WILL OF VINE STOKES

 

State of South Carolina )

Sumter District )

 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Vine Stokes, of thestate and district aforesaid, planter, being in a low state of helathbut of perfect mind and memory do make, ordain and constitute this mylast will and testament in manner and form following.

 

First of all, I recommend my soul into the handsof him who gave it, and my body to be buried in a decentChristian-like manner, and, as touching this world's goods wherewithit has peased the Lord to bless me with, first I desire all my justdebts to be paid and the balance I give away in the manner and formfollowing ---------

 

First, I give my beloved wife Margaret Stokes theone half of all my land, stock and household furniture during herlife or widowhood, and at her marriage or death it then to belong tomy daughter Winney Davis and her heirs forever.--------

 

Second, I give my beloved daughter Winney Davisthe other half of all my lands, stock and household furniture, to herand her heirs forever &endash; also every other thing I am possessedwith.-------------

 

Third, I give each of my brothers and sisters onedollar a piece out of my estate, and if they should die before me,their heirs to have the above mentioned dollar, also one dollar to bedivided between the heirs of each of my brothers and sisters that arenow dead.

 

I do hereby make this to be my last will andtestament and I do revoke, disallow and disannul every other furtherwill by me made, and confirm this and no other will to be my lastwill and testament, and I do appoint my beloved wife Margaret Stokesand my daughter Winney Davis my sole executors to this my last willand testament.

 

In witness whereof I have set my hand and sealthis the eighth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousandeight hundred and thirty-five.

 

Signed and Seal in presence of

 

Hiram Stokes

Hester Messer

Abner Alexander

 

Vine Stokes (SEAL)

 

Recorded Will Book m, Page 251

Recorded April 21, 1836

 

William Lewis &endash; Ordy. S.D.

 

Bundle 101 &endash; Package 17