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The Last Will and Testament of John Ellis Shell
Recorded in Will Book "H" Page 324
Recorded December 14th, 1818
Proved Feb 5, 1818
JAS. FARNANDIS, O.N.D.
Box No. 54-- Pkg. No. 131--- Est. No. 1354:
South Carolina
Newberry District
12th Decr 1817----

In the Name of God Amen, I John Shell at present of sound and Disposing mind but feble in health and reflecting on the uncertainty of human life, make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former Wills and Testaments heretofore by me made.

1st; My will and desire is that my beloved Wife Elizabeth Shell shall have all my land lying on the South side of Indian Creek adding a piece bottom land on the North side of said creek begining at a white oak corner on Bondses line, thence down a drain to wagon road thence down to the forde of the creek during her natural life and at her death to go to my son John Ellis Shell provided nevertheless that the said John E. Shell should have the use of said tract except the house if he supports his mother (i.e.) sees to the support of her out of her own proceeds and after her death to go to the said John E. Shell.

2nd; I desire that the land on the North of said creek be equally divided between my sons Isham Malone Shell and Edmond Shell. The East end to Edmund and the West to Isham.

3rd; I desire my wife E. Shell to have a negro fellow named Jim during her life and at her death that said Jim choose which of his young masters he will provided the said master pays the other boys their proportion of the value.

4thly; I desire that my daughter Sophia's part be that which I have given to her already namely 1 bead and furniture 1 mare & clt.c.&c.

5thly; I desire that my son Drury Jones Shell have five hundred dollars put to interest until he is 21 years of age & then to have it and the interest in lieu of land.

6thly; I desire my sons John E. Shell, Isham M. Shell, & Drury J. Shell, have at my death or when of age one bed & furniture.

7thly; I desire that my other negroes namely Nelson, Lucy, Sam, Richmond, & their increase at my death be equally divided between sons Isham, Edmond, John & Drury & that my son Drury have at the same time one horse colt cald Snap and my beloved wife Elizabeth have the balance of the house hold furniture & one sorrel mair called Fly and a black cow for ever and the said Elizabeth my wife to have the riding chair for life, and at her death to be sold & the money to be divided between my sons above named.

8thly; I desire that the balance of my property not willed be sold to pay my just debts and the over plus to be equally divided between my above named sons and wife.

And lastly and finally I do hereby appoint my son Isham M. Shell and my trusty friend Hillary Herbert my Executors of this my last will and testament.

Signed Sealed and Acknowledged to be his last will and testament in the presence of----

Frances Bonds her mark
John Shell (SEAL)
Nancy Le Shell
William Blackburn Junr.

*Transcription of John Shell's Will received from Elsie Wright, 6/1999. Transcription errors have been preserved. Notable among these are the spelling of Edmond Shell's name as Edmund and an obvious problem with the dates of recording and proof (see note below).

Dan Shell, 1999

(I think the date for the will being proved should be 1819 not 1818, otherwise it was proved before it was recorded. ELW)

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