The New York herald., 1879-03-09
FIGHTING FOR A FORTUNE

CURIOUS TESTIMONY IN WILL Casa vALU-
ABLE LEGACY AT sTAKE-MARITAL JOYS AND
SORROWS
In the Surrogates Court there was resumed yester-
day the contest the will Of Mrs. Mary G.. Hail.
who died about ten months ago. 1t will be remem-
bered that Mrs. Hall married to her husband,
DR.. Frederick Hall. on the 1st OF November.
1876. The estate of the deceased lady was
valued at about 100000, and by her will
she left her husband the entire property
with the exception Of $4,000. which she divided
among her brothers and sisters The latter now
contest the will. claiming that the lucky husband
unduiy Influenced his deceased wife. and that
the latter had testamentary capacity. When
the case was previously before Surrogate Calvin
there was considerable testimony taken tending
to show that the Doctor had treated his wife cruelty
OF Connecticut. examined and testified that he
the testatrix few days before the will made in
msd Another wtness @ Joseph Pufaur said he Sad
her in the following August apparently under
the influence of drink.
DIVORCED wIFE's STORY.
The next witness examined was Eveline B. Hail.
the present wife Of DR.. Frederick Hall. In
OF DR.. Frederick Hall; 1 was FIRST divorced
from DR.: Hall =. before he married Miss
Th1'' s% .sn vi. II the 'sns of ss
second wife died in January. 1878. and re.
lived with him only three weeks. believe
now divorced from him again. Ihad several con-
versatons with DR.. Hall about his dead wife. and he
often said that when she made q will she had no
mind and incapable of making WILL
ana oia as ne directed. Inc witness tnen wert
versing with him about the testatrx he said. "Mary
always did what wanted. and she was very different
"You have too much mind" said the Doctor. "and
my other wife too little" tMerrment.)
The witness was then questioned very closely M
from the Doctor.
III object to state for what cause the irst divorce
was granted; IL was not for drunkenness"
How about the second divorcew was asked by
counsel.
81 thought would not oppose the second divorce.
felt convinced. II continued to live with Dr. Hail.
he would get possession Of my property"
Mrs. Hall then went on to say that occasion
the Doctor had told that he had asked MARY" to
include in her will some small donations to q few of
What did the legal papers in the divorce suit con-
tain2" asked counsel.
II don't know. did not read them, for divorces
are easily obtained In Connecticut"
After some further unimportsnt testimony Mrs.
Halls examination was concluded. She dressed
In deep mourning, and gave her evidence with great
clcarness. After recess John d. Gilbert was called
for the contestants. Mr.. Gilbert Is brotherin law
OF the late Mrs. NJ j. Hall He said that he
saw DIR. Hall at his house in Seventy FIRST
street. He came to visit Miss Baker. and their
marriage took place few days afterward. The wit
stated further that he had subsequently, visited
his sisterin-aw at DIR. Halls house IN Derby she
was thch very tecoc anu apparently Wsoiewat aNcrse
to conversation; she complained great deal OF being
sick about two weeks before she died
when asked about anything she would answer
On occasion he asked her II she made will
She answered mo" She would never answer mo. %
however when the Doctor was present or any OF his
family. On such occasions she would invariabl y
answer yes when that question was put TO her.
AT the conclusion Of the testimony OF this witness
the counsel for the contestants stated that theyhad
no other witnesses ready and suggested an adjourn
mcnt. This being accedcd 10 the Surrogate adjourned
| tlle her hea nj vh
time the proceedings are expected to DO unusually
interesting.