Will of Charles C. Ragin

In the name of God Amen I Charles. C. Ragin of Sumter District and State of South Carolina do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following (to wit)

First I desire that all my just debts be paid as soon after my decease as practicable.

Second It is my will and desire that all my Lands Stock of Horses, Mules, Cattle, Hogs, provisions Household and Kitchen furniture together with the following slaves (To wit) Charlotte, Maddison, Rufus, Washington, Emma, Preston, Hermione, Martha, Amanda, Charles,

Richard, John, little Harriett, Old Harriett, Abram, Mary, Aaron, and Alister, shall constitute a parcel and part of my estate for the uses and purposes herein after exprefsed: That is to say My

Executors are hereby exprefsly enjoined to keep up my plantation, continue to cultivate my Lands by the work and labor of the above named slaves in the same manner as has heretofore been done by me for the space of one hundred years from and after my decease. The proceeds arising therefrom to be appropriated in the following manner. First Ten per centum out of the nett proceeds annually to be reserved by my Executors as a compensation for their services:

second so much as may be necefsary to be applied to the payment of the ordinary expences of the plantation: Third The balance to be expended for the benefit of my slaves above named in such manner as my Executors may think best to promote their interest.

Third I give devise and bequeath unto my Brother Richard Raginmy negroe man July together with one third of the remainder of my negroe property to him and his heirs forever.

Fourth I give devise and bequeath unto my Brother David Ragin one third part of the residue of my negroe property to him and his heirs forever.

Fifth I give and devise unto my Brother Richard Ragin one fourth of the remaining one third of my negroe property in trust for the sole and exclusive benefit of my Brother James Ragin during the term of his natural life and at hie death to be equally divided between my brother James Ragin children.

Sixth The remaining three fourths of the one third part of my negroe property I give and bequeath unto the children of my deceased brother John H. Ragin: the children of my deceased sister Sarah King and the children of my deceased sister Mary Gayle share and share alike to them and their heirs forever.

Lastly I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my brother Richard Ragin and my Nephew John R. King Executors to this my last will and testament.

Charles C. Ragin (SEAL)

Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator to be his last will and testament on the thirty first day of May A D 1846

In the presence of

Moses M. Benbow

Jamcs Addisen

Robert I. Ragin

Codicil to Will of Charles C. Ragin

Whereas I Charles C. Ragin of South Carolina Sumter District, have made my last Will and Testament in writing, bearing date Thirty first day May 1846. Now I do by this my writing. which I hereby declare to be a codicil to my said will, to be taken as a part thereof give and bequeath to my nephew John R. King one Negro Boy names Moses. to be taken into his pofsefsion as soon an my debts are paid to him & his Heirs forever--I also give and devise unto

my Nephew David L. Ragin a Negro Boy named Warren to be taken into his pofsefsion as soon as my debts are paid to him and his Heirs forever) Thirty first day May A. D. 1846 (And lastly it is my desire that this my present codicil be annexed to and made a part of my last will and Testament to all intents and purposes

In witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this twentieth day of May 1848.

Charles C. Ragin (SEAL)

Signed sealed and delivered in presence of

Richard Ragin

James Ragin

William I. Ragin

John H. King

Recorded in Will Book D-2, page 253

Recorded Sept. 2nd 1848

W. Lewis O.S.D.

Bundle 131, Pkge 18