Will of Joseph Scott, Colleton County, SC, 02 May 1759

In the name of God amen, the second day of May one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine [02 May 1759], Joseph Scott in Colleton County Bartholemew [sic] Parish and Province of South Carolina Planter being very sick and weak in Body, but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God for the same, Calling to 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 viz.

Principally and first of all, I recommend my Soul unto the Hands of God, that gave it, and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a Decent Christian manner at the discretion of my Executors hereof mentioned, nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty Power of God, and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me in this life;

I give and Bequeath unto my dear and Loving Wife Elizabeth Scott two Negroe [sic] Wenches by name Ame and Phebe and their increase forever;

Item I allow my Wife to live on my Plantation during her Widowhood and to have all the Profits arising during her Widowhood and no longer, if she marrys [sic] to go off the Plantation;

Item I give this Plantation whereon I now live to Jacob Weston to him and the Heirs of his Body for ever [sic] and half the Negroes, if leaving no Heirs of his Body when he dies his part to go to my Cousin Mary Norman's two Sons William and John Norman,

Item I give and Bequeath unto Mr. Samuel West's Daughter Sarah West and her little Brother the other half of my Negroes, My Wife is to keep possession of all my Estate both real and personal during her Widowhood then its [sic] to be divided as I has [sic] and shall direct my Cattle & Horses and furniture and Plantation Tools, to be equally [divided] between Jacob Weston and Cousin Mary Norman, if she survives my Wife, or if not then to her two sons William and John Norman to them & their heirs for ever, And further I do institute and Appoint my two Loving friends Jacob Weston and James Jurden, Executors to this my last Will and Testament,

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day & year above written

{signed} Joseph Scott (seal)

Signed sealed and Delivered in presence of us,
Thos. [Thomas] Bradwell
Saml. [Samuel] Boswood
Sarah Martin.

Proved by Dedimus 2 February 1760. At the same time Qualified Jacob Weston and James Gurdon [sic: written “Jurden” above] Executors.

  • South Carolina Department of Archives and History. Microfilm ST0506A. Will Books. Series S213027, Volume PP, Page 262.
  • Last modified: 2023-11-30 16:11:18
  • by Ken Norman