The legatees of the late Jacob Gray represent that the said Gray died in 1857. They further state that he left a large portion of his estate to one Dorcas Youmans, his "supposed wife," and their children, Martha and Joseph Gray. The petitioners contest said legacy, asserting that Dorcas was not the lawful wife and that the said Martha and Joseph are therefore the "illegitimate offspring of the said Dorcas." They purport that Dorcas is only entitled to one fourth of said estate. The petitioners also charge that Cooper Cone, the executor of said estate, has "manifested a total disregard for the rights and interests of the estate he represents." They point out that said will directed him, as executor, to sell all of the property except the slaves; instead, Cone has continued to draw income from the estate for the benefit of Dorcas, her children, “and her other relations.” The heirs of Jacob Gray therefore pray that "so much of the bequests of the said Testator to the said Dorcas & her two children as exceeds the fourth of the nett value of his estate" be declared void. They also ask that Cone be compelled to account for his actions as executor.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina
