Petition #20783023

Abstract

The petitioners challenge the validity of the will of John W. Hundley, a slaveholder. They charge that the will was written by Gideon Blackburn, a Presbyterian preacher. The petitioners state Hundley was "not of sound mind & disposing memory," and that Blackburn used "his great influence over him [Hundley] to believe by false & fraudulent representations that if he would devote all his property to the Church & to pious uses it would insure the salvation of his soul." The petitioners also declare "that there was no motive for the said Hundley to disinherit his brothers & sisters." They ask the judge to "direct an issue at law" to determine the validity of the will. The petitioners state that if the will is found to be authentic, then it will be alleged that each and every devise is null and void, except those directed to the Hundleys. Five former slaves of John Hundley, who were freed by the said will, join the suit as defendants.

Result: Granted; appealed; affirmed.

33 people are documented within petition 20783023

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Citation information

Repository: Kentucky Division of Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky

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