In re the Estate of Layh

John D. Bennett, S.

In this accounting proceeding a hearing has been held as to the petitioner’s claim to be the sole distributee of this estate by reason of her allegation that she is the sole surviving first cousin of the decedent.

The proof adduced at the hearing consists entirely of testimony by three individuals: Bertha Nelly Bauer, the petitioner; Henry Krueger, a stepson of the decedent; and John Pasta, a former attorney for the petitioner who testified to certain efforts made by him to locate the decedent’s heirs and the information he was able to obtain.

The petitioner testified that…