Will of William Mathis

In the name of God Amen I William Mathis of Sumter District South Carolina Calling to mind the mortality of the body do make this my last. Will and testament. first I Commend my Soul to God who gave it, and my body to be buried in a decent christian manner‑

Item: I will and direct that my horse Charley be Sold by my Exr.s

Item 2. I will and direct that my Estate real and personal be kept together undivided for the general benefit of all my family until my Son John Nelson arrives at the Age of twenty one years; then I make the following disposition of my Estate (Viz) I. give to my Son John Nelson my Ssnd Hill lands known as the Baker land Supposed about three hundred acres, but Should he die and leave no lawful Children or Child the Said land Shall return to my Estate and be Equally divided between my lawful heirs ‑

Item: I give to my two Sons Edward E. H. and William Francis, my lands known as the Copland land Supposed to be 315 acres. Edward to have all on the West Side of the Branch (which runs

through the land) and William the East Side the run of the Branch to be the deviding line; but Should Either or Both Edw.d or William die and leave no lawful Children or Child, in that case his Share Shall return to my Estate and be Equally divided between all my lawful heirs -

Item; The land whereon I now live containing two hundred and twenty five acres I give to my beloved wife Nancy Mathis during her natural life with the following proviso, I,E, that She will let my Son Micaja R. and my daughter Martha I. as they arrive at lawful age have the use of; or an Equal right of Said land with her their mother, at the Same time the Said land; rents; use or profits Shall not be Subject or liable for any debt or contract of any husband that She may have, and at the death of my beloved wife Nancy. I give to my Son Micaja R. and my daughter Martha I. the said tract of land of 225 acres to be Equally devided, (Respect being had to the Value,- and Should Either die and leave no lawful children or Child, then his or her Share to return, to my Estate to be Equally divided among my heirs.

Item: all my personal & perishable Estate I will & direct to be kept together as directed in Item 2. for the Suport, and Education of my children, until they Shall arrive at lawful age or marry.

Item I give to my Daughter Sarah L. when She arrives at the age of twenty one or marrys, the Sum of Five hundred Dollars, to come out of the proceeds of the crops, if can be or the personal property, -

Item. I give to my Daughter Mary C. the Sum of Five hundred $ to come out of the Crops if can be: or the personal property,- When She arrives at lawful age or marrys.

Item. I give to my daughter Julia Ann the Sum of Five hundred Dollars, to come out of the proceeds of the crops if can be or the personal property; when She arrives at lawful age or marrys. Should Either of my Said Daughters Sarah L, Mary C. or Julia Ann. die and leave no lawful Children or Child the portion or Share coming to Either So dieing Shall return to my Estate and be Equally divided between all my lawful heirs ‑ Item after the payment of all my

Just debts, and legacys as directed. 1 give to my beloved wife Nancy during her natural life all the rest and residue of my personal & perishable Estate but not to be Subject or liable for any debt or contract or any husband She may have, Item at the death of my Said wife Nancy I will & direct that my three Daughters Sarah L. Mary C. & Julia Ann, Shall have out of the personal property the Sum of five hundred Dollars Each and Interest thereon from the time they arrive at lawful age, if there Should be personal property Enough. Should there be any over and above I will & direct the Same to be Equally divided between all my lawful heirs ‑

I appoint my Brother John Mathis and Alfred Scarborough Executors to this my last will & Testament ‑

Witnefs my hand and Seal this 12th day of Feb.y A.D. 1851

William Matthis (SEAL)

Signed Sealed and acknowledged in the presence of the Subscribing witnefses and of the Testator the words “die”& leave” interlined before Signing

A. J. Scarborough

Wm R. Jossey

his

Wm x Farmer

mark

Recorded Will Book D-2, Pge 387

Recorded Mar 8th, 1851

W. Lewis, Ordy

Bundle 125, Package 16