William Trussell wrote his will in 1803 though he did not die until 1812
In the Name of God Amen I William Trussel of Sandy River Chester District & State of South Carolina being in perfect memory but calling to mind the mortality of my body and that I must shortly give up this mortal life do therefore make conclude and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following:
And first I commit my soul to God the giver thereof hoping through the merits of a dying redeemer he will graciously resive the same-
Next my body to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors; and as to my worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased god to indow me with in this life I leave demise and bequeath in the following form and way-
Imprimus and first I leave demise 7 bequeath to Sucky Trussel, my dearly beloved wife all my movable estate except what may be hereafter mentioned-likewise my plantation with two negroes Benjamin and Hannah after my lawful debts are paid this she is to have for during her life or widow hood the purpose of maintaining her self and my two loving daughters Mary and Rachel Trussel and likewise my loving daughters Suckey Elizabeth and Milly Trussel whilst they remain with her; but if she chooses to marry then upon the day thereof she shall have no claime to the land or any of the premises therein contained excepting her bed and beding and wearing apperl-
The remaining part of all my property goods and chattels, shall be recived by my executors and sold agreeable to law and equally devided amongst my children, except my plantation and two negroes Benjamin and Hannah whom I reserve for the maintainance of my daughters Mary and Rachel Trussel during their life and after their death my plantation and negroes to be sold and equally devided amongst all my children and I appoint and ordain my son John Trussel Richard Evins & John Evins junior to be the sole executors of this my last will and testament Hereby establishing and confirming the same & revoking nullifying and making void all other wills and bequeaths whatsoever-
In witness whereof I have hereinto set my hand and seal this seventh day of November in the year of out Lord one thousand eight hundred and three
His
William X Trussel
Mark
Signed, sealed published and declared by the said William Trussel as his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed out names
John Kennedy (s)
Samuel Evans (s)
Moses Evans (s)
South Carolina) Apt. No. 67, Pkg. No. 1051
Chester District) Recorded in Will Book E, p 182
Before me Joseph Brown ordinary of said district personally appeared John Kennedy & having duly sworn and testified that he saw William Trussel sign & acknowledge the within instrument of writing to be & contain the last will then of sound or perfect mind and memory to the best of this deponents knowledge & belief & that Samuel Evans & Moses Evans together with this deponent did subscribe as witness thereof in the presence& at the request of the testator at the same time qualified John Trussel executor.
Given under my hand this 2d day of October 1812. J. V. Brown, Jr.