Person:James Billingsley (4)

The Billingsley Family in America, Harry A. Davis 1936, p 10.

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

WILL OF JAMES BILLINGSLEY In the Dame of God amen. I James Billingsley of the County of Calvert Planter being very weake of Body though Sound and perfect in remembrance praise be God for Same and knowing that it is appointed for everyman once to dye although the time (torn) and to the end that all occasions of Controversy (torn) away after my decease amongst my kindred (torn) touching my estate with what it hath pleased the Lord (torn) me with I do hereby make constitute I appoint this my last Will and Testament in manner and forme following; Imprim. (torn) bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God and my Body to be buried in the earth. Item: I give and bequeath unto my Brother Walter Carr the choice of one of my best Cows. Item: I give and bequeath unto my Brother Thomas Billingsley my full share of all the young Cattle which went outlast year when soere they are found in Rapehannock whose names I can’t leave in writing whenso ere they shall demand them to each one a Cow Calfe. Item: I give and bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Susannah Billingsley whom by this my last Will and Testament I make and appoint my Sole Executrix after my funeral expenses are discharged with what legacies are herein specified my full and whole Estate reall and personall whether in howses lands Goods Chatell or whatso ever within house or without. I testimony whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and sealle the 9th day of November one Thousand six hundred sixty three, Signed & sealed in presence of James Billingsley William Carr. Arch. Briscoe This will was in cocoon forme proved by the witnesses thereof the 6th day of January 1663 before me Henry Sewell. Secretary Susannah survived him a short time.