after other form or manner
91    whatsoever be null and void to all intents and purposes whatsoever
92    as if never inserted therein at the same time giving to my
93    said daughter and the said Charles five shillings current money
94    and no more out of my whole Estate hereby publishing and
95    declaring this to be my true and last Will and Testament so
96    farr as relates to my said daughter and the said Charles her
97    husband and adding it as a Codicill to my said Will confirming
98    hereby my Will as aforesaid as to every thing else contained
99    therein In witness whereof I do sett my hand and seale this third
100    day of September anno domini One thousand seven hundred
101    and twenty five Chas Blake Signed Sealed Published and
102    declare in presence of Phile: Lloyd R Bennett Jno Stevens
103    March the 8th 1732 Then came Richard Tilghman Esquire Mr Otto
104    Coursey and Mr Richard Tilghman junior the subscribing
105    witnesses to the foregoing Will and made Oath on the holy
106    Evangelists of Almighty God before me the Subscriber that
107    they saw the Testator Mr Charles Blake sign seale and heard
108    him publish and declare the same to be his last Will and
109    Testament and at the time of his so doing he was to the best
110    of their knowledge and apprehension of sound and disposing
111    mind and memory and that they aforesaid Richard Tilghman
112    Esquire Mr Otto Coursey and Mr Tilghman junior did subscribe the
113    said Will as witnesses in the presence of the Testator Wm
114    Hemsley D Commissioner of Queen Ann’s County A Copy of
115    the foregoing Will and Codicill delivered to Mr John Sayer
116    Blake Esquire
117    March the 9th 1732 Came before me the subscriber Philemon
118    Lloyd and Richard Bennett Esquire two of the subscribing witnesses
119    to the foregoing Codicill and made oath on the holy Evangelists of
120    Allmighty God that they saw the Testator Mr Charles Blake sign
121    seale and heard him publish and declare the same to be part of
122    his last Will and at the time of his so doing he was to the best
123    of their knowledge and apprehension of sound and disposing
124    mind and memory and that they the aforesaid Philemon Lloyd and
125    Richard Bennett Esquires did sign the same as witnesses in the presence
126    of the Testator and the aforesaid Richard Bennett Esquire made
127    oath that he saw John Stevens the other witness sign as an
128    Evidence in the presence of the Testator Wm Hemsley D Commissioner
129    of Queen Ann’s County
130    In Testimony that the aforegoing is a true Copy from the
131    Originall Will now remaining in the Prerogative Office of
132    the province of Maryland the seal of the said Office is hereunto
133    affixt at the City of Annapolis this second day of May Anno
134    domini 1733 John Gibson Registrar Prer of Exd
135    Proved at London (with a Codicill annexed) the fourteenth
136    day of January in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven
137    hundred and thirty three before the Worshipfull John
138    Andrew doctor of Laws Surrogate of the Right Worshipfull
139    John Bettesworth doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary
140    of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted
141    by the oath of Philemon Blake Esquire a son of the deceased
142    and one of the Executors named in the said Will to whom
143    Administration was committed being first sworn duly to
144    administer Reserving power to make the like Grant to John
145    Blake another Son of the deceased and the other Executor named
146    in the said Will when he shall come to pray the same