WILL OF JOHN McDONELL
John McDonell of Sumter District land surveyor and Planter being sick and weak in body but of sound mind and memory, do hereby make this my last will and testament as follows.
First, I give to my son William Washington my silver watch, six silver tablespoons.
Secondly, I give to my son Daniel Rose six silver tablespoons
Thirdly, I give to my daughter my six silver teaspoons
Fourthly, it is will that my personal estate be equally divided between my wife and five children, that is to say one sixth part only to my wife, the benefit of survivorship to relate only to my children and not to the benefit of my wife.
Fifthly, it is my will that my wife have leave to live on my plantation whereon my family are settled so long as she remains a widow and lives with my children, but should she marry or cease to live with my children, then she is to have one dollar, the provision herein made for her to be in lieu of Dower.
Sixthly, it is my will that all my lands be sold except the home tract and that the proceeds be vested in negroes or in or in such manner as my executors may think best who are hereby authorized to sell said lands, the proceeds to be equally divided amongst my children as they come of age or marry with the benefit of survivorship to the survivors and should any of them die, after my wife marries or ceases to live with my children, then my home plantation of land to be sold and disposed of as my other lands –
It is my wish that my children be supported and educated as well as their circumstances will permit –
Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint my friends Capt Hezehiah Nettles and Joseph Pack Junior to be executors hereof. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fifth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.
Signed, being sealed in
Presence of us
the words ‘of Sumter District’ in 2
lines struck out John McDonnel [L. S.]
Jno Gale
John Singleton Jr
John B Miller
William Potts, Ordy.
Recorded Will Book D-1, Page 105 Recorded March 6th, 1825 Bundle 68 – Package 1