Benjamin Norris

The will of William Ray probated 12 Jan. 1737/8 names son William; daughters: Elizabeth Boyd, Jane Hard, Magadaline Walker, Frances Whitner, Ann Norris & Mary Wearingen, each to get 5 shillings.

Benjamin is named in his father's will 1833 & is devised 125 acres of land part of a 300 tract  called "Hopewell". In 1735, William Ray, Sen. Prince Georges co., Md. Planter, for the natural love & affection I have & bear unto my grandson William Norris, son of Benjamin Norris, of Prince George co...do grant to sd William Norris all that tract bought of Clement Hill lying near Rock Creek & part of a tract called "The Forrest", laid out for 100 acres..." (Deeds Lib. Q fol. 259).

Benjamin was executor to his mother's will in 1745 & from appearances succeeded to all property; his children: William, John, & Anne are legatees and Benjamin gets "all the remainder"; Benjamin goed before the Court & states "I do not think it necessary to take out letters of administration on this estate".
On 26 Mar. 1771 Benjamin Norris deeded to William Jarrett land, etc. (Deed Lib. O fol. 179 Frederick co.). He deeded to Leonard Wayman of 30 Dec. 1784 50 acres of land in Montgomery co., Md. His first wife does not appear in this deed (Deeds Lib. B fol. 317).

Anne is believed to have died prior to the dating of this last deed.

Benjamin dtd his will 16 Jan. 1786 & it was probated 28 Apr. 1786. No wife is mentioned. Son, William: devised dwelling, 178 acres of land & negro Jack. Daughter, Mary, wife of George Norris: negro named George. Daughter, Eleanor Jarrett, wife of William Jarrett, Blacksmith: negro Kate. Grandson: Benjamin, William, John & Thomas Ray Jarrett. Son, William & daughter Eleanor, to get equal shares; executors, William Norris & William Jarrett. Witnessed by A. Pearre, Nathan Harress & John Edwards.

Montgomery County Wills L1 pg. 210. 28 April 1786 BENJAMIN NORRIS, planter

son: William Norris- dwelling plantation part of "Hopewell" Daughters: Mary Norris, wife of George Norris, Eleanor Jarratt,wife of William Jarret, blacksmith grandsons: Benjamin, William, John and Thomas Ray Jarrat, sons of William Executors: son William Norris and son in law William Jarrat Witness: Alexander Pearre, Nathan Harris, John Edwards