I William Harding considering myself of sound mind and disposing memory but of rather feeble heart do make the following as my last will and testament.
In the first place having confidence in my beloved wife Eliza I give and bequeath to my said wife Eliza all my estate both real and personal for and during her single life but no longer and if my said wife Eliza should after my death marry again then upon the happening that event my estate aforesaid both real and personal is to be sold by my executrix herein after named upon such terms and upon such terms as are normal in making said sales.
2ndly: And provided my said wife shall get married again as above mentioned and my estate be sold as aforesaid then and in that event the money arising there from to be equally divided among my three children; Edward K., Elijah and Henry, and also such other children as my wife shall have during my life or within nine months after my death, or such of them as are living.
3rdly; And although two of my aforesaid children Edward K., and Elijah were born before the marriage of myself and my said wife yet I have since the marriage and now do recognize them as my children.
4thly; I hereby appoint my aforesaid wife Eliza my executor of this my last will and testament.
In witness of all which I hereto set my hand this 2nd day of July 1859.
William Harding {seal}
Witnessess'
D. Carter
John Mason
At a court held for Russell County on the 4th day of September 1860 the last will and testament of William Harding was produced in court and proved by the oaths of Dale Carter and John Mason the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Teste R. H. Lynch C.C.