Will of Mary Atkinson
In the name of God Amen I Mary Atkinson of
Sumter District and State of South Carolina, being weak of body, but of sound
mind and memory, do hereby make this my last Will and Testament.
In the first place, I recommend my Soul to
Almighty God, who gave it, and my body to the Earth from whence it came. It is
my Will and desire that after I leave this earthly abodw that all my lawful
debts be paid and as touching such worldly goods wherewith it hath pleased Almighty
God to blefs me with I give and bequeath in the following Manner Viz.
I give and bequeath unto the surviving
Children of my son John each the sum of five dollars to be paid out of my
Estate.
Item. In addition to the sum of five
dollars I give and bequeath unto Mary Buckhanan Daughter of my Son John five
hundred dollars out of my perishable property, not touching any of my Negroes
or Land, provided there should be enough for that purpose, and in case there
should be a deficiency, then I require that those Legatees who receive my
Negroes and Land, should make up said deficiency, each paying in proportion to
the amt. rec.d.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my Son James
Atkinson all that tract or parcel of Land whereon I now live containing about
two hundred and fifty Acres, and known as the family residence, which said Land
together with all its appurtenances I give unto my Son James during his life
time and at his death to go to my grandson William James Atkinson, to him and
his Heirs forever.
Item. It is my Will and desire that all my
Negroes be divided into three equal parts and after such division that my
Daughter Mary McLauchlin shall have the privilege of taking one lot her choice
of the three, which said Negroes I give and bequeath unto her for her sole use
and benefit and the power of disposing of the same in any manner she may think
proper.
Item. It is my Will and desire that one
other third part of my Negroes should be left in the hands and under the
immediate direction of my Executor William James Atkinson for the sole use and
benefit of my two grand Daughters, Mary Francis Ballard & Ulrica Leonora
Ballard and that the profits arising from the use of said Negroes be applyed to
the clothing and schooling of the said Mary F. Ballard and Ulrica L. Ballard.
Item. It is my Will and desire that if
either of my grand daughters Mary F. Ballard or Ulrica L. Ballard should die
and leave no ifsue then her portion of said Negroes to go to the survivor and
if both should die and leave no ifsue then it is my will that the said Negroes
should return back into my family and be equally divided amongst my Heirs at
Law.
Item.
It is my Will and desire that the other third part of my Negroes be divided
into two equal parts one Moiety of which I give and bequeath unto William F.
Wright my Grand son for his use and benefit during his life time and at his
death to be equally divided amongst all his Children. -- the other part or
Moiety I give and bequeath unto my Grand son Francis P. Wright for his sole use
and benefit during his life time and at his death to be equally divided amongst
his children should he leave any at the time.
And lastly I do hereby constitute and
appoint William J. Atkinson and Isaac Lenoir Executors to this my last Will and
Testament revoking Annulling and making void all others heretofore made by me
to which I afsign seal and deliver as my last; this eighteenth (18) day of
April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three
Mary
Atkinson (SEAL)
Signed,
sealed and delivered in the presence of.
Burrell
Moody
Jno.
J. Brunson
William
R Bracey
Recorded
in Will Book D-2, pge 99
Recorded
Dec.16th 1843
W.
Lewis O.S.D.
Bundle
116, Pkge 11