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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
OF
JOHN PETERSON HARPER
ELBERT COUNTY, GEORGIA
Georgia, Elbert County. In the name of God, Amen. I John P. Harper, of the County of Elbert and the State of Georgia, being in my proper senses and sound memory, do make and ordain this my last will and testament.
Item, First of all I give my soul to God, who gave it, hoping for the resurrection of life through Christ and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent manner as to the discretion of my executors, hereinafter named.
As for worldly goods, I give as follows
Item I desire that my just debts be first paid, and that the present crop of tobacco on hand and the ensuing crop be applied to that purpose and in case the same should not be adequate to discharge the whole of my debts then and in that case my executors hereinafter to be named will dispose of my part of the stock for the interprise of discharging the same.
Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Sarah Harper, two hundred and fifteen and one-half acres of land it being the tract whereon I now live. Also two hundred acres adjoining the said tract, it being part of the four hundred acre tract, also ten negroes, to wit: Pete, Bob, Joe, Pompey, Abraham, Sarah, Grace, Amy, Tiller, and Jinny, also all my stock of horses, except one which will be hereafter named, cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats. Also all my household and kitchen furniture except one bed and furniture and all my farming utensils, also one pair of cart wheels, to her and her heirs, forever.
Item I give unto my son in law, Middleton Woods two hundred acres of land it being the other moiety? Of the above recited four hundred acres, also six negroes to wit: Peter, James, Edmond, Cate, Jude and Winney.
Item I give unto my nephew William Wilkins Lenore, one lot in the town of Elberton adjoining James Kidd on the east side, also one negro boy known by the name of Stephen, one bed and furniture, one sorrel horse, known by the name of Dolphin, and saddle and bridle to be purchased by my executors, rifle gun and shot pouch and all my wearing apparel when he arrives at mature age or sooner at the discretion of my executors.
Item And lastly I do constitute and appoint my wife, Sarah and Middleton Woods, my whole and sole executrix and executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other wills, heretofore by me made. I witness my hand and seal this ninth day of June 1801.
John P. Harper
William Hightower
Wells Thompson
Gilbert Barden
Recorded this will the 3rd day of August 1801.
W. Higginbotham, C. C. O.