Source 545 - Nelson Co. Chancery Case 1881-022

Chancery Court Case Summary

White vs Mays

Source ID: S0545

Library of Virginia image: Virginia Memory: Chancery Records Index - 125-1881-022

Case Information

Case Summary 

John White died intestate in Nelson County, VA in January 1832 leaving his widow Lucinda and five infant children, Addison M., Elizabeth, Margaret L., John W., and Lucy Jane, plus a small estate consisting of land and a few slaves. Lucinda was name administer of the estate. Lucinda remarried in 1835 with Wilson B. Mays who then qualified as administer of John White’s estate. The estate was not settled until 1844, one year before Addison M. White would come of legal age (21). Addison M. White sued Wilson B. Mays claiming that the estate was improperly settled and that the children did not receive their proper share. The court found in favor of Addison M. White and his four siblings, with each receiving a one-fifth share of the estate of John White, less one-third of the estate that was the dower right of the widow Lucinda which was to be held and distributed to the heirs of John White upon the death of Lucinda.

Genealogical Data

• John White
  1. Died intestate in Nelson Co., VA in January 1832
  2. First estate inventory filed 25 Jun 1832, valued at $1024.13
  3. Second estate inventory filed 24 Nov 1835, valued at $1668.00
• Lucinda Bowles
  1. Widow of John White
  2. Qualified as administrator of John White on 28 May 1832
     1. Security provided by Stephen Bowles, John Bowles, David Bowles, and Joel Bowles
  3. Married Wilson B. Mays in 1835
  4. She died 27 Mar 1862
• Wilson B. Mays
  1. Married Lucinda White in 1835
  2. Qualified as administrator of John White estate on 28 Sep 1835
  3. Living as of 16 Mar 1863 (received interest payment from settlement account)
• Children of Lucinda Bowles and John White
  1. Addison M. White
     1. Born 26 Apr 1824
     2. Left home in 1845
  2. Elizabeth S. White
     1. Born 11 Aug 1825
     2. Left home 25 Jan 1844
     3. Unmarried on 26 Jun 1871 (signed name as Bettie S. White)
  3. Margaret L. White
     1. Born 11 Sep 1827
     2. Left home 25 Jan 1844
  4. John William White
     1. Born 6 Sep 1829
     2. Left home in 1845
  5. Lucy Jane White
     1. Born 14 Mar 1831
     2. Left home 23 Feb 1850
     3. Married Lawrence W. Wills in Feb 1850 (per deposition of friend)

Summary created by Keith Dishman, Johns Creek, GA on 16 Aug 2015