The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1870-07-07
ACALrFoRNIA WILL CASE.
A Daughter Cut on with n Dimc-Mnlicious
Destruction OF her Fathers VILLA Case
for fhe nd Jury.

From ne san Ftdnctsco Chronic'c, JHne %.
James Black, an old Californian, came TO this
coast in 1891. and purchased and received grants 10
large portions Of land in Marin comfy, IN close
proximity to the town Of San Rafael, Some years
since he married his first wife, and by her had
daughter, who y the cause OF al the prsscn,
Ifs FIRST wife died IRON the effects OF ehioroform,
administered by he, lTr ,S hs
wife's death lie married his present widow, VINO vas
the third wife. and hiterward the WIDOW OF Mr
Paclieco Of that county. lie Is said 70 eaye Deen
rerv bappy in his Domestic relations. MIR. Black
was considered a very kind and benevolent man by
ali who knew him, but arbitrary In bis likes ana ds-
Ukes In many cases, however, lie mas been known
to exempt his tenants from paying, any rent ior
their property in case OF The allure Of ,ne crop
time prominent dentist OF this city, Uls MleSeu
that she married her husband against the approna.
ton of her iathcr who was al one time violently
opposed to the match but anerward seemed recon
cilod to the marriage, and on her wedding gay Pre-,
scented ner Nun ar, ssn 200 and Is Valued at The
present time at about $4,000. Since their wedding
thew have travelled extensively, visiting inc East
Shortly after the Doctors's return Mrs. Black,
James Blacks first wife, requiring some tee,h
drawn visited her son ip-law for professional ser
vices TO alleviate the pain consequent on the ope,
ration OF drawing her teeth the Doctor administered
cnloroform, which resulted IN her death. On hear
Ing OF this the husband was incensed against tho
son III. law and II Is stated that at this time he made
the will cutting OF his daughter and her nus
band.
A child was born to the couple. aud this had the
effect OF healing the breach between the two par
ties. since which time they have been on GOOD
The estate left by Mr.. Black was estimated by
those eonyersani With his Affairs to be n orih pc
tween $3.50 900 and $4,000 al tbs Sine 8. rvs death
Tho estate Is principally land in Marin county, gene
rally rented out to tenants for dairy purposes anu
bic money loaned out mortgage, both in Marin
The viii was dated about ten years ago, shortly
after the marriage Of his daughter, and alter DO
queathng several tracts OF land and sums OF money,
varying from 1900 tn 5000 to some OF his tenants
ia ltfAtt hi
whole OF the remaining property to his widow, viz
tuay cutting OF his daughter, Mrs. Burdeil win
dime.
The executors are Daniel Taylor. OF San Rafael ;
Mr.. Stewart, OF OAKLAND and Mr.; 9ordon, ,ne ,
| County Treasurer Of Marin county They are to act
| without giving bonds to the Court.
After the last tokens OF respect had been paiu 70
the remains Of the late James Black snlall anu
| mournful party assembled at tie late residence o.
the deceased, consisting OF the relatives ana Tue e1
| ecuors. The WILL as above, was read amid silence
| When the lawyer had read the document, II al
| legged Mrs. DR.. Burdell requested the attorney tG
| allow her TO the document. After having reac
the parchment, and being aware Of its contents
she quickly, and before any of the party could pre-
vent her, destroyed the will, by tearing the sigma
ture Of tic tcstator from the document and destroy
present and steps were Immediately taken by those
| Interested to bring the destroyer Of the documen
before the Grand Jury, which was In session At IN
time. The case was presented to them, and afte
| mature elaboration, and having the testimony 0
against her. The case will probably come W. DC
fore the present session Of tile Fifteenth Dis'rie
| Court, before Judge Dwinene.
rus DESTROYED WILL
| II tle parties Interested succeed in proving tina
tho will was destroyed with malice, they viii tax
| steps to have the will admitted to probate and &c
| knovledged as the last will and testament oil jaime
| Black. 80.
Public sentiment appears TO be on the side OF Mrs
Burdell, az the people think that Mr. Black was u
nuenced BIZ passion when making the WILL which
will be recolected, was made shortly after hi
daughters marriage He ia said to have eHpressss
| desire q short time previous TO his demise 10 O
something more for his daughter and, II Is said ma
not death called for him as soon as II did, that u
would have made another will, granting to b
| daughter considerable Of his property. The end
this strange case will be looked forward to with II
| teres, by the community, rs the parties arc We
known in this city and throughout the State.