Benjamin John Everingham, Charleston, SC, c1858
I am a Hatcher researcher who has the following will involving an Everingham. It seems clear that Thomas Hatcher is unmarried and leaves his estate to a young man named Benjamin John Everingham (Hatcher). I am not sure how to interpret Hatcher being in parans, but one possibility is that B J may be the illegitimate son of Thomas. If this young man was NOT related in some way, it would seem that Thomas Hatcher would have bequeathed parts of his estate to siblings, nieces, or nephews.
I have also read the letter from Thomas Jefferson on this site regarding the unidentified Everingham who apparently is in the shipping business in Charleston. I have a John Hatcher who was the owner/captain of 2 ships - one built 1760 and the other built 1765 in Charleston, SC. He appears to have lived and operated his shipping business out of Charleston and was not an absentee owner.
I would be interested in hearing from anyone with Everingham or Hatcher connections in SC who may be able to add any small tidbit/thought/idea to this rather skimpy and forlorn picture.
Thanks!
Nel Hatcher
[email protected]
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THOMAS HATCHER - Box 109, No. 12
The State of South Carolina
City of Charleston
This is the last Will and Testament of Thomas Hatcher of the City of Charleston and State aforesaid.
First - I desire my Executors as soon after my decease as possible to pay all my just debts and funeral Expenses.
Second) I give and bequeath my Woman Caroline to John Drummond Esquire with the hope that as the Law will not allow me to leave her free that he will do as much as he can consistently with the Law to make the remainder of her Life comfortable and as free as possible from labor But should the said John Drummond die before me, I do give and bequeath the said servant to Joseph H. Dukes, Esq. and the same request.
Third) I hereby nominate and appoint John Drummond and Joseph H. Dukes, Esquires Executors of this my last Will and Testament. I do hereby give and bequeath the sum of Three Hundred Dollars to each of the said parties --------- ---------- be in lieu of Commissions on my Estate.
Fourth) All the rest, Residue, and Remainder of my Estate wherever situated and of whatsoever nature and kind the same may be I do give, -------- and bequeath to Benjamin John Everingham (Hatcher) whom I have endeavoured to forward in Life and Trust that having been brought up to the trade of a Ship Carpenter under Mr. William Bird that he will profit by the habits of industry which the Gentleman's example afford and that By a proper economy and attention to whatever business he may choose to pursue hereafter that he will be enabled to make the property thus left him to basis of his future fortune.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal at Charleston this fifteenth day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty six.
Thomas Hatcher (Seal)
Signed Sealed published and Declared by the said Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other and at his request have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto.
L. T. Patten W.I. Smith Jacob Williman
Proved before George Buist Eq. O.C.D, 11th May 1857, at same time qualified Joseph H. Dukes and John Drummond Executors therewith named.