Fariss v. Bry-Block Company

We granted certiorari in this case because of the importance of the question involved as well as by reason of the wide divergence in the views taken by the Chancellor and the Conrt of Appeals.

These litigations involve the construction of the words “next of kin” as used in Item III of the last will and testament of Mrs. Mary Monroe Kimbrough, who died in the year 1919. The entire will is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

The petitioners are eight nieces and nephews, who contend that “next of kin”, as used in the will, means nearest in blood relationship as held by the Chancellor; it is the…