Early Colonial Settlers of Southern Maryland and Virginia's Northern Neck Counties

George IV Mason

Male 1725 - 1792  (66 years)


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  • Name George IV Mason 
    Birth 11 Dec 1725  Doeg's Neck Plantation, Prince William County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Death 7 Oct 1792  Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Burial Gunston Hall, Fairfax County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID I102078  Tree1
    Last Modified 21 Mar 2024 

    Father George III Mason,   b. 1690, Charles County, Maryland Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 5 Mar 1736, Truro Parish, Fairfax County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 46 years) 
    Relationship natural 
    Mother Anne Thompson,   b. Bef 1682, England Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 13 Nov 1762, Chopawamsic Plantation, Stafford County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location (Age > 80 years) 
    Relationship natural 
    Marriage 1721  Charles County, Maryland Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Family ID F9573  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family 1 Anne Eilbeck,   b. 4 Apr 1734, Charles County, Maryland Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 9 Mar 1773, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 38 years) 
    Marriage 3 Apr 1750  Mattawoman Plantation, Charles County, Maryland Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Children 
     1. George V Mason,   b. 30 Apr 1753, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia. Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 5 Dec 1796, 'Lexington', Fairfax County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 43 years)  [Father: natural]
     2. Anne Eibeck Mason,   b. 13 Jan 1755, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia. Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 12 Mar 1816, Aquasco, Prince George's County, Maryland - Probate Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 61 years)  [Father: natural]
     3. William Mason,   b. 16 Apr 1756, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia. Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 4 Aug 1757, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia. Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 1 year)  [Father: natural]
     4. William Mason,   b. 22 Oct 1757, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 7 Feb 1818, Mattawoman Plantation, Charles County, Maryland Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 60 years)  [Father: natural]
     5. Thomson Gen. Mason,   b. 4 Mar 1759, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia. Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 11 Mar 1820, Alexandria, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 61 years)  [Father: natural]
     6. Sarah Eilbeck Mason,   b. 11 Dec 1760, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia. Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 11 Sep 1823, Fairfax County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 62 years)  [Father: natural]
     7. Mary Thomson Mason,   b. 27 Jan 1762, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia. Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 1806, Overwharton Parish, Stafford County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 43 years)  [Father: natural]
     8. John Mason,   b. 4 Apr 1766, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia. Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 19 Mar 1849, Fairfax County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 82 years)  [Father: natural]
     9. Elizabeth Mason,   b. 19 Apr 1768, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia. Find all individuals with events at this locationd. Bef 5 Jun 1797, King George County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location (Age < 29 years)  [Father: natural]
     10. Thomas Mason,   b. 1 May 1770, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia. Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 18 Sep 1800, Woodbridge, Prince William County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 30 years)  [Father: natural]
    Family ID F9571  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 21 Mar 2024 

    Family 2 Sarah Brent,   b. 1733, Trinity Parish, Charles County, Maryland Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 2 Dec 1805, Gunston Hall Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia - Probate Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 72 years) 
    Marriage 11 Apr 1780  Dettingen Parish, Prince William County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Notes 
    • by the Reverend James Scott
    Family ID F9572  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 21 Mar 2024 

  • Notes 
    • ===
      1791-1801 Charles County, Maryland Will Book AK-11 Part 2 [Mike Marshall]; Pages 109-128.
      Colonel George Mason, March 20, 1773; October 16, 1792
      I, George Mason of Gunston Hall in the parish of Truro and county of Fairfax, being of perfect and sound mind and memory and in good health, but mindful of the uncertainty of human life and the imprudence of a man's leaving his affairs to be settled upon a death bed, do make and appoint this my last Will and Testament. My soul I resign into the hands of my Almighty Creator whose tender mercies are over all his works, who hateth nothing that he hath made, and to the Justice and Wisdom of whose dispensation I willingly and cheerfully submit ; humbly hoping from his unbounded mercy and benevolence thro the merits of my blessed Saviour a remission of my sins. My body I desire may be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named, close by the side of my dear and ever lamented wife. And as for all the worldly Estate with which it has pleased God to bless me I dispose of it in manner and form following.

      Imprimis : It is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order that all my lands, slaves with their increase, stocks, rents, crops, tobacco and money and debts due to me with the yearly interest arising thereon, with all my other Estate of what nature soever, in Virginia, Maryland or elsewhere, be kept together and considered as one common stock for the payment of my debts and legacys and the maintenance and education of my children and the payment of their fortunes, until my said children respectively come of age or marry when and not before, each of them is to receive his or her part of the same accordingly the residue still to continue and remain in the said common stock until another of my children shall come of age or marry, and so on in the same manner until the youngest of my children shall come of age or marry and receive his or her part of the same as aforesaid; it being my intention that my Executors shall not have the trouble and perplexity of keeping different accounts with all my children, but only one general account for the whole.

      I give and bequeath unto each of my four daughters, Ann Mason, Sarah Mason, Mary Mason and Elizabeth Mason and each of their heirs forever when they respectively arrive at the age of twenty-one years, or marry, whichever shall first happen, the following slaves with their increase respectively from the date of this my will:

      To my eldest daughter Ann the four following slaves and their increase, to wit; Bess (the daughter of Chloe) and her child, Frank, mulatto Priss (the daughter of Jenny) and Nell (the daughter of Occoquan Nell).
      To my daughter Sarah the three following slaves with their increase, to wit; Hannah and Venus (the daughter of Becky) and mulatto Mima (the daughter of Jenny).
      To my daughter Mary the three following slaves with their increase to wit; Ann and Nell, the daughter of house Nell, and little Jenny (the daughter of Jenny).
      To my daughter Elizabeth the three following slaves with their increase, to wit; Vicky (the daughter of Occoquan Nell), Sarah (the daughter of great Sue), and Rachel (the daughter of Beck).

      And I confirm unto my three eldest daughters Ann, Sarah, and Mary their right and title respectively to one negro girl given to each of them by their grandfather Mr. William Eilbeck deceased, to wit a negro girl named Penny to my daughter Ann, a negro girl named Priss to my daughter Sarah, and a negro girl named Nan to my daughter Mary. But in the meantime that is until my daughters respectively come of age or marry, the profits of all such of the above mentioned slaves as shall not be employed in waiting upon any of my said daughters, or for their use in the house, are to remain in and be considered as part of the common stock for the purposes herein before mentioned, and if any one or more of my said daughters should happen to die under age or unmarried, then and in that case it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order that all the slaves with their increase hereinbefore bequeathed to such daughter or daughters, shall go to and be equally divided between my other daughters or to the survivor of them, to be delivered them or her as hereinbefore directed. I also give to each of my said four daughters one bed and furniture to be delivered them at the time and in the manner aforesaid.

      I give and bequeath unto each of my said four daughters Ann, Sarah, Mary and Elizabeth, except such of them as may happen to marry and have actually received their fortune in my lifetime, the sum of six hundred pounds sterling out of my money debts due to me and the profits of the common stock of my Estate, the said sum of six hundred pounds sterling to be paid to each of them without defalcation or diminution, when they respectively arrive at the age of twenty-one years or marry, whichever shall first happen exclusive of any sum or sums given or to be given to any of them by their grandmother Mrs. Eilbeck, or for which I have taken or may take bonds for their use or in any of their respective names; and if any one of my said daughters should die under age or unmarried, it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order, that the money herein bequeathed to such daughter shall go to be equally divided between all my other surviving daughters, such of them as may happen to be of age or married at the time to receive their part of the same, and the residue to remain in the common stock until my other surviving daughters respectively come of age or marry, but if two or more of my daughters should happen to die under age or unmarried, then and in that case it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order, that so much of their money only shall go to my surviving daughter or daughters as will increase the fortune of each or either of them to the sum of one thousand pounds sterling, exclusive of their slaves or of any money given them by their grandmother Mrs. Eilbeck as aforesaid, to be paid them or her in the manner above directed, and that the residue shall remain in the common stock for the benefit of my four youngest sons in the manner hereinafter directed.

      I give and devise unto my eldest son George Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, my mansion house and seat of Gunston Hall with all my lands thereunto belonging or adjoining, being between five and six thousand acres, also a small tract of land adjoining to the land of the Revd. Mr. Lee Massey purchased by my father of Giles and Benoni Tillett, and in general all my lands between Potomack river, Occoquan river and Pohick creek in Fairfax County, excepting and reserving unto my Executors the right and privilege of keeping three Quarters, upon the said land to be considered as part of the common stock of my Estate for the benefit of my younger children, and of working the same number of hands as are worked at the said three Quarters respectively at the time of my death, with the right and privilege of getting timber for the proper use of the said three Quarters or plantations on any part of the said lands, that is to say one Quarter in the bottom of Dogues Neck (commonly called the Occoquan Quarter), until all my sons come of age, with all the land which I have usually tended and made use of at the said Quarter, and such other convenient and adjoining land as is necessary for the use of the same, and the benefit of suffering all the stock properly belonging to the said Quarter to range and run at large in the said Neck, and the two other Quarters at Hallowing s Point and upon the land I bought of William Courts, until all my sons except the youngest come of age, with all the land between [the] upper line of the said tract bought of William Courts, the river and the great marsh, and the benefit of all the stock properly belonging to the said two Quarters, ranging and running at large within the new Neck fence, my Executors keeping the said Quarters and plantations in good order and repair and delivering up the same accordingly at the respective expiration of the times aforesaid, or when the crops then growing thereon are finished, unto my said son George Mason or his heirs.
      But if my said son George Mason should die under age and unmarried, it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order that all the lands herein devised unto him shall go and descend unto his heirs at law and his heirs forever, in the same manner as if my said son George had been in the actual possession of the same before his death, and shall not be divided among my residuary Legatees hereinafter named.

      I give and bequeath unto my said son George Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, the seven following slaves to wit; Alec, Bob, Dunk, Yellow Dick, Bob (the son of Occoquan Nell), Peter (the son of great Sue), Judy and Lucy together with all the slaves which shall properly belong to and reside at my two upper Quarters in Dogues Neck adjoining to the great marsh at the time of my death, (except such of them as may happen to be any of the slaves by name specifically bequeathed to some of my other children,) also all my stock of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs which shall properly belong to and be wintered at my said two upper Quarters in Dogues Neck, at the time of my death, with all the plantation utensils and implements of husbandry thereto belonging, also one fifth part of all my Books and household furniture in and about my dwelling house, but if my said son George Mason should die before he comes of age and unmarried, then and in that case it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order, that all the slaves as well as all the personal Estate hereinbefore bequeathed him, shall be equally divided between my other surviving sons, and for that purpose shall remain in the common stock until my other sons respectively come of age or marry.

      I give and bequeath unto my said son George and his heirs forever, all my stock in the Ohio Company as a member thereof, together with my share and part of all the said Company's lands, but whatever balance (if any at the time of my death) appears by my books of account to be due from me to the said Ohio Company is to be paid out of the common stock of my Estate in the same manner as any other debts. I also give and bequeath unto my said son George Mason my Gold watch which I commonly wear, also a large silver salver which being an old piece of family plate I desire may remain unaltered. And I confirm unto him his right and title to a negro man named Dick given him by his grandfather Mr. Eilbeck, and likewise his right and title to two negro men named Tom and Liberty exchanged with him by me for two other negroes given him by his grandmother Mrs. Eilbeck, also to a large silver Bowl given him by my mother in which all my children have been christened, and which I desire may remain in the family unaltered for that purpose. And whereas my son George will soon be of age, and if I should happen to die during the minority of my other children they will probably live with him, and he may not choose to charge his brothers and sisters with their board, altho it must put him to considerable trouble and expense, then and in that case therefore, I give unto my said son George whilst my children live with him as aforesaid the right and privilege of taking in any year from any of my Quarters whilst they remain in the common stock, such Quantity of provisions for his family s use, and also of employing such and so many of my house servants in his family as he and my other Executor shall judge reasonable and necessary for the above mentioned purpose and adequate to the expense and trouble thereby occasioned, without being accountable for the same.

      I give and devise unto my son William Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, all my lands upon Chickamuxon and Mattawoman Creeks in Charles County in the Province of Maryland, that is to say all my lands in Christian Temple Manor and my tract of land called Stump Neck (formerly called Dogues Neck) with two hundred acres of land thereto adjoining and included in the same original patent, excepting and reserving to my Executors the right and privilege of retaining and keeping in their hands as part of the common stock of my Estate, for the benefit of my younger children, until all my sons come of age the last mentioned tract of land called Stump Neck with the said two hundred acres of land thereto adjoining, and of keeping a Quarter thereon and working the same number of hands for the purpose aforesaid as worked on the same at the time of my death. I also give and devise unto my said son William Mason and his heirs forever, in like manner, a tract of one hundred and fifty acres of land (where on George Adams now lives) near Port Tobacco in the said county and province, the same being one moiety of a tract of land called Partnership, and if my said son William should die before he comes of age and unmarried, then and in that case I give and devise all the above mentioned Lands upon Chickamuxon and Mattawoman Creeks unto my youngest son Thomas Mason and his heirs forever, and the above mentioned tract of land near Port Tobacco (upon which George Adams lives) I give and devise unto my son Thomson Mason and his heirs forever.

      I give and devise unto my said son William Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, which ever shall first happen, the two following slaves to wit Milly (the daughter of Kate) and Sampson (the son of Mr. Eilbeck's Bess), also one-fifth part of all my Books and household furniture in or about my dwelling house. I also give and bequeath unto my said son William Mason my silver Watch which I formerly used to wear, and I confirm his right and title to a negro lad named Cato given him by his grandfather, Mr. Eilbeck.

      I give and devise unto my son Thomson Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, all my land in Thompson's patent (re-patented in my own name) between Dogues Run and the south Branch of little Hunting Creek, excepting and reserving to my Executors the right and privilege of settling two Quarters with eight working hands on each upon such parts thereof as they shall think fit unless the said Quarters shall be settled thereon by me in my lifetime, and retaining and keeping in their hands one of the said Quarters so settled by me or them, with land thereto adjoining sufficient to work the hands belonging to the same as part of the common stock until all my sons come of age. I also give and devise unto my said son Thomson Mason and his heirs forever, in like manner, all my lands upon both sides the north branch of Little Hunting Creek contained in Thomas Stafford s patent, Thomas Sandiford s patent (re-patented in my own name), George Brent s sale to William Browne and part of Ball's patent which I bought of Mr. Sampson Darrell, also all my land in Mason's and Hereford's patent upon the branches of Dogues Run and Accotink, being one moiety of the land devised by my Grandfather, Col. George Mason decd, to his daughters Elizabeth and Rosanna {mm Simpha Rosa Enfield Mason}, also a small tract of land contiguous thereto originally patented by one William Williams and purchased by my father of Winifred Ball, daughter and heir at law to the said Williams, it being the land whereon Edward Violet lived, also a tract of about four hundred acres of land patented by my father upon the upper side of Dogues Run adjoining to Matthew's patent, and in general I give and devise unto my said son Thomson Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen (except as before excepted) all my lands upon the branches and waters of Dogues Run and Little Hunting Creek in Fairfax county, being in the whole about three thousand, three hundred acres, and if my said son Thomson Mason should die under age and unmarried, then and in that case I give and devise all the above mentioned lands in Thompson's patent between Dogues Run and the south branch of little Hunting Creek (being about thirteen hundred acres), and also all the above mentioned lands in Stafford's and Sandiford's patents in George Brent's sale to William Brown, and part of Ball's patent which I bought of Mr. Sampson Darrell being about seven hundred acres upon both sides the North Branch of little Hunting Creek, unto my youngest son Thomas Mason and his heirs forever; but it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order that all the other land hereinbefore devised unto my son Thomson Mason shall if he die under age and unmarried, as aforesaid go and descend unto my eldest son and heir George Mason and his heirs forever, in the same manner as if my said son Thomson had been in the actual possession of the same before his death.

      I give and Devise unto my said son Thomson Mason and his heirs forever, when he arrives at the age of twenty one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, the two following slaves to wit Sall (the daughter of Lucy), and Joe (the son of Mr. Eilbeck s Bess), also one fifth part of all my Books and household furniture in and about my dwelling house, and I confirm unto my said son Thomson Mason his right and title to a negroe lad named Cupid given him by his grandfather Mr. Eilbeck.

      I give and devise unto my son John Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one or marrys, which ever shall first happen, all my lands adjoining to and near Rock Creek ferry upon Potowmack River, that is to say the lands contained in Thomas Ousley's (mm: aka Owsley), Thomas Gowing's (mm: aka Going)and my father s patents (all re-patented in my own name), with the lands I purchased of Ellis and Bradie and of Daniel Jennings, and a small tract of land I took up as vacant land between my other tracts, and in general all my land between Four Mile Run and the Lower Falls of Potowmack River in the parish and county of Fairfax being about two thousand acres. I also give and devise unto my said son John Mason and his heirs forever, in like manner my Island in Potomack River opposite the mouth of Rock Creek which I hold under a patent from the Lord Proprietor of Maryland by the name of Barbadoes. I also give and devise unto my said son John Mason and his heirs forever, in like manner all my lands upon and between the main south run of Accotink and the branches of Difficult Run in the upper part of Truro parish in Fairfax county, patented by my father with a small tract of land thereto adjoining patented in my own name being together about two thousand acres, and if my said son John Mason should die under age and unmarried then and in that case, I give and devise all the above mentioned lands between Four Mile Run and the Lower Falls of the Potowmack river together with my before-mentioned Island of Barbadoes unto my youngest son Thomas Mason and his heirs forever. But it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order that all the other lands herein before devised unto my said son John Mason upon and between the main south run of Accotink and the branches of Difficult Run shall if he die under age and unmarried, as aforesaid go and descend unto my eldest son and heir George Mason and his heirs forever, in the same manner as if my said son John Mason had been in the actual possession of the same before his death.

      I give and bequeath unto my said son John Mason and his heirs forever, when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen the two following slaves to wit; Harry (the son of house Poll) and Peg (the daughter of Chloe), also one fifth part of all my Books and household furniture in and about my dwelling house.

      I give and devise unto my youngest son Thomas Mason and his heirs forever, when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, all my land upon the lower side of Occoquan River patented by my father and Col. Robinson, together with the right and benefit of keeping the ferry over Occoquan from both sides of the river, which has been vested in me and my ancestors from the first settlement of this part of the country and long before the land there was taken up or patented. Also all my land upon the branches of Neabsco (Creek) purchased by my father of Ann West, also all my land upon Potowmack river in Cockpit Point Neck, also all my land upon the upper side of Chappawamsick Creek and in general all my lands in the county of Prince William. I also give and devise unto my said son Thomas Mason and his heirs forever, when he arrives at the age of twenty one years or marrys, which ever shall first happen, all my lands adjoining to each other upon Goose Bay and Potowmack River in Charles County in the Province of Maryland, being four different tracts, the lowermost called St. Benedict's originally granted to Bennett Marchegay, the next called Mason's Fields patented by my mother Mrs. Ann Mason, the next interfering with Mason's Fields, a tract of one hundred and fifty acres without any particular name whereon Henry Fletcher formerly lived who purchased the same of Henry Aspinall to whom it was originally granted, and the upper called Fletcher s Addition originally granted to the said Henry Fletcher, and in general all my lands between Chickamuxon Creek and Goose Bay in the said county and province, and if my said son Thomas Mason should die under age and unmarried, then and in that case I give and devise all the above mentioned lands between Chickamuxon Creek and Goose Bay in Charles County in the province of Maryland, unto my son William Mason and his heirs forever. But it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order, that all the other lands hereinbefore devised unto my said son Thomas Mason in the County of Prince William and Colony of Virginia, together with the right and benefit of keeping Occoquan ferry, shall if he die under age and unmarried, as aforesaid go and descend unto my eldest son and heir George Mason and his heirs forever in the same manner as if my said son Thomas had been in actual possession of the same before his death.

      I give and bequeath unto my said son Thomas Mason and his heirs forever, when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, the two following slaves to wit; Jack (the son of house Nell) and Daphne (the daughter of Dinah), also one fifth part of all my books and house hold furniture in and about my dwelling house.

      I give and bequeath unto my said son Thomas Mason the sum of six hundred pounds sterling to be paid him when he arrives at the
      age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, out of my money and debts due to me and the profits of my Estate if so much remain in the common stock after the payment of my debts and legacys, the maintenance and education of my children and the payment of my daughters fortunes, and if there is not so much as the said sum of six hundred pounds sterling then what ever lesser sum there is remaining in the said common stock. And least the manner in which I have limited and directed the descent of some of my land should occasion any dispute or induce an opinion that I intended to entail them, I hereby declare that it is not my intention to entail any part of my Estate upon any of my children, but to give all and each of my sons when they respectively come of age or marry, an absolute fee simple estate in all the lands respectively devised them and in all such lands also as any of them may happen to take by the death of any of their brothers, the common legal descent of some of my lands being hereinbefore altered only in case any of my sons to whom such lands are respectively devised should die under age and unmarried while their lands remained in the common stock of my Estate and had not yet come into their actual possession. And whereas I hold sundry tracts of land in the county of Hampshire in Virginia, and in the county of Frederick in the province of Maryland near Fort Cumberland, patented in my name in trust for the Ohio Company, I authorize and direct my Executors to convey the same by such deeds as council learned in the law shall advise (with special warranty only against my heirs and all claiming under me) unto the said Ohio Company upon their paying the balance of my bond with the Interest thereon due to Mrs. Bladen or Mrs. Tasker's Executors, for the purchase of part of the said lands so that the said bond may be taken up and cancelled and my Estate indemnified therefrom excepting and reserving unto my eldest son George Mason and his heirs forever my part and share of and in the said lands as a member of the said Ohio Company.

      All the remaining part of my slaves with their increase, stocks of all kinds, and money and debts due to me, crops, profits and all other personal Estate whatsoever in the common stock not herein otherwise disposed of I give and bequeath unto my four youngest sons William, Thomson, John and Thomas (whom I make my residuary legatees) and their heirs forever to be equally divided between them when and as they respectively arrive at the age of twenty-one years or marry, whichever shall first happen, and if any one or more of my said youngest sons should die under age and unmarried, then and in that case it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order, that all the slaves together with all the stocks, money or other personal Estate whatsoever bequeathed to such son or sons or which he or they would have been entitled to upon coming of age or marrying, shall be equally divided between the survivors of all my five sons George, William, Thomson, John and Thomas, such of them as may happen to be of age or married at the time to receive their part of the same and the residue to remain in the common stock until the others respectively come of age or marry or shall go to the survivor of my said five sons if only one of them should live to come of age or marry, and if any of my sons or daughters should happen to marry and die during the minority of their brothers or sisters leaving a child or children behind them, it is my Will and desire and I hereby direct and order that such child or children shall receive the same part or portion of the Estate which the parent or parents would have been entitled to upon the death of any of my sons or daughters respectively under age and unmarried as aforesaid.

      will continued on "addl records"
      ===
      1791-1801 Charles County, Maryland Will Book AK-11 Part 2 [Mike Marshall]; Pages 109-128.
      Colonel George Mason, March 20, 1773; October 16, 1792
      I, George Mason of Gunston Hall in the parish of Truro and county of Fairfax, being of perfect and sound mind and memory and in good health, but mindful of the uncertainty of human life and the imprudence of a man's leaving his affairs to be settled upon a death bed, do make and appoint this my last Will and Testament. My soul I resign into the hands of my Almighty Creator whose tender mercies are over all his works, who hateth nothing that he hath made, and to the Justice and Wisdom of whose dispensation I willingly and cheerfully submit ; humbly hoping from his unbounded mercy and benevolence thro the merits of my blessed Saviour a remission of my sins. My body I desire may be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named, close by the side of my dear and ever lamented wife. And as for all the worldly Estate with which it has pleased God to bless me I dispose of it in manner and form following.

      Imprimis : It is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order that all my lands, slaves with their increase, stocks, rents, crops, tobacco and money and debts due to me with the yearly interest arising thereon, with all my other Estate of what nature soever, in Virginia, Maryland or elsewhere, be kept together and considered as one common stock for the payment of my debts and legacys and the maintenance and education of my children and the payment of their fortunes, until my said children respectively come of age or marry when and not before, each of them is to receive his or her part of the same accordingly the residue still to continue and remain in the said common stock until another of my children shall come of age or marry, and so on in the same manner until the youngest of my children shall come of age or marry and receive his or her part of the same as aforesaid; it being my intention that my Executors shall not have the trouble and perplexity of keeping different accounts with all my children, but only one general account for the whole.

      I give and bequeath unto each of my four daughters, Ann Mason, Sarah Mason, Mary Mason and Elizabeth Mason and each of their heirs forever when they respectively arrive at the age of twenty-one years, or marry, whichever shall first happen, the following slaves with their increase respectively from the date of this my will:

      To my eldest daughter Ann the four following slaves and their increase, to wit; Bess (the daughter of Chloe) and her child, Frank, mulatto Priss (the daughter of Jenny) and Nell (the daughter of Occoquan Nell).
      To my daughter Sarah the three following slaves with their increase, to wit; Hannah and Venus (the daughter of Becky) and mulatto Mima (the daughter of Jenny).
      To my daughter Mary the three following slaves with their increase to wit; Ann and Nell, the daughter of house Nell, and little Jenny (the daughter of Jenny).
      To my daughter Elizabeth the three following slaves with their increase, to wit; Vicky (the daughter of Occoquan Nell), Sarah (the daughter of great Sue), and Rachel (the daughter of Beck).

      And I confirm unto my three eldest daughters Ann, Sarah, and Mary their right and title respectively to one negro girl given to each of them by their grandfather Mr. William Eilbeck deceased, to wit a negro girl named Penny to my daughter Ann, a negro girl named Priss to my daughter Sarah, and a negro girl named Nan to my daughter Mary. But in the meantime that is until my daughters respectively come of age or marry, the profits of all such of the above mentioned slaves as shall not be employed in waiting upon any of my said daughters, or for their use in the house, are to remain in and be considered as part of the common stock for the purposes herein before mentioned, and if any one or more of my said daughters should happen to die under age or unmarried, then and in that case it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order that all the slaves with their increase hereinbefore bequeathed to such daughter or daughters, shall go to and be equally divided between my other daughters or to the survivor of them, to be delivered them or her as hereinbefore directed. I also give to each of my said four daughters one bed and furniture to be delivered them at the time and in the manner aforesaid.

      I give and bequeath unto each of my said four daughters Ann, Sarah, Mary and Elizabeth, except such of them as may happen to marry and have actually received their fortune in my lifetime, the sum of six hundred pounds sterling out of my money debts due to me and the profits of the common stock of my Estate, the said sum of six hundred pounds sterling to be paid to each of them without defalcation or diminution, when they respectively arrive at the age of twenty-one years or marry, whichever shall first happen exclusive of any sum or sums given or to be given to any of them by their grandmother Mrs. Eilbeck, or for which I have taken or may take bonds for their use or in any of their respective names; and if any one of my said daughters should die under age or unmarried, it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order, that the money herein bequeathed to such daughter shall go to be equally divided between all my other surviving daughters, such of them as may happen to be of age or married at the time to receive their part of the same, and the residue to remain in the common stock until my other surviving daughters respectively come of age or marry, but if two or more of my daughters should happen to die under age or unmarried, then and in that case it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order, that so much of their money only shall go to my surviving daughter or daughters as will increase the fortune of each or either of them to the sum of one thousand pounds sterling, exclusive of their slaves or of any money given them by their grandmother Mrs. Eilbeck as aforesaid, to be paid them or her in the manner above directed, and that the residue shall remain in the common stock for the benefit of my four youngest sons in the manner hereinafter directed.

      I give and devise unto my eldest son George Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, my mansion house and seat of Gunston Hall with all my lands thereunto belonging or adjoining, being between five and six thousand acres, also a small tract of land adjoining to the land of the Revd. Mr. Lee Massey purchased by my father of Giles and Benoni Tillett, and in general all my lands between Potomack river, Occoquan river and Pohick creek in Fairfax County, excepting and reserving unto my Executors the right and privilege of keeping three Quarters, upon the said land to be considered as part of the common stock of my Estate for the benefit of my younger children, and of working the same number of hands as are worked at the said three Quarters respectively at the time of my death, with the right and privilege of getting timber for the proper use of the said three Quarters or plantations on any part of the said lands, that is to say one Quarter in the bottom of Dogues Neck (commonly called the Occoquan Quarter), until all my sons come of age, with all the land which I have usually tended and made use of at the said Quarter, and such other convenient and adjoining land as is necessary for the use of the same, and the benefit of suffering all the stock properly belonging to the said Quarter to range and run at large in the said Neck, and the two other Quarters at Hallowing s Point and upon the land I bought of William Courts, until all my sons except the youngest come of age, with all the land between [the] upper line of the said tract bought of William Courts, the river and the great marsh, and the benefit of all the stock properly belonging to the said two Quarters, ranging and running at large within the new Neck fence, my Executors keeping the said Quarters and plantations in good order and repair and delivering up the same accordingly at the respective expiration of the times aforesaid, or when the crops then growing thereon are finished, unto my said son George Mason or his heirs.
      But if my said son George Mason should die under age and unmarried, it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order that all the lands herein devised unto him shall go and descend unto his heirs at law and his heirs forever, in the same manner as if my said son George had been in the actual possession of the same before his death, and shall not be divided among my residuary Legatees hereinafter named.

      I give and bequeath unto my said son George Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, the seven following slaves to wit; Alec, Bob, Dunk, Yellow Dick, Bob (the son of Occoquan Nell), Peter (the son of great Sue), Judy and Lucy together with all the slaves which shall properly belong to and reside at my two upper Quarters in Dogues Neck adjoining to the great marsh at the time of my death, (except such of them as may happen to be any of the slaves by name specifically bequeathed to some of my other children,) also all my stock of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs which shall properly belong to and be wintered at my said two upper Quarters in Dogues Neck, at the time of my death, with all the plantation utensils and implements of husbandry thereto belonging, also one fifth part of all my Books and household furniture in and about my dwelling house, but if my said son George Mason should die before he comes of age and unmarried, then and in that case it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order, that all the slaves as well as all the personal Estate hereinbefore bequeathed him, shall be equally divided between my other surviving sons, and for that purpose shall remain in the common stock until my other sons respectively come of age or marry.

      I give and bequeath unto my said son George and his heirs forever, all my stock in the Ohio Company as a member thereof, together with my share and part of all the said Company's lands, but whatever balance (if any at the time of my death) appears by my books of account to be due from me to the said Ohio Company is to be paid out of the common stock of my Estate in the same manner as any other debts. I also give and bequeath unto my said son George Mason my Gold watch which I commonly wear, also a large silver salver which being an old piece of family plate I desire may remain unaltered. And I confirm unto him his right and title to a negro man named Dick given him by his grandfather Mr. Eilbeck, and likewise his right and title to two negro men named Tom and Liberty exchanged with him by me for two other negroes given him by his grandmother Mrs. Eilbeck, also to a large silver Bowl given him by my mother in which all my children have been christened, and which I desire may remain in the family unaltered for that purpose. And whereas my son George will soon be of age, and if I should happen to die during the minority of my other children they will probably live with him, and he may not choose to charge his brothers and sisters with their board, altho it must put him to considerable trouble and expense, then and in that case therefore, I give unto my said son George whilst my children live with him as aforesaid the right and privilege of taking in any year from any of my Quarters whilst they remain in the common stock, such Quantity of provisions for his family s use, and also of employing such and so many of my house servants in his family as he and my other Executor shall judge reasonable and necessary for the above mentioned purpose and adequate to the expense and trouble thereby occasioned, without being accountable for the same.

      I give and devise unto my son William Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, all my lands upon Chickamuxon and Mattawoman Creeks in Charles County in the Province of Maryland, that is to say all my lands in Christian Temple Manor and my tract of land called Stump Neck (formerly called Dogues Neck) with two hundred acres of land thereto adjoining and included in the same original patent, excepting and reserving to my Executors the right and privilege of retaining and keeping in their hands as part of the common stock of my Estate, for the benefit of my younger children, until all my sons come of age the last mentioned tract of land called Stump Neck with the said two hundred acres of land thereto adjoining, and of keeping a Quarter thereon and working the same number of hands for the purpose aforesaid as worked on the same at the time of my death. I also give and devise unto my said son William Mason and his heirs forever, in like manner, a tract of one hundred and fifty acres of land (where on George Adams now lives) near Port Tobacco in the said county and province, the same being one moiety of a tract of land called Partnership, and if my said son William should die before he comes of age and unmarried, then and in that case I give and devise all the above mentioned Lands upon Chickamuxon and Mattawoman Creeks unto my youngest son Thomas Mason and his heirs forever, and the above mentioned tract of land near Port Tobacco (upon which George Adams lives) I give and devise unto my son Thomson Mason and his heirs forever.

      I give and devise unto my said son William Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, which ever shall first happen, the two following slaves to wit Milly (the daughter of Kate) and Sampson (the son of Mr. Eilbeck's Bess), also one-fifth part of all my Books and household furniture in or about my dwelling house. I also give and bequeath unto my said son William Mason my silver Watch which I formerly used to wear, and I confirm his right and title to a negro lad named Cato given him by his grandfather, Mr. Eilbeck.

      I give and devise unto my son Thomson Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, all my land in Thompson's patent (re-patented in my own name) between Dogues Run and the south Branch of little Hunting Creek, excepting and reserving to my Executors the right and privilege of settling two Quarters with eight working hands on each upon such parts thereof as they shall think fit unless the said Quarters shall be settled thereon by me in my lifetime, and retaining and keeping in their hands one of the said Quarters so settled by me or them, with land thereto adjoining sufficient to work the hands belonging to the same as part of the common stock until all my sons come of age. I also give and devise unto my said son Thomson Mason and his heirs forever, in like manner, all my lands upon both sides the north branch of Little Hunting Creek contained in Thomas Stafford s patent, Thomas Sandiford s patent (re-patented in my own name), George Brent s sale to William Browne and part of Ball's patent which I bought of Mr. Sampson Darrell, also all my land in Mason's and Hereford's patent upon the branches of Dogues Run and Accotink, being one moiety of the land devised by my Grandfather, Col. George Mason decd, to his daughters Elizabeth and Rosanna {mm Simpha Rosa Enfield Mason}, also a small tract of land contiguous thereto originally patented by one William Williams and purchased by my father of Winifred Ball, daughter and heir at law to the said Williams, it being the land whereon Edward Violet lived, also a tract of about four hundred acres of land patented by my father upon the upper side of Dogues Run adjoining to Matthew's patent, and in general I give and devise unto my said son Thomson Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen (except as before excepted) all my lands upon the branches and waters of Dogues Run and Little Hunting Creek in Fairfax county, being in the whole about three thousand, three hundred acres, and if my said son Thomson Mason should die under age and unmarried, then and in that case I give and devise all the above mentioned lands in Thompson's patent between Dogues Run and the south branch of little Hunting Creek (being about thirteen hundred acres), and also all the above mentioned lands in Stafford's and Sandiford's patents in George Brent's sale to William Brown, and part of Ball's patent which I bought of Mr. Sampson Darrell being about seven hundred acres upon both sides the North Branch of little Hunting Creek, unto my youngest son Thomas Mason and his heirs forever; but it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order that all the other land hereinbefore devised unto my son Thomson Mason shall if he die under age and unmarried, as aforesaid go and descend unto my eldest son and heir George Mason and his heirs forever, in the same manner as if my said son Thomson had been in the actual possession of the same before his death.

      I give and Devise unto my said son Thomson Mason and his heirs forever, when he arrives at the age of twenty one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, the two following slaves to wit Sall (the daughter of Lucy), and Joe (the son of Mr. Eilbeck s Bess), also one fifth part of all my Books and household furniture in and about my dwelling house, and I confirm unto my said son Thomson Mason his right and title to a negroe lad named Cupid given him by his grandfather Mr. Eilbeck.

      I give and devise unto my son John Mason and his heirs forever when he arrives at the age of twenty-one or marrys, which ever shall first happen, all my lands adjoining to and near Rock Creek ferry upon Potowmack River, that is to say the lands contained in Thomas Ousley's (mm: aka Owsley), Thomas Gowing's (mm: aka Going)and my father s patents (all re-patented in my own name), with the lands I purchased of Ellis and Bradie and of Daniel Jennings, and a small tract of land I took up as vacant land between my other tracts, and in general all my land between Four Mile Run and the Lower Falls of Potowmack River in the parish and county of Fairfax being about two thousand acres. I also give and devise unto my said son John Mason and his heirs forever, in like manner my Island in Potomack River opposite the mouth of Rock Creek which I hold under a patent from the Lord Proprietor of Maryland by the name of Barbadoes. I also give and devise unto my said son John Mason and his heirs forever, in like manner all my lands upon and between the main south run of Accotink and the branches of Difficult Run in the upper part of Truro parish in Fairfax county, patented by my father with a small tract of land thereto adjoining patented in my own name being together about two thousand acres, and if my said son John Mason should die under age and unmarried then and in that case, I give and devise all the above mentioned lands between Four Mile Run and the Lower Falls of the Potowmack river together with my before-mentioned Island of Barbadoes unto my youngest son Thomas Mason and his heirs forever. But it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order that all the other lands herein before devised unto my said son John Mason upon and between the main south run of Accotink and the branches of Difficult Run shall if he die under age and unmarried, as aforesaid go and descend unto my eldest son and heir George Mason and his heirs forever, in the same manner as if my said son John Mason had been in the actual possession of the same before his death.

      I give and bequeath unto my said son John Mason and his heirs forever, when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen the two following slaves to wit; Harry (the son of house Poll) and Peg (the daughter of Chloe), also one fifth part of all my Books and household furniture in and about my dwelling house.

      I give and devise unto my youngest son Thomas Mason and his heirs forever, when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, all my land upon the lower side of Occoquan River patented by my father and Col. Robinson, together with the right and benefit of keeping the ferry over Occoquan from both sides of the river, which has been vested in me and my ancestors from the first settlement of this part of the country and long before the land there was taken up or patented. Also all my land upon the branches of Neabsco (Creek) purchased by my father of Ann West, also all my land upon Potowmack river in Cockpit Point Neck, also all my land upon the upper side of Chappawamsick Creek and in general all my lands in the county of Prince William. I also give and devise unto my said son Thomas Mason and his heirs forever, when he arrives at the age of twenty one years or marrys, which ever shall first happen, all my lands adjoining to each other upon Goose Bay and Potowmack River in Charles County in the Province of Maryland, being four different tracts, the lowermost called St. Benedict's originally granted to Bennett Marchegay, the next called Mason's Fields patented by my mother Mrs. Ann Mason, the next interfering with Mason's Fields, a tract of one hundred and fifty acres without any particular name whereon Henry Fletcher formerly lived who purchased the same of Henry Aspinall to whom it was originally granted, and the upper called Fletcher s Addition originally granted to the said Henry Fletcher, and in general all my lands between Chickamuxon Creek and Goose Bay in the said county and province, and if my said son Thomas Mason should die under age and unmarried, then and in that case I give and devise all the above mentioned lands between Chickamuxon Creek and Goose Bay in Charles County in the province of Maryland, unto my son William Mason and his heirs forever. But it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order, that all the other lands hereinbefore devised unto my said son Thomas Mason in the County of Prince William and Colony of Virginia, together with the right and benefit of keeping Occoquan ferry, shall if he die under age and unmarried, as aforesaid go and descend unto my eldest son and heir George Mason and his heirs forever in the same manner as if my said son Thomas had been in actual possession of the same before his death.

      I give and bequeath unto my said son Thomas Mason and his heirs forever, when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, the two following slaves to wit; Jack (the son of house Nell) and Daphne (the daughter of Dinah), also one fifth part of all my books and house hold furniture in and about my dwelling house.

      I give and bequeath unto my said son Thomas Mason the sum of six hundred pounds sterling to be paid him when he arrives at the
      age of twenty-one years or marrys, whichever shall first happen, out of my money and debts due to me and the profits of my Estate if so much remain in the common stock after the payment of my debts and legacys, the maintenance and education of my children and the payment of my daughters fortunes, and if there is not so much as the said sum of six hundred pounds sterling then what ever lesser sum there is remaining in the said common stock. And least the manner in which I have limited and directed the descent of some of my land should occasion any dispute or induce an opinion that I intended to entail them, I hereby declare that it is not my intention to entail any part of my Estate upon any of my children, but to give all and each of my sons when they respectively come of age or marry, an absolute fee simple estate in all the lands respectively devised them and in all such lands also as any of them may happen to take by the death of any of their brothers, the common legal descent of some of my lands being hereinbefore altered only in case any of my sons to whom such lands are respectively devised should die under age and unmarried while their lands remained in the common stock of my Estate and had not yet come into their actual possession. And whereas I hold sundry tracts of land in the county of Hampshire in Virginia, and in the county of Frederick in the province of Maryland near Fort Cumberland, patented in my name in trust for the Ohio Company, I authorize and direct my Executors to convey the same by such deeds as council learned in the law shall advise (with special warranty only against my heirs and all claiming under me) unto the said Ohio Company upon their paying the balance of my bond with the Interest thereon due to Mrs. Bladen or Mrs. Tasker's Executors, for the purchase of part of the said lands so that the said bond may be taken up and cancelled and my Estate indemnified therefrom excepting and reserving unto my eldest son George Mason and his heirs forever my part and share of and in the said lands as a member of the said Ohio Company.

      All the remaining part of my slaves with their increase, stocks of all kinds, and money and debts due to me, crops, profits and all other personal Estate whatsoever in the common stock not herein otherwise disposed of I give and bequeath unto my four youngest sons William, Thomson, John and Thomas (whom I make my residuary legatees) and their heirs forever to be equally divided between them when and as they respectively arrive at the age of twenty-one years or marry, whichever shall first happen, and if any one or more of my said youngest sons should die under age and unmarried, then and in that case it is my will and desire and I hereby direct and order, that all the slaves together with all the stocks, money or other personal Estate whatsoever bequeathed to such son or sons or which he or they would have been entitled to upon coming of age or marrying, shall be equally divided between the survivors of all my five sons George, William, Thomson, John and Thomas, such of them as may happen to be of age or married at the time to receive their part of the same and the residue to remain in the common stock until the others respectively come of age or marry or shall go to the survivor of my said five sons if only one of them should live to come of age or marry, and if any of my sons or daughters should happen to marry and die during the minority of their brothers or sisters leaving a child or children behind them, it is my Will and desire and I hereby direct and order that such child or children shall receive the same part or portion of the Estate which the parent or parents would have been entitled to upon the death of any of my sons or daughters respectively under age and unmarried as aforesaid.

      will continued on "addl records"
      will continued from first page

      And whereas there is in my hands as Executor of Mr. William Eilbeck dec'd, a considerable sum (as will appear by my account with his Estate) which by his Will is bequeathed to and divided among his Grandchildren, my children, which I am answerable to them for and have a power of laying out for their benefit, and as I have hereinbefore not only given much more to each of my said children than their respective shares of his Estate in my hands amounts to but have disposed both of that and my own Estate among them in order to make the best provision in my power for them all, and if any of my children were notwithstanding to claim after my death their parts of their said Grandfather s Estate in my hands over and above what I have given them, it would occasion much confusion and alter the disposition which I have herein before made to the prejudice and injury of some of my children, I do therefore declare that what I have herein before given unto all and each of my said children is inclusive of and in satisfaction for what was due to them from me as Mr. Eilbeck s Executor and that the several devises, bequests and legacys herein devised bequeathed or given to each of my said children are upon express condition of each of them respectively releasing and discharging my Estate and Executors from any claim or demand on account of the balance due from me to the said Mr. Eilbeck's Estate per account already settled or to be settled with the commissary in Maryland, and if any one or more of my said children when they respectively come of age should refuse to release and discharge my Executors accordingly, then and in that case it is my Will and desire and I hereby direct and order that all the Estate herein by me given to such child or children shall be forfeited and shall go to and be equally divided among my other children and their heirs forever. And as there are debts due to me to a considerable amount by bond the yearly interest of which will be a great advantage to the common stock of my Estate, I desire and direct my Executors to continue the said debts upon interest either in such hands as they shall be in at the time of my death, or in such other hands and upon such other security as they in their discretion shall judge best, until the money shall be wanting from time to time for any of the purposes by me directed, and likewise to let out upon interest such money as can at any time be spared out of the profits of my Estate. I also authorize and direct my Executors to settle a Quarter or Quarters upon my land between Dogues Run and the South Branch of little Hunting Creek, as hereinbefore mentioned (unless the same shall have been settled by me before my death) when they shall think it most for the interest of my Estate so to do, as also upon any of the other lands herein devised to either of my three youngest sons Thomson, John or Thomas, either with any slaves that can be spared from my other Quarters or plantations or with slaves to be purchased by them for that purpose with any money that can be spared out of the common stock of my Estate, without interfering with my daughters fortunes or with the money bequeathed unto my youngest son Thomas, all which Quarters and slaves are to be considered as part of the common stock for the purposes before expressed.

      I likewise impower and direct my Executors to erect marble tombstones over the graves of my honored father and mother and my dear wife if the same is not done by me in my life time. And that no dispute or difficulty may arise to my Executors or my children about the manner in which that part of my estate given to my residuary Legatees is to be divided among them, I hereby declare it to be my will and intention that when each or either of them comes of age or marrys, he is to receive his part or portion thereof as it stands at such time respectively (always having regard to and reserving a sufficient sum of my money and debts still in the common stock to pay the money that may hereafter be due to any of my daughters for their fortunes, as well as the money bequeathed to my youngest son Thomas Mason) so that any of them after having received and withdrawn their parts from the common stock are not to be entitled to any share of the subsequent increase or profits thereof, and consequently not to any of the slaves that may afterwards be born or purchased, nor liable to any loss that may happen therein except such part of the common stock as may happen afterwards to fall to them by the death of some of their brothers or sisters, yet the fortunes herein given to my daughters in money are to be secured to them notwithstanding at all events, and in case of any deficiency in their said fortunes by failure of securitys or any other inevitable accident, the same is to be made good in equal proportion by all my residuary Legatees as well those who had before as those who had not received their parts out of the common stock. And I appoint my good friends the Revd. Mr. James Scott, the Revd. Mr. Lee Massey, Mr. John West Jun., Colo. George Washington and Mr. Alexander Henderson (whenever it shall be necessary) to make such estimation, division and alotment to and among my several residuary legatees, and it is my Will and desire and I hereby direct and order that such estimation, division and alotment as they or any three of them shall from time to time make and give under their hands and seals, shall to all intents and purposes whatsoever be conclusive and binding upon my said residuary Legatees and their heirs. I hope they will be so charitable as not to refuse undertaking this trouble for the sake of a friend who when living would cheerfully have done them any good office in his power.

      I recommend it to my sons from my own experience in life, to prefer the happiness of independence and a private station to the troubles and vexation of publick business, but if either their own inclinations or the necessity of the times should engage them in public affairs, I charge them on a father s blessing never to let the motives of private interest or ambition induce them to betray, nor the terrors of poverty and disgrace, or the fear of danger or of death, deter them from asserting the liberty of their country and endeavoring to transmit to their posterity those sacred rights to which themselves were born.

      I release and remit unto my brother Thomson Mason and his heirs forever, a certain debt of three hundred and ten pounds, four shillings and five pence 3/4 sterling and nine pounds twelve shillings and four pence currency, due to me on account of money advanced for him many years ago while he was in England, for which it was never my intention to make him answerable as will appear by an entry to that purpose in my own handwriting annexed to the account in my book. And whereas my said brother is indebted to me a further considerable sum on account of a protested bill of exchange drawn by him and of a bond I paid for him to Mrs. Bronaugh's Estate, I desire and direct my Executors not to bring any suit against him for the recovery of the said debt but to wait until he can conveniently pay the same.

      I give and bequeath unto Mrs. Heath the wife of Thomas Heath of Stafford County, the sum of forty shillings sterling in first cost of goods a year, to be laid out in necessarys for her own particular use during her life, and if ever her son Mr. Richard Hewit my old schoolfellow and acquaintance from my childhood, should unfortunately be reduced to necessitous circumstances I desire and direct my Executors to supply him with necessary's for his support and maintenance out of my Estate, and I particularly recommend this care to my children if it should be necessary after they come of age.

      I give to Mr. John Moncure a mourning ring of three Guineas value which I desire him to wear in memory of my esteem for my much lamented friend his deceased father. I desire my old and long tryed friends the Rev. Mr. James Scott and Mr. John West Junr. each of them to accept of a mourning ring of the same value. I leave to my friend and relation the Rev. Mr. Lee Massey a mourning ring of the same value, and I entreat the favour of him to advise and assist my Executors in the direction and management of my affairs. I am encouraged to request this of him from the experience I have had myself of his good offices that way, and I am satisfied that both he and my worthy friend Mr. (Martin) Cockburn will excuse the trouble I now give them, when they reflect upon the necessity that dying men are under of thus employing the care and kindness of the living which must also one day be their own case, and as the most acceptable acknowledgement I can make them, I desire them to receive out of the common stock of my Estate, the sum of ten pounds a year to be laid out by them in private charitys upon such as they shall judge worthy objects. I also give to my cousin Mrs. Cockburn a mourning ring of the same value, and desire her and my cousin Miss Bronaugh and Mr. Cockburn to accept of a suit of mourning each.

      Lastly, I appoint my eldest son George Mason and my good friend Mr. Martin Cockburn, Executors of this my last Will and Testament and guardians to my children until they respectively come of age. And it is my Will and desire and I hereby direct and order that no securitys shall be required of them by the court but only their own bonds taken for the performance. In Witness whereof I have to this my said last Will and testament all in my own hand writing and contained in fifteen pages set my hand and affixed my seal this 20th day of March in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and seventy three. George Mason. [seal]

      Signed and sealed and published and declared to be the last will and testament of Mr. George Mason in our presence and subscribed by us in his presence.

      Gustavus Scott
      Elizabeth Bronaugh
      Ann Cockburn
      John West, Junr.
      Robert Graham
      John Davidson

      At a court contd. and held for Fairfax County 16th October 1792 this will was presented in court by George Mason one of the Executors therein named who made oath thereto and the same being proved by the oath of Ann Cockburn and Robert Graham is admitted to record and the said Executor having performed what the law requires in such cases a certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.
      Teste P. Wagener, Cl. Cur. (Clerk of the court of Fairfax County Virginia)

      ===
      1791-1797 Charles County, Maryland Inventories [TLC]; Page 139,
      Colo. George Mason - Inventory.
      An inventory of the goods and chattels of Colo. George Mason, late of Fairfax county, Virginia, decd, the property in Stump Neck, CC, by Fran's B. Franklin & F. Speake, Dec 8, 1792.
      Negro men: Benjamin (aged 58 years), Charles (48), Fredrick (not worth 1 farthing). Negro women: Nancy (18), Cloe (60), Moll (55), Lett (45), Sary (12), Charity (5).
      Total amount: 391.16.6.
      Signed - Fran's B Franklin, F. Speake.
      CC, May 13, 1793. Then came George Mason, acting executor, & made oath.
      Certified by John Muschett, Registrar of Wills,
      ===
      (7)
      GEORGE MASON
      departed this life on the 7th day of October 1792
      in the 67th year of his Age
      Principal Author of the First Constitution of Virginia
      - Basis of the Federal Bill of Rights -
      Note(7): Marble box tomb. Inscription is on the east side.

      George Mason, b. 1725 and d. 10/14/1792 at "Gunston Hall" who m. Anne Eilbeck and then Sarah Brent, both of Charles Co.

      ===
      EILBECK, WILLIAM, Portobacco Parish, Charles Co. 2 Jul, 1763; 17 Oct 1765
      Wife Sarah, choice of 20 Negroes, husbandry gears at my Pomonkey Quarter; use of all lands in Charles Co.
      Mentions grandchildren.
      To dau, Anne Mason, Profits of two tracts In Prince George's County, called "Chiney" and "Chiney's Addition," 410 a,
      To grandson George Mason, Negro boy Dick.
      To grand dau. Anne Eilbeck Mason, Negro girl Penny.
      To grandson William Mas

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