Edmonson County KyArchives News.....Jane Meredith Will to be Contested February 15, 1934
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Charles Finn http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00003.html#0000539 April 28, 2005, 7:15 am

The Edmonson County News February 15, 1934
Blood Relations Seek to Set Aside Instrument Made September 4th

      The first round in the contest of the will of Mrs. Jane Meredith 
disposing of an estate variously estimated to total sums ranging from four to 
seven thousand dollars, was fought out in County Court Monday when Attorney B. 
M. Vincent, representing sisters, nieces and nephews of the deceased, objected 
to the will being filed for probate.  Judge Houchin took the question under 
advisement and is expected to render a decision this week.  Regardless of the 
decision of the County Judge, the final determination of the case will rest 
with a jury in Circuit Court.

      The will was offered for probate by V. R. Logan who as attorney for Mrs. 
Meredith, wrote the instrument.  The witness to the will which was dated 
September 4, 1933 were former Judge C. S. Johnson and Luther R. Ray. 
Both testified that they witnessed the signature of Mrs. Meredith in the usual 
form.

      Cross examined by Mr. Vincent, Judge Johnson testified that at the time 
the will was signed, Mrs. Meredith appeared to be rational as she ever was 
discussing with him a business matter between them and requested those present 
not to mention the terms of the will as it might cause some confusion among the 
relatives.

      Mr. Ray stated that while he was not very well acquainted with Mrs. 
Meredith, she appeared rational.  (Can't read) in the examination of the 
witnesses that the will was not read to Mrs. Meredith, who was illiterate, in 
their presence but that Mr. Logan stated in the presence of Mrs. 
Meredith, that he had read the instrument to her and that in conformed to her 
wishes.  In an effort to show the incomptency of the testator.  Mr. 
Vincent elicited some proof that she bought several articles at the Washington 
Meredith sale at prices much higher than the appraised value when she had the 
legal right to acquire such property at the appraised value. 
Two items stressed were the purchase of a pair of mules for about $275 when 
they had been appraised at only $110.   Purchase of a handmade hoe handle at 
a high price was also related.  Judge Johnson who "cried" the sales, though W. 
W. Duvall, one of the administrators of the Washington Meredith estate, 
represented Mrs. Meredith as bidder.

      Because of the large number of interested parties and consequent public 
interest, the complete text of the will follows:

      I, Jane Meredith, being of sound mind, and realizing that my journey upon 
this earth cannot be indefinite, and having a desire to make distribution of my 
property before death, do make and state this my last will and testament.

      1st.  Believing in a Greater Spirit, I will to him my sole, from whence 
it came.

      2nd. After all my just and honest debts are paid, including my funeral 
expenses, I will to W. W. Duvall for his kindness in both a social way and in 
assisting me in caring for my property, and transacting my business without 
pay, after the death of my beloved husband, Washington Meredith, the sum of 
$1,000.

      3rd.  I will to my nephew, Pat Meredith, for his kindness to me and the 
interest in caring for my property and for the love that exists between us, the 
sum of $1,000.

      4th.  I will to B. B. Anderson, for his aid and assistance, the sum of 
$200.

      5th.  I will to Martha Stevenson, for the love I have for her, the sum of 
$300.

      6th.  For the tender care he gave me during my last days on this earth, 
and for the love for him, having raised him from childhood, and out of 
gratitude for his undying love for me, which  was shown me in his home at the 
time I was sick I will and desire that after the bequests hereinabove mentioned 
made, that Noah Duvall receive the

remainder of my property, both real and personal, of which I may be possessed 
at the time of my death.

      9th.  I will and desire that V. R. Logan be appointed executor of this my 
last will and testament, without bond, to make the distributions of my 
property, which I have herein expressed should be made.


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