French v. Beville

A. Blanton French and others instituted this suit under Section 64-84 of the Code to impeach the alleged will of Charles Edward French, probated in an ex parte proceeding before the judge of the Chancery Court of the city of Richmond. From the decree establishing the will complainants appeal.

On January 7, 1949, Charles Edward French, a bachelor approximately 70 years of age, died at his home, 3115 Grayland Avenue, Richmond, Virginia. For 17 years preceding his death he had employed Mrs. Mary C. Beville, an elderly widow, as his housekeeper. For several months prior to his death, French had…