The Last Will & Testament of George Harper, deceased
In the name of God, Amen!
I George Harper of the State of Georgia and county of Clarke, being
very sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be
given unto God. Calling into mind the mortality of my body and knowing
that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and constitute
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
recommend to the earth to be buried in a 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 estate, wherewith it has pleased God to blefs me in
this life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following
manner and form.
First of all I will and bequeath to Martha my beloved wife, all and
singular my estate both real and personal during her natural life, and
should it so happen that any of my children marry it is my request that
she should at her discretion give them something out of my estate and
take a receipt for the same as part of their legacy, and at her
decease, the estate to be equally divided among my said children with a
deduction of what they may have received.
As touching my lands – the plantation whereon I now live, with the
plantation whereon Jno. Lumers? (or Turners?) Lives to be equally
divided between my three sons, Anselmn L. Harper, Jno. W. Harper and
George W. Harper, the corner part to my youngest son George W., the
upper part to be equally divided between my other two sons, A. L. and
J. W. As for the place whereon ____ lived I have sold, and my request
that my two daughters Mary and Sarah should have the value of the same
____ of my estate, also my aforenamed two daughters, I request to have
each one hundred dollars out of my estate before any division is made,
and as for that part which is perishable my request is that my said
wife at her discretion should sell the same. Also there is an
execution against John Harper of Hancock County in my favor, amount one
hundred dollars and upwards, which I require my wife to see to. I also
make and ordain my wife Martha Executrix and William Dyson, Executor of
this my last will and testament
N.B. One lot of land Wilkins drawn by Adam Hayes if not mistaken in the
name, which land I request should be sold. And do hereby disallow,
revoke and disannul all other wills, legacies, bequests and executors
by me in anywise before named; ratifying and confirming this and no
other to be my last will and testament. In witnefs whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal on the other side, this 23rd December
1812.
Signed, Sealed, published, pro____
and declared by the said
George Harper as his
last will and testament. Harper (seal)
in the presence of us who
in his presence and in the
presence of each other have
hereunto subscribed our
names
Lamuel B. Echolz
Thos. Connally
Wm. Roberts
Georgia}
Clarke County} Personally came Lamuel Echols into open court and after
being duly sworn on the Holy Gospel of God (cut off here)
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