Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1876-01-31
The Jennings Estate.

Some time last summer q convention was
held in Edge6eld, S. c., of portion Of the
heirs of William Jennings, who 'died intes-
tate" in Birmingham, England, 10 l7eS. The
heirs are scattered all over the country, but
principally hail from Tennessee, Virginia, Geor-
gia, and South Carolina, although some of
them are located in the northern States, prn-
cipally in Vermont. The American heirs claim
descent from Edward Jennings, nephew of
William jennings who emigrated to Virginia,
where he died, leaving amily Of ten children.
Tuesday auother convention was held 10 the
Central Hotel. There were present about htty
persons, half dozen Of whom were ladies'
The company was most intelligent looking
set OF people, and took deep interest IN the
proceedings.
Rev. Fl. A. Duncan was called to the chair,
J.R. Wilkinson acted as financial secretary,
and P. H. Wood recording secretary.
Judge John L. Bacon, of Columbia, who
has been to England on behalf of the heirs,
said the estate in question was worth $780,
100000, but he had lately seen statement III
the Richmond Wing placing the amount at
s4OO0OO,OOO. He was sorry the value was
raised, because it would onl make the strug-
gle a more protracted one. He then read let
ters addressed to him while in England, two
the last letter from that gentleman being very
brief, aud declining to answer any legal or
other questions 10 regard to the subject mat
ter, on the ground that he was law officer OF
the Epglish Crown. The learned gentleman
shen recited the difficulties he met with ln
England in prosecuting his search, and the
very evident desire to keep information away
from the American claimants. He read au edi-
torial from the London Telegraph, leading
authority on law matters, favoring the idea that
there was chance for the heirs eventually es-
tablishing their claim. The judge exhibited
pedigree which has been prepared at great ex-
peuse and labor.
Judge Branch, of Lynchburg, said be rep
resented some of the Virginia heirs, aud
came simply as an inquirer. he would advise
his clients to join the present association.
j. Fl. ?. Folks made some remarks about
each claimant establishing bis claim to kinship
before engaging in unnecessary trouble Or ex-
pense.
Nlr. Shaud, of Spartanbafg, asked if the
American claimants could inherit and claim
real estate in England.
Judge Bacon replied that the we'll known
principle of England, ''oDce an Eogishman,
always an Engshman," would hold in this
case, and he should decide they could. True
it was that English lawyers had stated there
might be obstacles raised on this question of
zeal estate but there could be no difficulty
about the personal estate, if the claimants could
establish the claim. The rule of the Eoglish
Courts was to hear pleas under the statutes of
limitations first, before deciding on the other
branches of cases, and this most important point
was the first to be decided iu the prosecution OF
the claims.
Judge Twiggs said although he was not
member of tie Convention he would suggest
that one important part to be decided was the
amount each was to contribute to the fund to
detray the expenses of the litigation. The ques-
tion of the degree of knsmanship was most
important one, and should regulate the quota
each was to contribute to the fund. lie sug-
gested an addition to the Committee on Line
age. The question was put into a motion--to
have three added to that committee.
The Chairman appointed j. IL. p Folks,
-'"S,a Twiggs, and "A. v Early as such COM
mittee.
Judge Twiggs moved that Rev. Mr.. Dun
can DC added TO the committee.
1t was announced. that the seVeral committees
would meet through the day. and tn Conven-
ton diourned.-1uguSta ConstltuttOndltSt
yet in their teens, shows that they are in fair
way to make dangerous professionals. They
lowered around bakers shop in New Y York
until satisfied that no one but the proprietor
was in, when one of them entered and pur
chased penuy's worth of crackers. Remark.
Ing that he was fearful that the other boy
would steal them he requested the shopkeeper
nnkf fha, n,~f Al of
OF his neck bending over TO give him tair
chance after which he retired. Theo boy No:
2stepped in, and said Mister, that cove
has got your watch, and is running up the
street" which proved to be the fact. The
baker started off, but 10 the wrong direction,
and after au exciting chase returned 10 ind
his shop intact, but his watchtob and change
drawer empty. AS usual, no arrests were
made.
James Gordon Bennett is really going
"gonc"-this time, it appears. The Washing
ton Capital says: His latest gift to his hancee,
Miss Mayc, is said to be a pair of magnificent
horses, and he is also credited with having pre-
sented hne hacks to several members OF the
young lady's family This generosity on the
part OF MIR. Bennett is characteristic certainly,
and should be credited as magnificent stroke
otJournaistic enterprise. He evidently wishes
to ride into the young ladys affections.
FOR SALE 1.-THE ALEX. GAS WORKS
1000 bushels of
GAS LIME.
One of the best of fertilizers contain ing large
Quantity of ammonia and sulphur, DO tn of which
nave strong affinity for land.
jan 2-eoSt j. ROXBURY, Sup't
II lGH BACK COMBS.
~ A complate assortment Of Spanish High