John Reid, administrator of the estate of the late Peter M. Winston, seeks the court's interpretation of "the meaning of ... some of the clauses and items" in Winston's last will and testament. In particular, Reid asks how the "laws of the land" affect his testator's direction to "purchase as soon as possible, and without delay a woman of color, named Eliza and all her children, and that said Eliza & children, after the purchase be, forthwith, emancipated, and taken to a free State, & placed there in a situation that they can live comfortably." The petitioner also cites the clause wherein the executor is directed to purchase a plot of land for one Kitty Ailstolk and to "support her in a comfortable & reputable manner during her life, and at her death sell said place for the benefit of Eliza & her children." Reid finally asserts that Winston directed that "all the rest and residue of his property real and personal" be given to Eliza and her children. The petitioner therefore prays that Winston's next of kin be made party defendants and that his "said will & the provisions thereof be constructed and specific directions be given." The hire values for five slaves for the years 1855-1857 are listed in the clerk and master's report dated May 1857.
Result: Granted.
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Repository: Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County Archives
