New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-07-31
MRS. O'HARA'S WILL.


OPENING OF THE CONTEST PROCEEDINGS.
TESTIMONY or SOME OF THE WITNESSES To THE
wuI-uRs o'HAnA DECLARED TO HAVE BEEN
OF SOUND MGND-THE BENEFICtARIEs TO HOLD
AS TRUSTEES ONLY.
The proceedings in the case Of the contested VIII
Of Mrs. O'Hara were begun yesterday before Surro-
cate DALEY. of Brooklyn and some ofthe witnesses
IN the will were examined in reference to the eX-
ecution of the instrument, and to Mrs. Oilaras
mental condition at the time. The proceedings
were then adjourned until September l. Judge
McCue one of the benefciaries under the WILL says
that the requests to the Rev. Father Mcguire, DE-
VIM. II. Dudley and himself are to be devoted to
charitable purposes under the verbal directions OF
Mrs. O'IIara.
A TALK WITH GENERAL STCKLES.
General Daniel f. Sicklcs. who was an intimate
friend of Mrs. OIIara, in speaking incidentally
Yesterday of the will contest, said he was glad that
the press had called attention to the probate OF the
will ON account of the circumstances which lea 10
its being made. He said Miss OHara was the step
daughter of an old officer under him during the
war. Colonel Farnham, who did gallant and good
service and was shot through both legs at spot
sylyanla. His step-daughter very fond OF him,
aud for sometime after her mothers death she con-
tinued to live with Colonel FarBham. When she
was about fourteen years of age. however she was
sent to live with her grandmother. The new
bomeD continued General Sickles, was n
dismal one for yOnrg lady; the grand
mother was old and feeble, and recluse. sur
rounded only by her religions relics and religious
advisers the latter of whom objected to the chids
residence with her grandmother. AS she grew Older
Miss OHara found the place duller tnan ever. ana
made long visits to other relatives. A few years
ago IL began TO be apprehended by Miss y haras
friends that the grandmother would be influenced
TO give her fortune TO charitable institutions ana
churches to the neglect her natural heirs the two
granddaughter. one Of whom had fortune ~ her
own night and in behalf OF The poor one, Mary
Augusta. went % see MIS-. VIiara, and endeaYOred
to show her how unwIse 1t would be 10
do so. Mrs. O'Hara spoke in the most
affectionate way of her niece, showing con-
clusiyrly that there was no feeling which would
lead her to neglect her KIN. bat she told me that
both the girls were amply provided for, aud could
not convince Der 90 the contrary. also SD Ike to
prominent priest of this city the subject, aud
pressed the hope that no influence OF Mrs. y haaS
spiritual advisers would be used 10 beneht the
Church charities at the expense OF the nau al helS
Inc priest answered that the Churcu certainly dld
NOT encourage such action; and that while they
were glad 10 urge rich laymen 10 gave Literary OF
their means. they did not wish 1t done 10 the detr-
ment of blood relatives"
"The proponents stated i'm cOuTt to-day that they
had yeTJa Instructions as 10 the disposition oL tho
large reslduary estate" 81,
'FThatD said the General, " is one way of avoid
ing the statute whIch prohibits the giving OF TOO
great proportion of an estate to charly oUjecls 10
the neglect OF blood relatives"
Ofher points of MINOR Importance were touched
upon General Sickes will be one OF the mOStlmlort-
ant witness for the contestants, and ms, us wen as
of her evidence il Is claimed viii disclose a strange
case of undue influence used upon an old woman OF
"A mind never naturally strong anu always superstl-
tlOus.