Who is Mary E. Simms? Mary E. Simms is listed in will of Ann Dudley Houchins to inherit whole estate. Apparently something happened and Mary E. Simms didn't receive the estate due to claims made by the cousins of Abner Houchins, husband to Ann. (see below) Seeking information regarding the connection of Simms, Houchins, & Dudley of Louisa, Albemarle, Fluvanna, and Goochland Co., VA. Abner Houchins, son of Edward, born Aug. 4, 1790 and died in Louisa Co., VA abt 1850. He was married Jan. 9, 1821 to Ann M. Dudley. Apparently, there were no children. The provisions of his will are so unusual that a portion of it is herewith given: "Second I lend to my wife, Ann Houchins, all of my Estate, both real and personal, to wit: the tract of land on which I live, all of my negroes, Peter, Werter, Spencer, Norbon, Frances and her child, Julian, and their increase during her life. I also lend to her all of my household furniture and kitchen furniture, stock, plantation, tools, crop, etc. At the death of my wife, Ann Houchins, it is my wish and desire that my executor hereafter mentioned should sell all of my estate, real and personal, and divide it among my negroes. I also wish my negroes to select their master. Should any of my negroes be disobedient to my wife it is my wish they should be sold and forfeit all claims they may have on my estate. Should my wife be compelled to sell any one of my Negroes from misbehavior it is my wish the money should be appropriated to the purchase of another negro." In a codicil to his will dated Nov. 22, 1849, Abner gave to his wife, in fee simple, a tract of land known as Dudley's Tract, but now called Morrison's Gold Mine. Ann Houchins died in 1862 and by will left all her property to MARY E. SIMMS. In 1864 John Chiles Houchins filed a petition to claim the estate of Abner Houchins. Per the petition: He directed the whole of his estate real and personal after the death of his wife should be sold and divided among his negroes. Your petition further show that the said cause came on after hearing at the April Term 1864 of said court upon the bill and exhibit and an order of publication as to the absent unknown defendants, none of whom appeared when upon it held that the bequest to the slaves of testator was void and of no effect, and a claim was entered to that effect and the whole estate of the testator including his slaves was ordered to be sold and the proceeds there of divided among his heirs at law and legal distribution. Any help would be appreciated. Bebe