South Carolina
Sumter District
In the name of God Amen.I John Grooms of the District and State aforesaid being of sound mind, memory and understanding, do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following To Wit, After the payment of all my just debts, I will devise and bequeath all my estate both real and personal consisting of the tract of Land and Plantation whereon I now live, one wagon, all my stock, tools, house hold and kitchen furniture and money or any other property I may have at my death, to my wife Sarah Grooms during her natural life and after the dearth of my wife .I will and devise all the aforesaid property to Cornelius Lindon in trust for the sole and separate use of my daughter(by my present wife) Mary C. Brown, the wife of William Brown during the term of her natural life and after her death in equal proportions among all the children, the nieces of my Negro Girl Fanny included but not Fanny herself who I will after the death of my daughter to my granddaughter Mary J. Grooms, absolutely and for ever and Lastly I nominate and appoint Cornelius Lindon Trustee and Executor of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 18th day of April 1846.
John Grooms
His X mark
Signed in the presence of us
W.J. Singleton
M.J. Tisdale
John D. Jones