Will of Mary Atkinson

        

   In the name of God Amen I Mary Atkinson of Sumter District and State of South Carolina, being weak of body, but of sound mind and memory, do hereby make this my last Will and Testament.

   In the first place, I recommend my Soul to Almighty God, who gave it, and my body to the Earth from whence it came. It is my Will and desire that after I leave this earthly abodw that all my lawful debts be paid and as touching such worldly goods wherewith it hath pleased Almighty God to blefs me with I give and bequeath in the following Manner Viz.

   I give and bequeath unto the surviving Children of my son John each the sum of five dollars to be paid out of my Estate.

   Item. In addition to the sum of five dollars I give and bequeath unto Mary Buckhanan Daughter of my Son John five hundred dollars out of my perishable property, not touching any of my Negroes or Land, provided there should be enough for that purpose, and in case there should be a deficiency, then I require that those Legatees who receive my Negroes and Land, should make up said deficiency, each paying in proportion to the amt. rec.d.

   Item. I give and bequeath unto my Son James Atkinson all that tract or parcel of Land whereon I now live containing about two hundred and fifty Acres, and known as the family residence, which said Land together with all its appurtenances I give unto my Son James during his life time and at his death to go to my grandson William James Atkinson, to him and his Heirs forever.

   Item. It is my Will and desire that all my Negroes be divided into three equal parts and after such division that my Daughter Mary McLauchlin shall have the privilege of taking one lot her choice of the three, which said Negroes I give and bequeath unto her for her sole use and benefit and the power of disposing of the same in any manner she may think proper.

   Item. It is my Will and desire that one other third part of my Negroes should be left in the hands and under the immediate direction of my Executor William James Atkinson for the sole use and benefit of my two grand Daughters, Mary Francis Ballard & Ulrica Leonora Ballard and that the profits arising from the use of said Negroes be applyed to the clothing and schooling of the said Mary F. Ballard and Ulrica L. Ballard.

   Item. It is my Will and desire that if either of my grand daughters Mary F. Ballard or Ulrica L. Ballard should die and leave no ifsue then her portion of said Negroes to go to the survivor and if both should die and leave no ifsue then it is my will that the said Negroes should return back into my family and be equally divided amongst my Heirs at Law.

Item. It is my Will and desire that the other third part of my Negroes be divided into two equal parts one Moiety of which I give and bequeath unto William F. Wright my Grand son for his use and benefit during his life time and at his death to be equally divided amongst all his Children. -- the other part or Moiety I give and bequeath unto my Grand son Francis P. Wright for his sole use and benefit during his life time and at his death to be equally divided amongst his children should he leave any at the time.

   And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint William J. Atkinson and Isaac Lenoir Executors to this my last Will and Testament revoking Annulling and making void all others heretofore made by me to which I afsign seal and deliver as my last; this eighteenth (18) day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three

 

Mary Atkinson (SEAL)

 

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of.

Burrell Moody

Jno. J. Brunson

William R Bracey

 

Recorded in Will Book D-2, pge 99

Recorded Dec.16th 1843

W. Lewis O.S.D.

Bundle 116, Pkge 11