Matthew Compton

WILL of MATTHEW COMPTON

In the name of God, Amen. Matthew COMPTON (I), Senior of Charles County, in the province of Maryland being in good health and memory blessed be God but considering the frailty of this life and that all flesh must yield when God by death calls, do make this my last will and testament.

In manner and form following publishing all other former wills by me made incomplete. Item - I commit my soul to God that gave it to me for its future happiness through the merits of my Creator and merits of my Redeemer Jesus Christ my body after my decease.

I commit to the earth till resurrection to be burried as my Executor hereafter to be named shall think fit and for what wordly goods God hath been pleased to intrust me with, after just debts and funeral charges being paid, I dispose of the same as followeth:

Item - I give and bequeath to my son Samuel COMPTON all that part of my Estate he is possessed with in Virginia and also 2 shillings sterling in bar that he shall not claim any other part of my Estate.

Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Susanna WHITELY 2 shilling sterling in bar that she shall not claim any other part of my Estate.

Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Eleanor SLYE 2 shillings sterling in bar that she shall not claim any other part of my Estate.

Item - I give and bequeath to my grandson Matthew Compton PARKER 2 shillings sterling in bar that he shall not claim any other part of my Estate.

All the rest of my Estate both reall and personal both houses, lands, goods and chattels, I give and bequeath to my son Matthew COMPTON (II, Jr.) and his heirs forever whom I constitute, ordain and appoint to be the Executor of this my last will and testament.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day of March, Anno Domni 1744/45. Signed sealed published and declared by Matthew COMPTON lent to be his last will and testament. In presence of us. Geo. BRISCOE and Wm. HOWARD

On the back of the foregoing will was endorsed the following:

To wit, Charles County, on the fifth day of September 1747, came Geo BRISCOE and William HOWARD, the subscribing witnesses to the written will and made oath on the Holy Evangelists that they saw Matthew COMPTON sign the written testament of writing and heard him publish and declare the same to be his last will and testament and that at the time of his so doing, he was to the best of their judgments of sound and disposing mind and memory. Before Walter Hanson

• Reference: SLC Fil #13761 Will #4 1734-1752, pp. 235-236, Liber 25, Folio 150, Charles County, Maryland Orphans Court

Matthew Compton, Sr was born June 17, 1671 to John Compton (Campton). Both used the Compton family of Northampton, England's seal on documents, as they are of the Earl of Northampton. Also, the family is listed in "Burke's Peerage", the definitive guide to genealogy and heraldry of gentry and ruling families worldwide.

Matthew married Susanna Briscoe, daughter of Phillip Biscoe and Susannah Swann, she being the daughter of Edward Swann and wife Susanna.

Mathew and Susannah's known children were:

1. John - b 9 Nov 1702
2. Philip - b 5 Jan 1705
3. Susanna - b 6 Feb 1707, ca 1745 m Robert Whitely, m/2 Taylor
4. Mathew, Jr - 1709-1770, md Rachel Howard - 1714-1789.
5. Eleanor - b 1 Dec 1711, m John Slye
6. Sarah - b 24 Mar 1714, m John Parker
7. Samuel - b 19 May 1716, (WB 1765 Charles Co 33.280)

Mathew and Susanna purchased land called Manchester from Abel Wakefield in 1705 for 5000 pounds of tobacco, Mathew being listed at that time as a cooper, or maker of barrels.

On May 29 1713, in Charles County, Matthew named as son of John Compton in will proved Mar 5, 1718. Mathew received one-third of his father's real, and one third of his father's personal estate, whereas, John's eldest son, John, received two-thirds interest. The real estate lay in both Charles and St. Mary's Counties. No other children mentioned.

On 9 March 1722, Mathew received land from his father, John. This was his 1/3 share of 200 acres called Boswell and 80 acres called Boden. By 20 March 1737, Mathew Sr sold his son Mathew Jr. 90 acres of the Boden and Boswell property from his father, including dwellings, out-buildings, gardens and orchards.

Mathew Sr wrote his will on 19 March 1744,witnessed by George Briscoe and William Howard. His son, Samuel, was to receive all land he owned in Virginia and 2 shillings sterling, daughters Susanna Whitely & Elender Slye receive 2 shillings each, grandson Mathew Compton Parker 2 shillings and son Mathew all the rest of his property, both real and personal, with son Mathew being executor. Wittness: George Briscoe, William Howard. Will probated 5 Sept 1747. According to Bible record found actual death date was 9 Aug 1747 and wife, Susannah, died 12 Jan 1739.

SOURCES:

• All above info provided by James L Compton, 6 Jul 2015.
• Maryland Deponents, 1634-1799 (Parentage).
• Charles Co Wills L 25, f 150 (Will Written).
• Maryland Libary, L 25 f 150 (Will Probated).
• Bible, Maryland Historical Society Library.
• Notes of Sarah Browder to James L Compton, 12/15/2003.

• Reference: Find-A-Grave