| Notes |
- CONTEE, Mr. Alexander., died suddenly., in Chas, County, Md., at the residence of the Rev. Dr. B. Contee., on the 21st inst., in his 56th year, (March 21., 1810)
CONTEE, Mrs, Sarah Russell, wife of the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Contee, and daughter of the late Philip Thomas Lee., and granddaughter of the late Richard Lee., of Chas, Co, died Dec, 16, 1810, in her 44th year, (Jan. 2., 1811)
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1808-1817 Charles County, Maryland Will Book HBBH-13 [Mike Marshall]; Page 457.
Reverend Benjamin Contee, Will, June 20, 1799; March 26, 1816
I, Benjamin Contee of William and Mary Parish, CC, enjoying good health and being of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding;
Item: with respect to my debts, my will is that all contracts made or entered into by me since October 30, 1792, may be faithfully complied with and satisfied. From those of a prior date, I have been exonerated and discharged by an act of the federal assembly of Maryland and I gave up my whole effects conformably to said act to answer them such was the calamitous state of my affairs arising from mishaps in trade and no incident amongst the occurrences to which I have been subject hath afforded more sensible regret. But imperious necessity and the impatience of some of my creditors rendered the measure indispensable. Having since the above mentioned period by the affectionate generosity and bounteous regard of a tender and amiable wife, been but into possession of and entitled to sundry species of real and personal property. I beg leave to return it to the pleasing, the charming source from whence I received it; and do therefore by these presents give and bequeath the whole and every part and parcel of the real, personal and mixed estate whereto I shall have any title or which I may be possessed or have any interest in at the time of my death to my dearly beloved and most affectionate wife her heirs and assigns forever.
Executor: wife Sarah Russell Contee {will presented by Philip A.L. Contee at probate}
Signed: June 20, 1799 Ben. Contee
Wit: Benjamin Fendall, William Penn, James Key
===
Folio 160 ALLEN BOWIE, gentleman 01/05/1783 01/25/1783
"being in a low Languid and debilitated State of Body ..
Bequeaths to:
I. Fielder Bowie --son
-to have part of a tract of land called "Beall's Reserve" beginning at a Hickory at the head of a small branch marked by testator's overseer Thomas Bird at testator's request "a few days ago" standing in the line of Benjamin Harwood's land and running thence down the branch until it intersects Collington Branch thence up the said branch until it intersects the corner tree of "Bean's Reserve" whereon Francis Bird now lives and w/ the said tree standing near Collington Branch thence . . . with the tract of land which testator's son Fielder lately purchased from Stephen Moore and binding on the said land to the beginning
-to have part of a tract of land called "Brooke Range" where testator's dwelling house now stands cont. 315 acres and also part of another tract of land called "Leith" cont 200 acres and also part of a tract of land called "Mount Calvert Manor" cont. 17 which testator lately purchased from William Newman Dorsett and also to have part of a tract of land which testator lately purchased from Judson Coolidge called "Chance" cont. 29 acres
-to have all debts now due or dealings between testator and Fielder "from the beginning of the world to the date of the presents I do release unto the said Fielder ...for ever except one Bond from the said Fielder to me conditioned for the payment of' I00 pounds sterling
-to have testator's blacksmith Negro "Ned" along w/ all his smith's tools and shop utensils and also Negro man "Cat" a shoemaker
-testator's land which was conveyed to him by Fielder Gantt lying in Frederick County and cont. 201 acres is to be sold and the money from the sale to go to Fielder w/ the exception of 50 pounds and the interest thereon
2. John Fraser Bowie --son
-to have all the remaining part of the said tract of land called "Beall's Reserve" after deducting out the parcel before mentioned to Fielder--to have all the residue -to have all of testator's right, title and interest in and to a bond wherein John Fraser Bowie and Edward Edelen, Jr. are bound to the testator to pay the penalty of 14,000 pounds Continental Currency w/ the condition to be released on the payment of 7000 pounds like money
-to have the quantity of 4470 lbs of crop tobacco due testator per an account from the said John Fraser Bowie and also to have all of testator's interest that might accrue on the said tobacco.
-to have Negro shoemaker "Toney" and "Rachel" his wife and "Jupiter" one of testator's blacksmiths and "Toney's" son "Ned"
-to have all of the unworked iron now in testator's smith's shop
-to have testator's running horse "Buckskin"
-John and Fielder to have the remainder of the estate of whatever kind to be divided equally between them
-John and Fielder both named executors of the will
3. Allen Bowie --grandson (son of Fielder Bowie)
-to have the bond aforesaid of 100 pounds sterling which Fielder owes testator to be paid to him b when he arrives at the age of 21.
4. Priscilla Duckett --daughter
-to have 2 Negroes "Maria" and her child
5. Susanna Eversfield --daughter
-to have testator's cook "Bess" and Negro girl "Nan" daughter of "Rachel"
6. Eleanor Eversfield --granddaughter
-to have the son of "Bess" called "Will"
7. Phoebe Smith --daughter-in-law (wife of Mordecai Smith of Calvert County)
-to have largest of Negro girls now at the Collington quarter
8. Miss Susanna Hawkins
Anne Hawkins --sister of Susanna
-they and testator's daughters to have I gold ring valued of 3 pounds currency
Witnesses: Thomas John Clagett, Robert Bowie, Wm Beanes, B. Contee, John Smith Brookes
Then came: Robert Bowie, William Beans, and Benjamin Contee
Note: the testator signed the will in his own hand
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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND WILLS; Liber T No. #1; 1784-1789;
Folio 283 ANN SKINNER 12/2 1/1782 09/25/ 1789
"being of sound mind and memory ..."
Bequeaths to:
I. Alexander Skinner --son
-to have Negro women "Lucy" "Nan" "Myrtee" and "Sylvia"
-to have all of testatrix's lands.
-to have the residue of the goods and chattels
2. Benjamin Contee
-named executor of the will
Witnesses: Leonard Hollyday, Leonard Hollyday, Jr. Walter B. Cox
Then came: Leonard Hollyday, Sr.
===
Charles County Land Records Book V#3; Page 437.
Deed, recorded at the request of Benjamin Contee.
Whereas the books within mentioned were the property of my decd husband, James Key, late of CC, attorney at law, and whereas since the death of my husband, the afd books, by his will, have become and are at the making of these presents, my right and property, and by sd will I am vested with full power and authority to sell or dispose of in any manner, as I would other goods or chattels, the abovesd books, know then and this indenture made Feb 5, 1780 by me, Sarah Key of CC, widow, to Benjamin Contee of Montgomery County, Gentleman, witnesses that, for 2250 £, I have sold to sd Contee, all the books afd. Signed - Sarah Key. Wit - W.H. Jenifer, Walter Hanson Jr. [Page 438 has is a catalog of the books, which includes Gilberts common pleas, Every man his own lawyer, Bacons Laws of Maryland, and other similar titles]. Recorded Feb 28, 1780.
===
Prince George's County MD Will Book Liber TT; 1808-1812;
Folio 37 THOMAS CONTEE 01/06/1811 04/03/1811
"being in bad health of Body ..."
Bequeaths to:
1. names unreadable--daughters
-to have book case with glass doors, side board, best looking glasses., pair of mahogany dining tables--one being in the house where the testator resides and the other in the house where the said Jane Worthington lives and to have 2 looking glasses in the house at Nottingham, round mahogany table, large Japanned teacase. 1 square mahogany dining table and I smaller mahogany table, 2 mahogany card ta bies to be divided equally
2. Jane Worthington --daughter
-to have her choice of testator's best horses or mares except for a mare that the testator purchased at a sheriffs sale that did belong to Alexander Contee, deceased and her choice of the testator's best 2 cows and calves and 1/2 of the sheep
3. Walter Brooke Cox Worthington --grandson
-to have Negro boy "Billy"
-to have a tract of land which the testator purcbased from John Baden. Sr(?) being part of "Truemall's H--"
4. Phillip Contee --grandson
Edmond Contee --grandson {children of son Benjamin Contee
Alice Contee --granddaughter
-to have the sum of 400 pounds current money to each
5. Sarah Worthington --granddaughter
Worthington --granddaughter
Jane Worthington --granddaughter {daughters of daughter Janie Worthington
-to have the sum of 400 pounds current money to each and the above 6 legacies left to the testator's grandchildren to be paid out of the personal estate
6. Grace Key
-to have I feather bed and furn., which she has heretofore used and also to have the sum of--- pounds current money per year during her natural life and no longer and to commence on the 25th of December 1810
7. Thomas Contee Worthington --grandson
-to have the sum of 250 pounds current money out of the bonds due the testator and not already contracted for
-named executor of the will
8. William Worthington --grandson
-to have the sum of 1200 pounds current money to be paid out of the bonds due the testator from William Clarke of Baltimore County and which sum --if the bonds are not paid--to he made up out of other property due the testator by Clarke
-he and Thomas to have all those lands the testator holds or may be entitled to in the state of Kentucky to be divided between them being 4833 acres -remainder of the estate to be divided among the testator's grandchildren by Benjamin Contee and Jane Worthington and no others
Witnesses: Robert Baden
Walter Bruce
Matthew Johnson
W. Worthington
Then came: Robert Baden, Matthew Johnson and Walter Bruce
Note: the testator signed the will in his own hand
===
Charles County Land Records 1775-1782; Liber V#3; Page 437. Deed, recorded at the request of Benjamin Contee.
Whereas the books within mentioned were the property of my decd husband, James Key, late of CC, attorney at law, and whereas since the death of my husband, the afd books, by his will, have become and are at the making of these presents, my right and property, and by sd will I am vested with full power and authority to sell or dispose of in any manner, as I would other goods or chattels, the abovesd books, know then and this indenture made Feb 5, 1780 by me, Sarah Key of CC, widow, to Benjamin Contee of Montgomery County, Gentleman, witnesses that, for 2250 £, I have sold to sd Contee, all the books afd. Signed - Sarah Key. Wit - W.H. Jenifer, Walter Hanson Jr. [Charles County Land Records 1775-1782; Liber V#3; Page 438 has is a catalog of the books, which includes Gilberts common pleas, Every man his own lawyer, Bacons Laws of Maryland, and other similar titles]. Recorded Feb 28, 1780.
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Charles County Land Records 1775-1782; Liber V#3; Page 618. Aug 14, 1782 from Thomas Contee of Prince Georges County, Esq, to Benjamin Contee of the same County, attorney at law, for the natural love he has for sd Benjamin Contee, his son, and for 5 £(the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and from further payment of the same sd Thomas Contee does hereby entirely release sd Benjamin Contee) and, for divers good causes, three tracts of land in CC, to wit, part of a tract of land called Rozers Refuge, bounded by the. east side of Portobacco Cr in CC where the divisional line of the sd tract of land called Rozers Refuge between sd Thomas Contie and Walter Pye begins and running thence with sd divisional line as heretofore it has been run and established by the parties who at several times have been in possession of sd lands, then to the part of the land called Tomsonton now in possession of Walter Hanson, then to the head of Saint Johns Branch, then to Portobacco Cr, containing about 561 acres. Also one other tract of land, being part of a tract of land called Tomsonton, which part was lately sold by James Gilpin to sd Thomas Contie via CC deed, containing about 170 acres. Also all of one other tract of land, being part of a tract of land called Wathens Adventure, lying in CC, which sd part was sold in time past by John Wathen to sd Thomas Contee, as may be seen among the CC Land Records wherein sd sale is recorded, containing and laid out for about 80 acres. Signed - Thos Contee. Wit - Walter Hanson, Hoskins Hanson (CC JPs). Recorded Oct 3, 1782.
===
1786-1790 Charles County, Maryland Land Records; Liber D#4 [TLC]; Page 249. Instrument of writing, recorded at the request of the Honorable Benjamin Contee, Esq. Indenture made Mar 29, 1788 between Benjamin Contee of Prince George's County of the one part, Sarah Russell Lee of Blenheim in CC of the 2nd part, and Eleanor Lee of Blenheim afd, Thomas Contee of Prince George's County and Philip Richard Fendall of Alexandria, Virginia, of the 3rd part. Whereas a marriage is intended between sd Benjamin Contee and Sarah Russell Lee, and whereas it is agreed between sd Benjamin Contee and sd Sarah Russell Lee that the sd Sarah Russell Lee shall, during her coverture, enjoy and possess, solely, and excluding all the slaves, stock, furniture, money, and other property she is now entitled to in the world, by descent, devise, bequest, gift, or any other manner, free from any claim of sd Benjamin Contee, and that she, sd Sarah Russell Lee, either before marriage or during coverture, for her benefit, may make any disposition thereof which she may think proper. Now this deed witnesses that the sd Benjamin Contee, for and in consideration of the premises and for 5 shillings to him in hand paid by sd Sarah Russell Lee, agree with sd Sarah Russell Lee that she shall, if the marriage takes place, during coverture, possess and enjoy all the slaves, stock, furniture, money, and other property, which she is now entitled to, free of any claim of sd Benjamin Contee, and that sd Sarah Russell Lee may, before marriage or during coverture, for her sole and exclusive use, by good deed, convey the estate afd, in trust, and may receive the produce, profits, and income thereof, and that the same shall not be subject to the claim of sd Benjamin Contee, and it is further covenanted between the parties afd, and the sd Sarah Russell Lee, with the consent of the afd Benjamin Contee, for 5 shillings to her in hand paid, hereby sells to the afd Eleanor Lee, Thomas Contee, and Philip Richard Fendall, all the slaves, stock, furniture, money, and other property to which she is entitled; if sd Benjamin Contee survives sd Sarah Russell Lee, then for the use and benefit of sd Benjamin Contee or for the use and benefit of such persons as sd Sarah Russell Lee may, during coverture, by deed may direct. Signed - Ben Contee, Sarah Russell Lee, Wit - BFendal1*, Elizabeth Fendall, Recorded Apr 10, 1788.
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1786-1790 Charles County, Maryland Land Records; Liber D#4 [TLC]; Page 622. Valuation of property, recorded at the request of Benjamin Contee and Eleanor Ann Lee. CC. We, being appointed to estimate the annual value of the lands and plantations belonging to Russell Lee in possession of Benjamin Contee and Eleanor A. Lee, his guardians, have entered into and viewed the several tracts of lands with the improvements thereon, and estimate the annual value as follows, to wit, all 3 tracts of land called Smith, Longest Day, and the Biters Bit, containing 252 acres, and adjoining to each other, on which are the following improvements, 1 old dwelling house now repaired and converted to a tobacco house, 1 logged corn house, 94 old apple trees, and 900 panels of fence, all which land (with liberty to take rail timber to support the fencing from a tract of land called Wakefields) we estimate the yearly value at 3000 lbs of crop tobacco. Also that parcel of land called Wakefield, containing 191 acres on which are the following improvements, 2 logged houses for tenants, and 500 panels of fence, which we estimate the yearly value at 1000 lbs of crop tobacco. Also, that tract of land called Hardy's Purchase, containing 150 acres, on which are 500 panels of fence, which we estimate the yearly value at 2000 lbs crop tobacco. Also 3 parcels of land called the Three Brothers, Battins Clifts, and Lee's Purchase, adjoining each other, and containing 570 acres, on which are the following improvements, 1 large brick dwelling house, 1 ditto stable & couch [coach] house, 1 ditto dairy, 1 ditto green house, 1 framed quarter, 1 cornhouse, 1 overseer's house, 1 old tobacco house, with sundry other small houses, 1 garden walled in with brick, most of which buildings want considerable repairs, 700 panels of fence, and 100 apple and other fruit trees, all of which we estimate the yearly value at 2500 lbs of crop tobacco, and do reserve for the use of the orphan, an old field lying on the east side of a path which leads from the main road to Doctr Fendall's, on which are some young cedar and other growth. In the afd valuation, we have had no regard to sd orphan's maintenance or education, or to any tax or assessment that may be laid on the above lands, or to any repairs that will be necessary. Signed Dec 26, 1789 Jno Marshall, THarris (Thos. Harris). Wit - BFendall. Recorded Jan 6, 1790
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Charles County Land Records 1790-1792; Liber K#4; Page 12. Jan 21, 1790 from Benjamin Contee of CC, to Thomas Contee of Prince Georges County, Esq, for 3000 £, 3 tracts of land, which lands were conveyed and sold to sd Benjamin Contee by sd Thomas Contee in 1782, by CC deed dated Aug 14, 1782, recorded in Liber V No 3 pages 618-620. The tracts are called Rozers Refuge, Tomsonton, and Wathens Adventure, situated in CC. The lst tract contains about 561 acres, the 2nd about 170 acres, the 3rd about 80 acres. Excepted is the right of dower of Sarah Contee, wife of sd Thomas, not conveyed or relinquished heretofore, to sd Benjamin. Excepted also is the right of dower of Sarah Russell Contee, wife of sd Benjamin, which sd right of dower is not intended to be relinquished, but to be reserved. Signed - Ben Contee. Wit - Dan Jenifer*. B. Fendall*. Recorded Mar 25, 1790.
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Charles County Land Records 1790-1792; Liber K#4; Page 197. Instrument of Writing. By a deed dated Mar 29, 1788, between Benjamin Contee of the 1st part, Sarah Russell Lee (now Sarah Russell Contee) of the 2nd part, and Eleanor Ann Lee, Thomas Contee, and Philip Richard Fendall of the 3rd part, it was agreed between sd Benjamin Contee and Sarah Russell Lee, between whom a marriage was then intended shortly, that sd Sarah, during her coverture, should enjoy, exclusively, all the slaves, stock, furniture, money, and other property, that she was entitled to, free from any claim of sd Benjamin. Sd Sarah, with the consent of sd Benjamin Contee, for 5 shillings, via CC deed, sold to sd Eleanor Ann Lee, Thomas Contee, and Philip Richard Fendall, all the property she was entitled to, and the increase thereof, in trust for the persons sd Sarah directs during her coverture. The intended marriage was afterwards solemnized. Sd Eleanor, Thomas, and Philip want to give up the trust to some other persons; Sarah wants sd property to be invested in lands and other property for the use and support of Sarah, and transferred to the Trustees, for the use of Sarah and for Sarah to dispose of, or, if no disposition is made, to Sarah's heirs. Sarah, for the confidence she has for her friends, John Campbell, John Marshall Sr, and Thomas Harris, appoints them trustees, to receive from sd Eleanor, Thomas, and Philip, all the sd property. Now know that I, sd Sarah Russell Contee, by virtue of the power reserved to me by the afd deed, hereby direct that sd property shall be held by sd Trustees, for the use of myself and my heirs, until transfer of the same shall be legally made by the Trustees to sd Campbell, . Marshall, and Harris, and that after the transfer, Campbell, Marshall, and Harris, shall hold sd property or the lands and such other property as they may purchase therewith, in trust for the use of myself and subject to such disposition as I may hereafter, whether covert or sole, make, and if no disposition, to my heirs. Signed Dec 25, 1790 - Sarah Russell Contee. Wit - B. Fendall*. Recorded Jan 3, 1791.
===
Charles County Land Records 1790-1792; Liber K#4; Page 197. Instrument of Writing. By a deed dated Mar 29, 1788, between Benjamin Contee of the 1st part, Sarah Russell Lee (now Sarah Russell Contee) of the 2nd part, and Eleanor Ann Lee, Thomas Contee, and Philip Richard Fendall of the 3rd part, it was agreed between sd Benjamin Contee and Sarah Russell Lee, between whom a marriage was then intended shortly, that sd Sarah, during her coverture, should enjoy, exclusively, all the slaves, stock, furniture, money, and other property, that she was entitled to, free from any claim of sd Benjamin. Sd Sarah, with the consent of sd Benjamin Contee, for 5 shillings, via CC deed, sold to sd Eleanor Ann Lee, Thomas Contee, and Philip Richard Fendall, all the property she was entitled to, and the increase thereof, in trust for the persons sd Sarah directs during her coverture. The intended marriage was afterwards solemnized. Sd Eleanor, Thomas, and Philip want to give up the trust to some other persons; Sarah wants sd property to be invested in lands and other property for the use and support of Sarah, and transferred to the Trustees, for the use of Sarah and for Sarah to dispose of, or, if no disposition is made, to Sarah's heirs. Sarah, for the confidence she has for her friends, John Campbell, John Marshall Sr, and Thomas Harris, appoints them trustees, to receive from sd Eleanor, Thomas, and Philip, all the sd property. Now know that I, sd Sarah Russell Contee, by virtue of the power reserved to me by the afd deed, hereby direct that sd property shall be held by sd Trustees, for the use of myself and my heirs, until transfer of the same shall be legally made by the Trustees to sd Campbell, . Marshall, and Harris, and that after the transfer, Campbell, Marshall, and Harris, shall hold sd property or the lands and such other property as they may purchase therewith, in trust for the use of myself and subject to such disposition as I may hereafter, whether covert or sole, make, and if no disposition, to my heirs. Signed Dec 25, 1790 - Sarah Russell Contee. Wit - B. Fendall*. Recorded Jan 3, 1791.
===
1787-1794 Westmoreland County, Virginia Deeds & Wills Book 18 [Mike Marshall]; Page 161.
Contee & Wife to Fendall Indenture
This indenture made this 27th day of December 1790 between Benjamin Contee and Sarah Russell Contee his wife of Charles County in the State of Maryland of the one part and Philip Richard Fendall of the Town of Alexandria in the State of Virginia of the other part. Witnesseth that whereas a tract of land commonly called by the name of Payton’s Levels lying in the County of Westmoreland and County of Richmond in the state of Virginia, late the property and estate of Grace Lee, late of Charles County in the state of Maryland, deceased and agreeable to the last will and testament of the said Grace Lee, was in pursuance of an order of Westmoreland County Court in the state of Virginia divided between Elinor Ann Lee of Charles County in the State of Maryland, daughter of the said Grace Lee and the representatives of Philip Thomas Lee, late of Charles County and Sstate of Maryland, deceased son of the said Grace Lee, (that is to say three fourths thereof to the aforesaid Elinor Ann Lee and the other fourth thereof to the representatives of the said Philip Thomas Lee to be equally divided among them being five in number, to wit; the aforesaid Sarah Russell Contee, Ann Lee, Russell Lee, Elinor Lee and Margaret Russell Lee daughters and son of the said Philip Thomas Lee and his heirs at law) as by the said order of court and the return of the commissioners therein appointed recorded among the records of Westmoreland County Court, and last will and testament of the aforesaid Grace Lee recorded among the records of the orphans court of Charles County in the State of Maryland. Now this indenture witness that the said Benjamin Contee and Sarah Russell Contee his wife in consideration of 222 pounds current money of Maryland in hand has sold unto Philip Richard Fendall 1/5 undivided part of the one fourth part of the aforesaid tract of land called Payton’s Levels, which by the division aforesaid was allotted to the representatives and heirs of the aforesaid Philip Thomas Lee. In witness whereof the said Benjamin Contee and Sarah Russell Contee his wife have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year first hearing written.
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of
Benjamin Fendall Benjamin Contee
Thomas Andrew Dyson Sarah Russell Contee
William Dent Briscoe
Maryland, Charles County, to wit; 27th December 1790. Then came before us the subscribers two of the Justices of the Peace of Charles County in the State of Maryland, the within and above-mentioned Benjamin Contee and Sarah Russell Contee his wife and acknowledge the within instrument of writing to be their act and deed and at the same time the said Sarah Russell Contee being by us privately examined and apart from her her husband acknowledged that she did the same willingly and freely without being induced thereto by fear or threats. Acknowledged the day and year aforesaid before and certified by us under our hands and seals.
Benjamin Fendall
William Dent Briscoe
At a court of quarterly sessions held for Westmoreland County the 29th day of March 1791 this deed and the certificate from the state of Maryland being presented into court ordered to be recorded.
Test James Bland CWC
===
1787-1794 Westmoreland County, Virginia Deeds & Wills Book 18 [Mike Marshall]; Page 164.
Contee & Wife to Lee Indenture
This indenture made the 27th day of December 1790 between Benjamin Contee and Sarah Russell Contee his wife of Charles County in the state of Maryland of the one part and Elinor Ann Lee of the county and state aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that Benjamin Contee and Sarah Russell Contee his wife in consideration of 52 pounds, 10 shillings current money of Maryland in hand has sold unto Elinor Ann Lee one undivided fifth part of one fourth part of two tracts of land lying in Westmoreland County in the State of Virginia commonly called by the names of Poor Jack and Sturmans (late the estate of Grace Lee late of Charles County in the state of Maryland, deceased). In witness whereof the said Benjamin Contee and Sarah Russell Contee his wife have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year first above written.
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of
Benjamin Fendall Benjamin Contee
Thomas Andrew Dyson Sarah Russell Contee
William Dent Briscoe
Maryland, Charles County, to wit; 27th December 1790. Then came before us the subscribers two of the Justices of the Peace of Charles County in the State of Maryland the within -mentioned Benjamin Contee and Sarah Russell Contee his wife and acknowledged the within instrument of writing to be their act and deed and at the same time the said Sarah Russell Contee being by us privately examined and apart from her her husband acknowledged that she did the same willingly and freely without being induced thereto by fear or threats. Acknowledged the day and year aforesaid before and certified by us under our hands and seals.
Benjamin Fendall
William Dent Briscoe
At a court of quarterly sessions held for Westmoreland County the 29th day of March 1791 this deed and the certificate from the state of Maryland being presented into court ordered to be recorded.
Test James Bland CWC
===
Charles County Land Records 1790-1792; Liber K#4; Page 199. Dec 27, 1790 from Philip Richard Fendall of-the Town of Alexandria, VA, to John Campbell, John Marshall Sr, and Thomas Harris, all of CC. [See preceding document for background] Eleanor Lee, Thomas Contee, and Philip Richard Fendall have transferred to John Campbell, John Marshall Sr, and Thomas Harris, all the slaves, stock, furniture, money, and other property of Sarah Contee. Campbell, Marshall, and Harris, under the direction of sd Sarah, have purchased of sd Fendall, all that tract of land in CC called Lordships Favour, containing 400 acres, and also all that tract of land called Keeches Meadows, containing 102-1/2 acres in CC, for the price of 1250 £, to be held by Campbell, Marshall, and Harris as Trustees for sd Sarah. Signed - Phil Ru Fendall. Wit - B. Fendall*, Thos A. Dyson*. Recorded Jan 3, 1791.
===
Charles County Land Records 1790-1792; Liber K#4; Page 201. Dec 27, 1790 from Eleanor Ann Lee, Thomas Contee, and Philip Richard Fendall, to John Campbell, John Marshall Sr, and Thomas Harris_ [For background, see the preceding 2 documents]. Now this deed witnesses that sd Eleanor Ann Lee, Thomas Contee, and Philip Richard Fendall, for. 5 shillings, have sold to sd John Campbell, John Marshall Sr, and Thomas Harris, all the slaves, stock, furniture, money, and other property, in the scedule annexed. Signed - Elenor Ann Lee, Thos Contee, Phil R Fendall. Wit - B. Fendall*.
Schedule of the effects: 12 damask napkins, 3 diaper do, 10 towels, 6 damask table cloths, 5 diaper ditto, 11 p sheets, 11 pillow cases, and other household dishes and furniture; 8 oxen, 2 steers, 34 horned cattle, 20 hogs; 1 volume Machiaval's works; a chariot and harness for 2 horses; Negroes, Harriet, 8 years old, Felix, 14 do, Cook Lucy, 43 do, Frederick 11 do, Ned of Esther, 2 do, Griffith, 2 do. Recorded Jan 3, 1791.
===
1792-1796 Charles County, Maryland Land Records; Liber N#4 [TLC]; Page 21. Trust deed_ Oct 30, 1792 from Benjamin Contee of CC, to John Campbell of CC. On application of sd Benjamin Contee to the Honorable Alexander Contee Hanson, Chancellor of the state of Maryland for the benefit of the Act of Assembly "For the relief of sundry Insolvent Debtors", sd Chancellor, on Oct 18, 1792, appointed the afd John Campbell Trustee on behalf of the creditors of sd Benjamin Contee, and to direct that sd Benjamin Contee should execute a deed to sd Trustee for all his property, debts, rights, and claims (excepting the necessary wearing apparel of himself and family) in trust for the creditors of sd Benjamin Contee. Now this deed witnesses that Benjamin Contee, for 1 shilling, has sold to sd John Campbell, all his property, real, personal, and mixed, and all the estate, goods and effects and chattels, debts and money belonging to Benjamin Contee as are in the schedule of Benjamin Contee heretofore filed in the High Court of Chancery particularly mentioned. Signed - Ben: Contee. Wit - B. Fendall*, Wm D. Briscoe*. Certified - Jno B. Turner, Clk of CC. Recorded Jan 21, 1793.
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1792-1796 Charles County, Maryland Land Records; Liber N#4 [TLC]; Page 193. List Of Negro. A list (agreeable to an act of the General Assembly of Maryland of Nov session 1791) of a Negro, our property, and so has been since the division made amongst the heirs of Russell Lee on Nov 25, 1793 - Archy, about age 15 years, a native of VA, where he has always lived until Dec 17, 1793, when he was brought to Maryland to live. Signed - Ben Contee, Sarah Russell Contee.
Blenheim, CC, Jan 5, 1794. 1 certify that sd Archy was born in the United States and that his mother then lived and did before 1783 and has lived until her death, ever since sd year, in the United states. On a late division amongst the heirs of Russell Lee, made Nov 25, 1793, Archy, who was his property, fell to S.R. Contee, and she having lands on which Archy lived in VA, he was brought over on the 17th of last month from thence, to reside with her Negroes in Maryland. Signed at Blenheim Jan 5, 1794 - Elinor Ann Lee. Recorded Jan 7, 1794.
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Charles County Land Records 1796-1799; Liber IB-2 {Abstract by Mike Marshall}; Page 497. Deed: at the request of Benjamin Contee, the following deed was recorded February 13th 1799.
Whereas by an attested notification of Sarah Russell Contee under her seal and signature, she directed her trustees below named to make an assignment of the trustees of her estate into the hands of her husband Benjamin Contee which beareth date October 3, 1793. Therefore we John Campbell, John Marshall Sr., and Thomas Harris having been duly and legally appointed trustees of all and singular the estate real and personal of Sarah Russell Contee by deed bearing date December 27, 1790 and wishing conformably to the above mentioned notification made to us in due form to make an entire Surrendry of our authority and powers of the trusteeship as aforesaid have by these presents and we the said we John Campbell, John Marshall Sr., and Thomas Harris do hereby and in consideration of the sum of 5 shillings current money paid into our hands by Benjamin Contee, do hereby surrender assign and set over to the said Benjamin Contee all and singular the estate of Sarah Russell Contee real and personal. Signed, John Campbell, John Marshall Sr., and Thomas Harris in the presence of William Vincent, Alexander Crain.
John Campbell, John Marshall Sr., acknowledged on November 7, 1798 before William D. Briscoe, Robert Brent JP's, and on November 26, 1798 Thomas Harris acknowledged before Daniel Jenifer JP.
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1792-1796 Charles County, Maryland Land Records; Liber N#4 [TLC]; Page 247. Deed of Direction and appointment. Mrs. Contee presents her conpLs to her trustees, Messrs Campbell, Marshall, & Harris, and thanks them for taking upon themselves the charge of her estate, but as the cause no longer exists which induced her to confide this charge to them, after thanking them for their conduct in carrying out the trust deed, she wishes to take the trouble off their hands. She asks her Trustees to make an assignment of the trust to B. Contee, but before that measure takes place, she wants to put her husband in the same situation he would have been placed by the laws of the land, if no contract had been made between them prior to their marriage respecting her estate, she accordingly directs her trustees, by deed, to grant to B. Contee all right to her estate, provided no contract before marriage nor subsequent deed of trust had been made, and in order that every legal solemnity may be given to this injunction of Mrs. Contee on her trustees.
Signed Oct 3, 1793 - Sarah Russell Contee. Wit - Elinor Ann Lee, B. Fendall*. Recorded Apr 14, 1794.
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1792-1796 Charles County, Maryland Land Records; Liber N#4 [TLC]; Page 248. Oct 23, 1793 from the under named trustees of Sarah Russell Contee of CC, to Benjamin Contee of CC. By deed dated Dec 27, 1790, John Campbell, John Marshall Sr, and Thomas Harris were constituted Trustees of the real and personal estate of Sarah Russell Contee, for her use, subject to her disposal. The Trustees have received the above notification [see the preceding document] requesting that her estate be conveyed to Benjamin Contee, husband of sd Sarah, to give him, sd Benjamin, as ample a title as he would have had, but for a deed executed between them, sd Benjamin and Sarah, on Mar 29, 1788, and also in case she had made no subsequent deed of trust nor otherwise disposed of her property. This deed witnesses that sd Trustees, for 5 £and for many other good considerations, have sold to Benjamin Contee, all the real and personal estate of sd Sarah Russell Contee. Signed - J. Campbell, Jno Marshall, T Harris. Wit - B. Fendall*, Wm D. Briscoe*. Recorded Apr 14, 1794.
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1792-1796 Charles County, Maryland Land Records; Liber N#4 [TLC]; Page 276. Jun 2, 1794 from Benjamin Contee and Sarah Russell Contee, wife of sd Benjamin of Blenheim, CC, to Alexander Scott, Attorney at Law, of CC. Sd Benjamin and Sarah Russell Contee and sd Alexander Scott, by their written obligation entered into last Nov, did mutually agree to refer to the decision of John Campbell and Francis Digges, the valuation of contingent rights of dower of sd Sarah to tracts of land called Roziers refuge, Thomsonton, and Wathens Adventure, which lands were formerly the property of sd Benjamin Contee, subsequent to his marriage with sd Sarah, and which, by sd Benjamin, were sold to T. Contee with reserve of his wife's right of dower) of whom sd Alexander Scott has lately purchased the same. The afd arbitrators, by their award, dated May 1, 1794, have determined, firstly, that sd Scott shall pay to sd Benjamin Contee and Sarah R. Contee, 111 £and secondly, that sd Benjamin and Sarah R. Contee should deed to sd Scott all of sd Sarah's right of dower to the afd lands purchased by sd Scott. Now this deed therefore witnesses that, for 111 £, B and SR Contee sell to Alexander Scott, all of Sarah's right of dower to the 3 tracts of land as afd. Signed - Ben Contee, Sarah Russell Contee. Wit - Alexr McPherson*, Andw Baillie*. Sd. S.R. Contee relinquished her right of dower. Recorded Jul 18, 1794.
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1642-1753 Rent Rolls Charles County, Maryland [Mike Marshall]; Hundred - Port Tobacco: Rent Roll page/Sequence: 424-324: ROZERS REFUGE: 1164 acres; Possession of - 1164 Acres - Contee, Alexander: : Re-Surveyed 19 Feb 1734 for Alexander Contee: Conveyance notes - {mm Note; not identified to a specific Hundred. Location identified by watercourse or nearby tract.}, 1164 Acres - John Hanson from John Contee; 28 Feb 1744,561 Acres - Jane Contee from John Hanson; 12 March 1744, 174 Acres - Thomas Contee from Jane Contee; 4 Sept 1752.
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Early Colonial Settlers of Southern Maryland and Virginia's Northern Neck Counties
1755 - 1815 (60 years)