Rensselaer Republican, Volume 26, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 June 1894 — TOUGH ON LAWYERS. [ARTICLE]

TOUGH ON LAWYERS.

A yiimarkable Se ttle meut of a Large Estate. A special'from Brazil, June 15, says: The most remarkable instance of tiie mutual division of a landed estate satisfactorily to a largo number of heirs known to the probate of Clay county is that of Mrs. Catherine Tipton, near Clay City, who-died a fe-w months .ago. There were eighteen heirs, the larger number of them minor ones, for whom guardians had to be appointed. The realty consisted of about ■IOO acres of improved and valuable land. The first step taken was the appraisement of the land by disinterested parties, the nappraisod valtw beiiig divided into corresponding with the number of heirs. Then they proceeded to parcel out the land, which was amicably done, each one taking more than his share in value paying the excess into a common fund, which Was applied in equalizing those whose apportionment in value fell below the average share. By this means the inheritance was all divided out with-s out the aid of the law and the courts at the sacrifice of a heavy per cent, to effect a settlement, as is usually the case. The husband and father died about war times leaving the widow fifty acres and a large family to support. Besides raising the family she accumulated 350 acres more.