Charles E. Fenwick Collection--Manning papers--Letter from Mr. Thomas advising about Mrs. Greenwell's dower rights--1794
Entry/Object ID
1995.001.1585
Scope and Content
1 piece ; 12"h x 7 5/16"w
Cornelius Manning asked Mr. Thomas for advice on laying out Manning's mother's dower portion. [The former Mrs. Manning was Mrs. Greenwell by this time.] Mr. Thomas recommended first an amicable settlement, but if that was not possible, the widow must receive the value one third of the land and its improvements. Mr. Thomas suggested asking three neighbors to help decide just what constituted a third of the value of the particular property. Mr. Thomas said, contrary to popular belief, the widow does not have a claim on the family home, just one third of the value of the entire property. One version of the division of property is found at 1995.001.1577. There is a photocopy and an attempt at a transcription in the folder also.