Nehemiah Posey--Lexington Dist. SC--Original Will dated 11 Mar 1843 Found
While researching Turners in Edgefield County, SC last week, I discovered what I think may be an important document for Nehemiah Posey researchers.This Will was probably saved from being destroyed by the fire of the Orangeburg County Courthouse by being brought to Edgefield for this court case.
It was the first page of what is the original of the Last Will and Testament of Nehemiah Posey and dated 11 Mar 1843. It appears there should be a second page with the actual signatures but it was not in the file.The handwriting is absolutely clear so there are no questions on names.
I share this wonderful find with Posey researchers of Nehemiah Posey of Orangeburg and Lexington Counties, South Carolina.
I Nehemiah Posey Sen: of Lexington District State of South Carolina, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following: viz.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Nancy Turner a negro woman named Hester and her child named Bob; also two notes, one for one hundred and nine Dollars signed by John Turner Sen:, and the other for two hundred Dollars signed by Charles Turner and William Turner:I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Bolen a negro girl named Mary and one hundred Dollars:I give and bequeath to my daughter Martha Ready a negro boy named Dick and one hundred Dollars; I give and bequeath to my daughter Barbary Cook a negro girl named Lucy and one hundred Dollars, to them and the lawful heirs of their bodies, to have and to hold said slaves forever.
Should there be any natural increase among the slaves, above devised, either during my life, or subsequently, such increase, or offspring must pertain to the owner of the mother of such offspring.
I qive and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Rushton two hundred dollars:I give and bequeath to my son Daniel Posey a negro woman named Rachel and her child Abby and a boy named Jacob and two cows & calves and one heifer:I give and bequeath to my son Mark N. Posey two negro men Cade and Free and a negro boy named Cain, also one waggon and two cows & calves: I give and bequeath to the heirs of my daughter Ellender Bolen one hundred Dollars each: the money above devised to be paid out by my Executors when collected from my debtors:which Executors I desire to pay each heir their part in proportion to the amount awarded them by me.
All the rest and residue of my estate, goods and chattles, I give and bequeath to my beforementioned three sons viz. Daniel Posey, Mark N. Posey and Martin F. Posey, to be equally divided among them; the division to be made by Sale, or otherwise, and shall seem best to him or them, who execute this, my Will.
Lastly I nominate, constitute an appoint Mark N. Posey and Elias Holman Executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all others and former wills by me at any time heretofore made.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the eleventh day of March in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Testator, Nehemiah Posey Sen:, as and for his last will and testament, in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto, in presence of the said testator.
Found in Edgefield County, SC
Court of Equity
Roll 835 (original papers)
Nancy Turner by next friend vs John Turner Sr.