Richard Tydings died in September 1859, leaving a last will and testament that appointed Samuel Ridout his executor. The will and supplementary codicil directed that upon payment of the estate's debts the property of the estate was to be divided among his heirs, "save the negroes to whom freedom was given to take effect at the death of the testator." The slaves were to serve as term slaves for various periods of time before their manumission. In January 1860, the widow, Rachel Tydings, renounced "the devises and bequests in her favor contained in said will and codicil and thereby given her in lieu of dower in the testator's real Estate and for her thirds of his personal Estate." Ridout questions whether Rachel's renunciation of said bequests negates the manumission of the slaves as he has been advised "that such bequests of freedom to said slaves cannot operate to the prejudice of the rights of said Rachel as widow." The petitioner relates that other questions have arisen in the execution of the estate and "he therefore prays the aid and direction of this Honorable Court" to assist him in his duties. Ridout also asks "that a decree for the sale of the said real estate and distribution of the proceeds as hereinbefore stated may be passed."
Result: Granted.
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Repository: Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland
