Will of Harvey Skinner

In the name of God amen, I Harvey Skinner of South Carolina Sumter District being Weak of body, but of Calm and disposing mind, for which I thank God, do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as follows Viz)

First I commend my Soul to almighty God who gave it me, and my Body I wish my Executors to bury in a christan like manner.

Second It is my Will and desire that as soon after my decease as possible, that my Executors Collect what money is due me, and pay my Just debts

Third As to the Estate it has pleased god to bless me with It is my Will and desire that it remain together Five or Seven years, and even longer than that, if it should be thought to be advisable by my Executors to remain longer, Excepting, It shall be the priviledge of any or all of my Children as they become of age or marry (Except Julia) to draw out of my Estate one of the Young negroes, one Horse, Two Cows and calves, a bed &c. to be appraised by three disinterested Citizens of the Neighbourhood under oath, and as there is great fluctuation in the price of property It is my Will and desire at the final Settlement of my Estate that such Extremes may be regulated by my Executors so that all may receve their property at the medum Value,

Fourth, It is my Will and desire that such of my children as have not completed their Education, be Supported and Educated out of my Estate, agreeable to the discretion of my Executors, or the means of my Estate,

Fifth, It is my Will and desire at the division of my Estate, that my beloved Wife Caroline V Skinner have the use of one fourth of my Negores. and the Plantation whereon I now reside, also

the Household and Kitchen furniture, one Carriage or Borouch to ride in, Two Horses, Cattle, Hogs Provisions &c. for her use and Support and such of her children as may remain with her during her natural life, and after her death, It Is my will and desire that the said Negroes Land Horses Cattle Hogs Household Kitchen furniture with the future Ifsue and Increase &c be Equally divided between my beloved children

Sixth It is my Will and desire that at the division of my Estate the Balance of my property be Equally divided between my beloved Children (Except Julia and John A ) that Eight hundred dollars be deducted from Julias Share, and that four hundred and twenty five dollars be deducted from John A Skinner Share for advances already made by me to them.

Seventh It is my Will and desire that if my beloved Wife Caroline should not wish to remain on the plantation whereon I now reside that my Executors Sell this plantation and the one on

Canesavannah and purchase a suitable plantation for my beloved Wife and Children subject to the Same restrictions as is in the fifth clause in this will

Eighth It is my Will and desire that my Executors, If they Sell my Plantation on Canesavannah for any amount over Two Thousand dollars that they divided the overplus between my Sister Epsey Ridgills childrsn share and share alike, but in case my beloved Wife and children should move to Canesavannah before it is sold It is my will and desire that my Executors pay my sister Epsey Ridgills children Three hundred dollars in Lieu of the over plus as before mentioned

Ninth, I nominate and, appoint my sons John A and Richard M Skinners and my Friend L F Rhame Executors to this my last Will and Testament, Revoking all former Wills by me made hoping that if any dificulty should. arise that it maybe refered to the Judgment, of my Friend L F Rhame,

In Witnefs I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Seventeenth day of May 1853

Harvey Skinner (SEAL)

Signed sealed and published in presence )

of us who have hereunto subscribed our )

names as witnefses in presence of the Testator)

Henry W Mahony

Benjamin Pack

Thos D Davis

Recorded in Will Book D-2, Pge 412

Recorded 28th Day of June 1853

W. Lewis Ordy

Bundle 134, Pkge 24