Last Updated:Saturday, 09-Apr-2011 06:33:20 MDT

Last Will and Testament of Reuben Haley

The State of South Carolina In the name of God Amen
Anderson District

Be it known that I Reuben Haley being sick in body, but of sound and disposing mind and memory, thanks be to God for the same and calling to mind the uncertainty of life and being desiring to dispose of all such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in the manner following that is to say. Item first. I desire that all my land or real estate, stock of all kinds, household and kitchen furniture and plantation tools, (? ?) be immediately sold after my decease and the monies arising there from to be disposed of by my Executor herein after named in the manner and form following - to wit first that all my just and lawful debts and funeral expenses be paid.

Item 2nd. I will and bequeath unto Andrew Reid esq. my negro boy Charles, for him to take at five hundred dollars if sees proper as his own right and title forever. If not, I give or bequeath to the said Andrew Reid the sole the sole and entire right to see or dispose of him at private or public sale as he may think proper and return the proceeds into my estate -

Item 3rd. I will and bequeath unto William Haley my son Elinor Abner my daughter the children of Reuben Haley deceased and the children of Kitty Buffenton dec? Willis and Archibald Haley and the children of Melinda Seigler my daughter dec? John Haley, Orange B. Haley, Rufus Haley, James Haley, Matilda Haley, Thomas Haley my children five dollars each. The children of the deceased children taking their parents share.

Item 4th I will and bequeath unto Polly Yous five dollars for her use and benefit -

Item 5th All the rest of my estate both real and personal of whatever nature or quality soever it may be, not here in particularly disposed of. I desire may be divided equally among my several children. The children of a deceased child taking their parents share. Except Willis and Archibald Haley herein before named together with Polly Yous who is to have an equal part with them for her own use and benefit and I give the same to them their heirs executors, Administrators, and (?) forever - And lastly I do constitute and appoint Andrew Reid Executor of this my last will and testament by me heretofore made. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this the fifth day of March one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven. Signed sealed and declared as the last will and testament of the above named Reuben Haley in presence of us

Henry M. Willbanks Reuben Haley L.S.
Tho. G. Campbell
J. W. Campbell

[Andrew Reid, Henry M. Wilbanks, and John Seigler were neighbors of Reuben Haley. G. W. Seigler (36), Melinda (19), and a Sarah J. (14) appear in the 1850 Anderson County census on page 200. If this Melinda was Melinda Haley Seigler, she died between 1850 and 1857.)]