Will of John Trantham, dated April 4, 1808 Kershaw County, South Carolina
In the name of God Amen I John Trantham of South Carolina & Kershaw District beinge very sick and weak in or, imperfect health of body but or and of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God. Calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament. That is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hand of almighty God that gave it and my body I reccomend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly estates wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life, I give and devise, and dispose of the same in the following manner and form firsts I give and bequeath to Sarah Trantham my dearly beloved wife her choice of my horses, a saddle, and a new bridle, three cows and calves, a suit of clothes, and a cloak and if my wife should be with child and it should live to be liveborn I land the whole of my estate to my dearly loved wife in during the time she remains my widow and if my wife should marry the balance of my estate to be divided in this manner and form, my wife to have one third and the other parts to go to my child that my wife is now big with I likewise constitute and appoint Jonathan Durart and William Bracey my two executors of this my last will and testament and I do hereby utterly diannul, revoke, and disannul all and every other former testament, will, legacy, bequeaths, and queathed ratifyings and confirmings. This and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof set my hand in the year of our Lords one thousand eight hundred and eight and in the thirty fourth year of the Independence of the United States this 4th day of April. Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, and declared by the said
John Trantham (his mark)
witnesses
David Myers
John Lockard BeeplesRecorded in Will Book C, page 144
Recorded March 16, 1814
Ord. Wm Langley
Apt. 68, pkg 2442