Description
“BROWN HEIRS WON. – Eliza Williams Not Widow of Col. E. R. Brown, Jury Says.” - - From Saturday’s Daily. After taking more than thirty ballots in the Brown-Williams case, the jury reported findings at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon favorable to the Brown heirs. The jury’s answer to the special question submitted by Judge Jackson, whether Eliza Williams was the wife of Col. E. R. Brown on February 12, 1887, was that she was not. As the jury’s findings are simply advisory to the court, they must yet be confirmed by Judge Jackson to make the result a victory for the Brown heirs. Judge Jackson continued further hearing of the case until next Saturday. An important point is yet to be decided. If the court finds that the late Miss Mollie Brown held exclusive occupancy of her father’s land for more than 15 years it will give the heirs a clear title under the laws of the state. Heirs say she had uninterrupted possession of the estate for 22 years. The jury deliberated 6 hours and the first ballot showed 7 for the Brown heirs and 5 for Eliza Williams. One by one jurymen came over to the Brown side. Attorneys and interested persons around the court house expected a hung jury after the expected minutes had lengthened into hours. Balie Waggener went out to his farm to forget it, but he felt sure that the findings would be favorable to the Brown heirs. “For three years I have worked hard on the case,” said Mr. Waggener today, “and of course I feel pleased over the result.” Mr. Waggener says that it will probably be the last big case he will ever be actively engaged in. Will Eliza Williams, the aged negress and former slave, be cared for in her remaining days as she has been for the past half century? That is a question yet to be decided by the Brown heirs. It was stated today on good authority that should the negress consent to dropping all further litigation she will be cared for the rest of her life, just as the late Colonel Brown directed in his will. It was his wish that Eliza Williams be allowed to live on the 50-acre tract where she now lives as long as she lives, the only condition being that she board Amanda Heneley. In view of the fact that she and others attempted to bring disgrace upon the name of Colonel Brown, and much to the humiliation of his heirs, it might mean she would be ejected from the farm, but such proceedings are unlikely, unless the litigation is continued. When the second case was filed, about a year ago. Brown heirs brought ejectment proceedings in the city court and won. Eliza Williams’ attorney appealed to the district court where the case is now pending. While Eliza Williams is past 80 years old (born ~1832), she is strong and unusually healthy for one of her years, and may live to be 100 years old. Amanda Heneley is failing rapidly and it is said the old ex-slave cannot live more than a year. She refused to take part in the suit.Date(s) of Creation
5/2/1912
