National Life & Accident Insurance v. Hankerson

1. “The presumption arising from seven years absence of a person from his accustomed place of abode, unheard from, raises not only a presumption of death, but also a presumption of death at the 'end of the seven-year period, in the absence of proof to the contrary.” Gantt v. American National Insurance Co., 173 Ga. 323 (160 S. E. 345); Jennings v. Longino, 177 Ga. 591, 599 (170 S. E. 806). These, however, are but prima facie presumptions, subject to rebuttal by proof. Civil Code (1910), § 5740; Penal Code, § 1016. “Where it is sought to raise a presumption of death, by reason of the absence…