To all Christian people to whome these presants shall come; I Nehemiah Ogden of Monocose* and Frederick’s County in the provence of Maryland Blacksmith : Know ye that I Nehemiah Ogden for and in Consideration of the Love and good will and affection which i have and do bare towards my son in law Thomas Crampton have given and granted and those presents do freely clearly and absolutely give and grant to my son in law Thomas Crampton his heirs or assigns : a grey horse five years old last spring branded on or near the shoulder N and on the near buttuck a black cow three years old the eight ear xxx (?) and a stable fork in the xxx; the left oar xxx and to slits in the xxx; and cow with some white spots two years old marked DO; and a small hand gun of my own makeing; and all my deeds. I bequeath to my son in law Thomas Crampton all my workeing tools; all which creatures and tools I justly clame as my own; to have and to hold the said creatures + their increase and tools ; unto my son in law Thomas Crampton to have and hold from hence forth as his own prosper good forever absolutely without any manner of condition as I the said Nehemiah Ogden have absolutely and of mine own accord putt in further testimoney in witness whereof I have here unto sett my hand and seale this eighth day of november and in the year of our lord God one thousand seven hundred and forty nine. 1749

Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presants of us

Matthias Dooley (sp?)

William Hallsey

Dated 1749 and signed Neha Ogden. 

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Ogden references Monocose*, which may be a derivation of Monocacy River Valley an even earlier settlement in Maryland (considered 1721-39). Obviously an early and active member of the community, Ogden shows on legal record as early as 1733. 

At the time of Ogden’s will Frederick County was less than one year old, having been formed from parts of Baltimore County and Prince George the previous December. 

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Attractive / strong manuscript w/ minimal wear for the age and ink burn. Measures 7.25 x 12”.