The State of South Carolina
In the name of God Amen:
I James Baskin of Kershaw District in the State aforesaid, being weak in body but of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and constitute this my last will and testament in manner following:

First - It is my desire that my Executor hereinafter named, shall keep all my property both real and personal together until all my debts be paid, and then to be divided as hereinafter expressed; but should my said Executor find it necessary or in his discretion see fit to sell property for the purpose of paying off my debts he is hereby authorized and invested with full power to sell any of my personal property (not herein bequeathed) for that purpose as soon after my death as he may see fit.

Second - I give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth, the tract of land upon which I now reside and all other lands of every description that I may own, for and during the term of her natural life and no longer, and from and immediately after her death, I give devise and bequeath the said lands to my sons Benjamin Baskin; Thomas Baskin and Andrew Baskin in fee simple share and share alike.

Third - I further give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth for and during the term of her natural life and no longer, the following named Negro slaves to wit Lydia, Poss and Dolly his wife, and their child Sam, Phil and his Wife Betty, being six in number, and from and immediately after her death to be divided equally amongst all my children (except Benjamin, Thomas & Andrew G.) share and share alike (the children of any deceased child taking among them the share to which their parent would be entitled if living) in fee simple except my daughter Sarah Bennett who shall take her share under the following conditions, limitations and restrictions, that is to say: That my son Andrew G. Baskin shall hold the share of my said daughter Sarah Bennett to such children as she may leave surviving her in fee simple, share and share alike. I also give to my beloved wife Elizabeth absolutely all my household and kitchen furniture.

Fourth - I give and bequeath to my son Andrew G. Baskin one Negro boy named George, in Trust for the sole and separate use of my daughter Elizabeth for and during the term of her natural life and from and immediately after her death to such child or children as she may leave surviving her and not to be in any way subject to the debts contracts or disposal of any husband whom she may marry.

Fifth - All the rest and residue of my Estate after paying off my debts and the legacies herein devised and bequeathed, I desire to be equally divided among all my children share and share alike (the children of any deceased child taking among them the share to which their parent would be entitled if living) in fee simple except my daughter Sarah Rennet [Bennett?] who shall take her share upon the same terms and conditions and be subject to the same limitations and restrictions, as are mentioned concerning her in the third clause of this will.

Lastly - I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my son Andrew G. Baskin Executor of this my last will and testament - hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

Witness my hand and seal the Seventh day of April Eighteen hundred and fifty one.

Signed, sealed, published              }
and declared by the testator           }                     Jas.. Baskin (Seal)
as and for his last will &               }
testament in presence of us            }
The words "to be divided equally"}
stricken out before signing.            }
Laban Ferguson }
John E. Hough }
Joseph Hough }

Recorded in Will Book A, Page 205
Recorded October 18, 1852
O.K.D. John R. Joy
Apt. 5, Pkg. 149