The Kentucky Files
Deposition
This page is dedicated to a certain part of this case, Kentucky. Even with this case occurring in Virginia, Kentucky became an essential part of this story due to stipulation that much of the land must be sold to have it divided among his children. This seems to be an important part of the case for the son Edgar, as the will seems to emphasize the importance of him gaining money from the lands sold. One of the first pages of that describe Kentucky is a deposition and questions that is meant to be asked to a witness or a judge of the Kentucky Courts. These questions are discussing the land of the late George Mason, presumably the grandfather of the defendant. It also discussed the value, when it was sold, who was selling the land (who was it given to) and what occurred to the money. It was then interesting to see two separate letters sent to Ann’s Representative and then Edgar’s Representative from George Mason to inform them of the Deposition and to have them gather on August 12, 1857 at noon at the Clerk’s office to hear the deposition of the contents. The letter to the left showing the official request for a deposition of the said witness.
Sample Questions of the Deposition
1. How long have you resided in the County of Daniels in the State of Kentucky?
Answer: Since the year 1842
2. Are you acquainted generally with the lands in Daniel County, which Formerly {} in the heirs of the late George Mason of Virginia of {} Lands lying adjacent to {}?
Answer: I am
Kentucky Letters
The next important section that describes the Kentucky cases comes from letters sent from the Kentucky County Court by a man named R. WicReffe and George W Mason and Richard B Mason. These letters start from the beginning, with George Mason the IV. Here it explains how the land was equally divided among his four sons and three daughters, including the said William Mason. The letter makes sure to underline important notes, the next one being “That William Mason son of George Mason departed this life leaving five children that George Mason, William Mason. Eilbeck Mason, Ann Mason, and Eliza Mason.” It then empathizes that fact that Thompson Mason, another one of George Mason IV, but left it to his two sons after departing this life as well. It interesting to note this to show the ideas of passing of land and how division of land for children can become so complex and really divide the value or use of land. Although it may be argued that part of the value of purchasing the Kentucky land was just to be an asset for the family. Yet the letter continues by saying that these Heirs sold the said land to George Mason, the son of William Mason, where it is claimed that the land was son “who sold and conveyed tho same to the complainant.” It also further discusses Ann Mason, the plaintiff’s land being given to her but her deciding to sell the land for the value of 5312.55 to R. WickRliffe with interest over time. Richard B. Mason also gets mentioned for selling his land, Richard being the son of George Mason the V, had sold part of his land and has requested the rest be sold as well. The letter is then sealed with a Court of Kentucky signature and statement approving the statements provided concerning the land in Kentucky. This means the next important step in the case it showing whether or not the said money that belonged to the complaints actually made it to their possessions, meaning a number of an accounting pages must be gone over to show the transfer of money.