Last Will and Testament of John J. Geddings

I John J. Geddings of Manchester Township Sumter County State of South Carolina, being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life do therefore make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament. That is to say after all my lawful debts are paid and discharged the residue of my Estate real and personal I give bequeath and depose of as follows, to wit.

Item first: I desire that my body be buried at the disposition of my Executrix and Executors here in after to be named.

Item Second: I give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Martha Geddings for the term of her natural life my home place whereon I now reside consisting of one hundred and forty five acres of land with all improvements, also Kitchen and household furniture also all Cattle, Hogs, and Pork or bacon that may be on hand at my death, also one half of all other personal property the said Martha Geddings; the above named property to be equally divided between my Children by my wife the said Martha Geddings at her death if any thing shall be left .

Item Third: I give and bequeath my place purchased by me from Joseph Kolb consisting of One hundred and five acres more or less, together with the other half of my personal property to my Children by my first wife, share and share a like and to the issue of such of my said Children as I may ……… such issue taking together the share that would have fallen to their deceased parents if living. Also I here by waive all claim of dower of my Wife in the said ……. Place.

Item fourth: I hereby appoint my Son Ezra P. Geddings Trustee for my daughter Charlotte O. Harvin’s Children and my Son Friendly S. Geddings as Trustee for my Daughter Margaret Weeks’ Children. I hereby nominate my beloved Wife Executrix and my Son Ezra P. Geddings, my Son Friendly S. Geddings and William Wallace Geddings and my friend D.W.H. Reynolds Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills and Codicils heretofore made by me. In witness hereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal in presence of the Witnesses who have signed as Witnesses in presence of each other and in my presence this Second day of September in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and Eighty four.

Signed: John J. Geddings

Witnesses:

William J. Ardis

W.B. Amton ?

S.C. Kolb