1Francis Stewart Will. "WILL of FRANCIS STEWART
South Carolina, Laurens District
In the name of God Amen--I Francis Stewart, beig of sound and disposing mind and memory, but weak in body and calling to mind the uncertainty of life and desirous to arrange my wordly affairs to make and ordain this last will and testament in the manner following towit:
1st. I give to my daughter Mary Stewart one small tract of Duncans creek containing thirty seven acres more of lefs bounded by the lands of Hofh McKelvy, Robert H. Lettle, Francis Stewart and others otherwise known as Shepherds tract.
2nd. I desire that the tract of land on which I now reside containing one hundred and fifty acres more or lefs be devided into three equal shares by the acres, and I give to my Son Wm. Stewart one third of said land allowing him first choice.
3rd. I give to my son Robert Stewart one third of Said land allowing him second choice.
4th. I give to my son John Allen Stewart the remaining third of said tract of land.
I give the lands above specified to my children herein named and to their heirs and assigns forever.
5th. And I desire that the remainder of my Estate consisting of horses, cows, hogs, household and kitchen furniture, notes and money be equally divided among my four children herein named after paying my just debts and funeral expenses according to valuation.
6th. It is my will and desire that Sarah Lipp, the mother of the above named children have a support from them during her natural life out of the property which I have bequeathed to them provided she shall live among them, as they may mutually agree, But they shall not be bound to pay for her boarding if she should choose to live with any other person.
7th. And lastly, I do consitute and appoint my friends William Blakley, son of William and _ames L. Your Executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other and former wills and testament by heretofore made.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this sixth day of May one thousand eight hundred and fourty five(1845)
Signed sealed published and declared as and for the last will andtestament of within named Francis Stewart in prescense of us:
Alexander McKelvy
John Dalrymole
Hugh McKelvy
Recorded in Will Book A Page 63
Proved and recorded dates not available
W.D Watts, Ordy
Original not in files of Probate Judge
Laurens District, Laurens County.".
2Kathy Longhurst, http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~stewartclanscms/pafg03.htm#7.