Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 89, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 April 1913 — WILL CONTEST WILL OF BENJ. J. GIFFORD [ARTICLE]

WILL CONTEST WILL OF BENJ. J. GIFFORD

Indications Are That Regina Burris Will Bring Suit for Entire Estate of Late Railroad Man; In the Jasper county circuit court Saturday Dr. Arthur R. Kresler was appointed the guardian of Regina Burris, who will be 16 years of age the 3rd day of the coming May. A bond for SIO,OOO was signed by Dr. Kresler and by Attorney John A i Dunlap, as the local agent for the Illinois Surety Co. The papers show Miss Burris to be a minor heir of Benjamin J. Gifford. While there is nothing on file to indicate the action it is commonly believed here that this is an initial step toward a contest of the will of the late-railroad man and land owner.. It is alleged that Miss Burris is the daughter of Marry Burris and Benjamin J. Gifford, that Mr. Gifford often referred to her as his own child and that he has so recognized her. He left her $5,000 in his will. At the time of her birth R. W. Burris and daughter lived near Kersey and Mary Burris, the daughter, was only a young girl herself. She was married several years ago to a man named Nutt and now lives in Illinois. Regina makes her home with her grandfather in Rensselaer. In order to prove the child’s right to the estate, even if the relationship is proven, will require that it be proven that Mr. Gifford was of unsound mind when the will was made or that the will was made under duress. The c6n test, however, will fie one of the hardest legal battles ever fought in Jasper county, if the action is begun as at present indicated.