The Billingsley Family in America

II JAMES BILLINGSLEY

Born County Salop, England circa 1616, moved to Holland with his parents and migrated to America and settled in Virginia with his brothers John and Francis prior to 1649, resided in Nansemond County. He was 'transported' to Calvert County, Maryland in Anno 1656 by his brother Francis. He married (1)__, who was a sister of Walter Carr, she died and he married (2) Susannah Ewen, of Calvert County. He does not appear to have owned any land, at least he did not have any original grants. He may have purchased land but no deeds are extant concerning the same. His will is quoted in full as it has considerable bearing on the next generation.

WILL OF JAMES BILLINGSLEY

In the Name of God amen. I James Billingsley of the County of Calvert Planter being very weake of Body though Sound and perfect in remembrance praise be God for Same and knowing that it is appointed for everyman once to dye although the time (torn) and to the end that all occasions of Controversy (torn) away after my decease amongst my kindred (torn) touching my estate with what it hath pleased the Lord (torn) me with I do hereby make constitute I appoint this my last Will and Testament in manner and forme following;
Imprim. (torn) bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God and my Body to be buried in the earth.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my Brother Walter Carr the choice of one of my best Cows.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my Brother Thomas Billingsley my full share of all the young Cattle which went out last year when soere they are found.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my three Cousins which I have living iin Rapehannock whose names I can't leave in writing whenso ere they shall demand them to each one a Cow Calfe.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Susannah Billingsley whom by this my last Will and Testament I make and appoint my Sole Executrix after my funeral expenses are discharged with what legacies are herein specified my full and whole Estate reall and personall whether in howses lands Goods Chatell or whatso ever within house or without.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and sealle the 9^th day of November one Thousand six hundred sixty three,

Signed & sealed in presence of James Billingsley William Carr. Arch. Briscoe

This will was in cocoon forme proved by the witnesses thereof the 6^th day of January 1663/4 before me
Henry Sewell. Secretary

Susannah survived him a short time

WILL OF SUSANNAH BILLINGSLEY

In the name of God amen. I Susannah Billingsley of the County of Annarundel in the Province of Maryland being Sicke and in Weak Con¬dition, yett thorow the mercy of the almighty I am in perfect mind and memory to make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in forme and manner as followeth.
First I bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the Discretion of my Executors named.
Item: I give and bequeath to my well beloved brother Richard Ewen the Tobacco which he now hath in England; to my loving brother John Ewen I give seven of my pewter dishes half small ones and half great ones and to my brother in Law Thomas Billingsley I give three head of cattle which I have below at the Cliffs in consideration that he is to pay three Cow Calves to his Cousins at accomack (sic ?) which was legacyes left them by my husband James Billingsley formerly deceased.
(Note: James Billingsley stated these cousins lived at Rapehannock.)
I give unto Walter Caree (Carr ?) a Cow which is at the Cliffs already which was left him by my husband and with all that these that are my Executors my satisfied Walter Caree (Carr ?) for what he hath done for me in reason what he shall require I give unto my sister Ann Ewen my feather bed and all the furniture belonging and the remaining part of all the Pewter which is left and unto Ann I give two cower one called Nancy and the other May and two steers att my brothers Richard Ewen. I give unto my sister Elisabeth Talbott that cow which is at my Father in Law’s Capt. Burgess I give unto my sister Susie two cower one called Cole and Brownie to my sister Susannah Burgess I give Nums Calfe and unto sister Susie I give my Flock bedd and all that belongs to it.

furthermore I say that these that are my :Executors shall see my Debts discharged and all these legacies which I have left by Will to be fully satisfied then the remaining part of my Estate to be equally divided betwixt brothers and sisters.

I give unto Edward Parrish a cowe calfe left him by my husband’s Will and that other satisfaction may be made him by my Executors as he thinks fitt.

This will was in cocoon forme Proved by John Cumber the younger and John Gray then present at the making and wryteing of the within mentioned Will and declared to Susannah Billingsley last Will and Testament she revoking all former Wills. Dated the 9th day of February 1663-4.

Children: None.