Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1869-03-03
A REMARKABLE WILL CASE.
A millionaire Employs his Son at 81 SO
Day-A stranger Gets S7OO, O,OOO-Curi-
Ous Developments.

A millionaire Employs His Son at 81 SO
Day-A stranger GETS S7OO, ,0OO-Curi-
Ons Developments.
From the Chicago Post
There came up this morning for trial
in the Superior Court OF Chicago, on the
chancery side, one of the most impor-
tant csses that has for a long time at
tracted the attention of the public. The
! immense amount OF property at stake,
as we'll as the peculiar circumstances un.
der which the suit ia Instituted, together
contribute to render the case one of unu-
sual interest. The complainant in the
case is one Henry Uhlich, the eldest son
OF Carl GottfrieG Uhlich, deceased, and
the suit is instituted for the purpose OF
| recovering the One-third portion OF his
/ fathers estate, the value of which is es-
| timated ut not less than 81 5000
Ia the year 1874 there lived st Witt
meyds, in the kingdom Of Ssxony, an
individual bearing the name of Carl
Gottfried Uhlich. At that time be had
attained the age of 63 years, and pos
sessed what in the old country Is con-
sidered as constituting wealth; his prop
erty being worth about $40, 600, the pro.
ceeds of life spent in following the
triple avOCatious of baker, innkeeper
and distiller OF liquors His family at
that time consisted OF four children,
daughter and three sons, the eldest of
whom, Harry Uhlich, emigrated to
America ia the year above mentioned.
Just about this time, the little girl, Min
ME, the idol OF the aged parents, died,
and old Mr.. Uhlich, Frustrated by grief
and eager for a change OF scene, fol-
lowed his son to America, bringing his
entire family with him.
Henry was ct that time following the
trade of tanner in Chicago, and the
father, naturally wishing to locate near
his son, came to this city. Possessing
quite an amount of capital, but too old
TO engage in active business, Mr.. Uhlich
finally concluded to invest his funds in
real estate, and in pursuance Of this de-
sign expended about $751; 600 in the pur-
chase OF property in and adjoining what
then constituted the city of Chicago.
There has been but one result in the case
of all who in those early days bought
land in ChicsgO. the old man, as the
city increased in size, refused to part
with any of the land thus obtained, SELL
ing only when compelled by ciTcum-
stances to do 80, making all the improve
ments in his power, and eXpending the
rents, which soon began to accrue, in
erecting buildings OF various kinds.
Many of our citizens will remember
the bent figure and faded blue coat of the
old man as he hobbled through the
streets, visiting his various possessions,
and gazing with a childish pleasure upon
toe many changes and improvements
which we're constantly taking place.
Thus be lived, each day adding to his
~ ;al
cured in November, 1857, the value of
bis estate was estimated the enormous
sum OF fifteen hundred thousand dollars.
It had increased in value to one hundred
times the original Investment. No bet
ter proof can be offered of the wonderful
growth OF the q arden City. So much
for the source OF this wealth. Now for
the causes which led to the bringing on
Of the pending suit.
For years previous to his death, old
Mr. Unlich, from the combined effects of
i'll health and advancing age and in
trinity, was rendered incapable of trans
acting his business, which, of course,
became constantly more complicated
and oDerOus. OF the three sons, only
one was capable of sffording him assist
ance.
Ernest, the youngest-it is claimed liz
the suit which has been instituted-is 8
person OF small endowments and sbili-
ties. August, the next In age, is said to
be person OF weak mind, and, in con-
sequence, Henry, the eldest, was the
only one capable Of atfOrding his father
material assistance in conducting his
atfairs, duty which he performed for
some years.
But difficulties arose between them.
Henry Uhlich possessed large family,
and wealthy as was his father, he
allowed to the son for his services the
psltry sum of 81 so per day,
At length, compelled by necessity,
Henry left his father; the two families
became estrsnged, and Henry returned
TO his original business of tanner.
Left thus alone, the old man sought
eagerly for some one whom he could
trust, and TO whom he could confide the
management Of his affairs.
A train of circumstances occurred, re-
sulLing in the choice of man named
John IL. Muhlke, of the firm Of Bigelow,
Muhlke IL &C., and well known in the
city. Muhlke succeeded so well in Sc
curing the confidence Of Mr.. Uhlich that
soon everything was committed to his
management. Whatever he counselled
was performed, and it is claimed th at the |
imbecile old man became puppet in his |
hands, and so continued till his death.
Old Mr.. Uhlich died intestRte but |
previous to bis death ne executed sew
ersl deeds, thereby d;sposing of all his /
property. Now comes the mooted point. |
By the deeds thus executed, the eldest |
son, Henry, received property estimated |
at $50 600, the alleged weak-mlnded Au- |
gust received a house and lot and reg- |
ulsr monthly allowance OF 500 while |
all the remaining portion Of the estate is |
equally divided between the son Ernest |
and the agent, John II. Muhlke.
Thus s man, entirely disconnected |
with the family by ties OF blood, receives |
property to the extent Of SEC, 1000 |
Hence the cause OF action. The COM |
plainant in the suits, as might be sup
posed, the eldsst son, Henry; the de- |
PENDANTS are the man Muhlke and the |
remaining sons, Ernest and August. 1t |
Is claimed en- the part Of the complain. |
ant that old Mr.. Uhlieh was, At the |
time Of the execution Of the deeds, under |
the intiqsnee Of Muhlke to such an ex-
tent as 10 be completely in his power,
aud that Muhlke abused the confidence
aud trust placed in him by working upon
the homes and fears Of the old man until,
having obtained such q complete ascend.
ancy over him, be succeeded in obtain
Ing from him the enormous amount
above mentioned. OF course these state
ments are denied by the defendants, it
being claimed that old Mr., Uhlich was
in condition to fully understand and
appreciate the result of his actions.
May interesting facts viii be presented
IN the evidence.
re- la a. 40