Lincoln County, Georgia
16 July 1824. I, Shepperd Groce, wish that my just debts to be paid. Also I wish my children to have such education as their fortune may admit. I wish my negroes to be divided amongst my wife & seven chn. named as follows: Elizabeth, Sarah, Jarred, James, Cuthbert, George Lucllen [sic], Benton & Shepperd and if I have any more chn. I wish all to share equal. My negroes are as follows, Big Joe & his wife Sabra, Tom, Alfred, Nelly, Barksdale, Little Joe, George, Andrew, Silvy, King, Jane, Liser, Mariah, Rose, Daniel, Pett, James, John, Harry, Mary, Plenty, Nelson, Abner & Dick. The said negroes to be put into lotts by families, to make eight lotts, then my wife & chn. to draw a lott and to be content, likewise my personal property to be put into lotts in the same manner. The landed estate to be keep by my wife during her life time, then to be sold and the money divided amongst my chn. or their heirs. I appoint my wife, Susannah & Jarred Groce my son as executors.. Wit: Anthony Stribling, Elizabeth Stribling & Alsey Olive.. Signed, Shepperd Groce.. Proved on oath of Alsey Olive in the March term of Court 1824, who swore she saw Anthony & Elizabeth Stribling sign the same as witnesses this 24 March 1824.. Recorded 31 March 1824. H. Remson.

This family name is traditionally spelled Sheppard, not Shepperd, as shown above. --JG