Will of John Trantham, dated September 2, 1820 Kershaw County, South Carolina
In the name of God Amen, I John Trantham being weak in body but of sound mind and disposing memory thanks be to God for it. I do make and constitute this my last will and testament. Item first, it is my desire that my body should be buried in a Christian like manner at the discretion of my executors her in after named. Item second, it is my will and desire that all my just debts shall be paid. Item third, it is my will and desire that my beloved wife Nancy Trantham shall have what property is herein designated to her that is vis, one negro woman named Hannah and one negro boy named George, and one negro girl named Minter and one third of my real and personal estate for her use during her natural life and at her death to return to the heir herein after mentioned. Item fourth, there is a probability that my beloved wife will have an heir if so is that case I do will and bequeath to it a negro man named Frank and a negro boy named London and a negro boy named Humphrey and his mother Sylvia and the other two-thirds of my real and personal estate to be put to the use of her lawful heir that she may have after my death if it should live and become of age then it is to have what is here left it and if it should die without an heir it is my will and desire that my neice (sic) Martin Trantham and his sister Peggy should have all of what is herein before mentioned to the afore mentioned heir and be equally divided between them. Item fifth, it is my will and desire the future increase of these negroes shall be with each of my heirs according as they are left to them. Item sixth, it is my will and desire that my trusty friend George M. Trantham and my beloved wife Nancy Trantham should be my executors to this my last will and testament. I do nominate and constitute them with full power to execute the same. Item seventh, it is my desire that one fourth part of my (aunt?) Dixsons estate that comes to me after the divide that I am to make with George M. Trantham should be divided as the other part of my property between my beloved wife Nancy Trantham and her lawful heir.
In testimony there of I have herewith set my hand and seal this second day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty in the fourty fifth and sixth year of Independence of the United States of America. Signed, sealed, in the presence of me.
John Trantham (seal)
Joseph Burnside
Richard Drakeford
John Scofield (his mark)Recorded in will book I, page 105
Recorded September 13, 1820
Kershaw County, South Carolina