James Lee

M, b. circa 1682, d. before 14 February 1764
     James was born circa 1682.1 He was a planter. James married Mary [Maria] (?) circa 1711. In 1741, James acquired land called “Chestnut Ridge.” He lived there until his death. Their home was a 30' by 30' cabin, probably with a loft for sleeping quarters.2 James made his will on 17 March 1756 at Frederick County, Maryland.

In the name of God Amen, I, James Lee of Fredrick County, in the Province of Maryland ----------- being now weak in body but of sound memory (before God) due this the seventeenth day of March, one thousand seven hundred fifty six make and publish this my last will and testament in the manor following. I give to my loving wife, Mary Lee the tract of land I now live in called Chestnut Ridge contained by explanation to hold to her the said Mary Lee all during her natural life she making no willful waste or destruction thereupon her decease I give and devise unto my daughter Rachael Lee, her heirs and assigns forever the one half part of the said Tract of Land called Chestnut Ridge including my dwelling house, outhouses, orchard, and plantation the same M ----- ly or one half part to be laid out in the south part of the said Tract of Land. Also, I give and devise the other half part of the said tract of Land called Chestnut Ridge after the decease of my said wife, Mary Lee unto my living son John Lee his heirs and assigns forever, this said half part to include his dwelling house and plantation with the land adjoining. Also I give to my said living wife, Mary Lee during her life the use of my household stuff and all of my furniture of what kind or nature soever. Also I give to my loving wife Mary Lee the use of my stock of farm, Cattle, Hoggs Sheep Plantation Tools and utensills during her natural life and after her death the said house hold stuff, furniture, Houses, Cattle Hoggs Sheep Plantation Tools and Utensils to remain to my said daughter Rachael Lee and assigns. Also I give unto my living children James Lee, Robert Lee, Mary Woford, Anna Hughes, Sarah Grant, Margaret Judger, Elizabeth Willis, Martha Thrasher, Eleanor Betterden, John Lee, and Rebecca Smith aforesaid eleven shillings ---------money of this Province and no more except what I have before you make my son John to be equally divided amongst them the said Children to share and share alike. Also all the rest of ye residue of my personal estate what so ever I give to my said wife Mary Lee and Sarah and again my said wife Mary Lee my ---- of this my last will and testament I will whereof I the said James Lee, have to this I do set my hand and seal the day and year above mentioned
James Lee in the presence of us Thomas Madden Josep?????h Madden.




James departed this life in his home and plantation "Chestnut Ridge", Frederick County, Maryland. His will was probated on 14 February 1764.

Family

Mary [Maria] (?)
Children

Citations

  1. [S506] Note: In regards to his land called "Chestunt Ridge", in 1650, James petitioned to have his property "levy free". His petition was granted. In this petition, he gave his age as upwards to 70 years. [Judgement Records of Frederick ounty, Maryland - Liber A page 656 - June Court 1750 - Cortesty of Layla J. Lee Williams]
  2. [S506] Note: Chestnut Ridge is located in what is now Silver Springs, Maryland and is about 10 miles due north of the center of Wahington DC.