Will of William BURRIS, Sr. (d. c. 1789) Darlington District, South Carolina

Taken from the book "Myers and Neighbors of Jeffries Creek, SC" by Neil O. Myers, 2007, Aiken, SC, p. 29

Soon after Mary and Samuel married, Samuel's father died. His father, William Burris, wrote his will 2 March 1789 and it was probated about 18 Oct 1791 but we don't know the exact date of his death. He stated he had an unforeseen accident and was much bruised in his body. The will was witnessed by J. B. Turner, Daniel Miers, and Robert Nettles. William Burris named his wife as Executrix and his son Samuel as Executor. He specified that his 300 acre plantation was to be run again and an equal division made between his three sons with Samuel to receive the middle 100 acres, son John to receive the lower 100 acres, and son William to receive the upper 100 acres "which he shall not take into possession during the life of his mother Jane Burris, but by her free will and consent." He further stated, "Also I give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Jane Burris all and every part of my moveable estate during her remaining a Widow, but if she marries she shall divide equally with all my children." A note of my records from someone said that Jane and Samuel Burris, executors of the will of William Burris stated, "The soul is a precious jewel, so sell it not."

Transcribed by Teresa McVeigh 6 Dec 2009

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