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‘widow’ Claims Estate, Cites Old Jewish Custom As Basis

June 20, 1934
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Judge Manley L. Fosseen now has under advisement an interesting case in which Mrs. Nette Miller, 60, claims she is entitled to the $3,650 estate of the late Abraham Miller, who died here on Feb. 20. She bases her claim on a marriage which she says took place on Jan. 21 in accordance with an old Jewish custom.

Describing the ceremony to Judge Fosseen when she appeared in opposition to the probating of Miller’s will, the woman said they had announced their intention of being married in the presence of witnesses, there had been a prayer, he had placed a ring on her finger, they had embraced and had then quaffed a cup of wine which had been blessed. There was no rabbi present and no marriage license, the court was told.

Miller’s will, executed prior to Jan. 21, names as heirs a stepson, Max Miller of Duluth, and Mr. and Mrs. George Smith, Negroes, who had cared for him and his first wife, who died a year ago.

Neighbors testified Miller had talked to them about marrying the woman who now claims to be Mrs. Miller, and had introduced her as his wife, according to one witness.

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