Last Will and Testament of Thomas Henry Jacob Osteen
In the name of God Amen. I Thomas H. Osteen of the District of Sumter in the state of South Carolina do declare, publish and ordain this as my last Will and Testament.
After my death I desire my Estate to remain together until the death of my wife Dolly. I further request that the place be carried on by my adopted son Thomas Henry and by my son Dargan and my daughter Virginia just as they have done for the last past two years I further desire and request that the children give all tender care and affections to their mother unto her dying day. After the death of my wife I give and bequeath to my adopted son Thomas Henry and my other two children Virginia and Dargan Osteen all my entire estate to be equally divided between the three each to share and share alike. As here after to be directed with certain small exceptions that I here after may make. All my live Stock, horses, Cattle, hogs, sheep and goats to be equally divided among the three, also all my wagons, buggy, harness and all my farming utensils farming But Strictly to be understood there is to be no public sale but to be divided by according to appraisement also all my bedroom and bed furniture and all my entire house hold and kitchen furniture equally divided as above described. All my shoe tools and tools and my Bark Mill I give to my Son J. Dargan Osteen. My Carpenters tools I also give to my Son Dargan, but with a distinct understanding that they are to remain on the place for the benefit of all the heirs while they all three remain on the plantation together.
My set of Black Smith tolls I give to my son Dargan Osteen and recommend that he let the other two heirs Thomas and Virginia have the privilege of having their work done free of charge so long as they live in of the shop.
My fine Ivory head cane that was given to my by Col. William Canteys son some 30 years ago that I give to my adopted Son Thomas Henry Osteen which I gave my name when he was an infant and has been recognized as such ever since. I further devise that all the live stock remain together as an Estate while the heirs stay together and for to have separate claims against them from the fact that some will grow faster than others and would cause confusion. But in case one should marry or move off the place then take some four disinterested men and appraise and give them of their part.
My earnest desire and request to my three children Thomas, Virginia and Dargan is that they all remain and live together there as plenty of room than they can do better than to separate. But if Thomas become dissatisfied and wish to farm to himself then lease to him to him of the good planting land as much as he may need be .. and keeping in mind that he has been the main stay and support of this place in all your raising. And should he marry then deed to his share I would say at least one hundred and twenty five acres of my land advising first with John S. Richardson in regard to the safety and legality. But remember he has been the kind brother that I may say so has almost raised you and should you in the kindness of your heart wish to give him of his portion immediately then you can do so, it is your own to give when you please.
I desire and request my three heirs to give Mrs. H.E. Gally a home on the place during her life or pleasure. Remember for the last ten years she has been the only help Virginia has had to wash scower, milk, cook, and do all other work your mother not being able to do but little.
Lastly I nominate and appoint Capt. Anthony White of the town of Sumter, my adopted Son Thomas Henry Osteen and Son J. Dargan Osteen my Executors of this my last Will and Testament.
Witness my hand and seal this 22nd day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Seventy nine.
Signed: Thomas H. Osteen
Witnesses:
W.J. Singleton
A.J. McElveen
L.M Foxworth