Prater ex rel. Estate of Crouch v. Horvath

Gregory, Justice:

This action was brought by the administratrix of the estate of Minerva Amelia Sewell Crouch (Minerva) who died intestate in Bamberg County in 1975. The sole issue on appeal is whether Minerva’s mother, Nellie Josephine Lauterback (Josephine), born over a century ago, was legitimate or illegitimate. We affirm the order of the circuit court finding Josephine legitimate.

This is an action in equity where the master and the circuit j udge are in disagreement; therefore, this Court may make findings in accordance with its own view of the preponderance of the evidence. Townes…