Captain Berry's Will
Debauchery, Miscegenation, & Family Strife
Among 18th Century Gentry

of the deceased William Berry, & told this Deponent it was the same paper which the day before had been taken out of the possession of Wm Berry Warman by Jeremiah Berry. He, at the same time, said Jeremiah Berry had acted by his advice and directions but declared he had no intention of secreting or suppressing the will, assigning some reasons why he thought, however, he was entitled to the possession of it. This Deponent then informed the said Zacha. Berry that it was probable Wm Berry Warman was then at Marlbro attending the Court about this matter, at which Mr. Zacha. Berry seemed surprised and uneasy. Whereupon this Deponent then recommended to him to lodge the said paper immediately with the Commissary if he meant to act uprightly or wished to remove any aspersions that might be cast on his character. This Deponent hath since heard it was done in two or three days after.

Being asked if Mr. Zacha. Berry ever enquired of this Deponent what would be the consequences if the will was destroyed, says no such enquiry was made nor any conversation passed between this Deponent and the said Zachariah Berry at that time to that purport or effect. But the said Zacha. Berry then said to this deponent that if he had seen the boy himself before he went to Marlbro he would have shown him the will & given him the assurances this Deponent had required.

Sworn to in open Court
Test. Saml. Tyler, Reg'r

Source: Prince George’s County Register of Wills (Orphans’ Court Proceedings) 1777-1790, f. 124, MSA C 1275-1