Is Guardianship Sought to Care for Uncle Charlie or His Money? Oct. 2, 1925

After Uncle Charlie’s Coin. . . Civil Action in Camden Court to Appoint a Guardian for Man of 84

The future ownership of the estate of Charles Overton, valued at about $30,000 is the real bone of contention in a civil action underway in Camden Court this week. The case will probably not reach the jury before Friday night. Mr. Overton is 84 years old, according to himself, and 89 according to relatives.

The petitioner for a guardian for Mr. Overton is his granddaughter, Mrs. Mary Lamb Rhodes, only 17 herself, who has hired lawyers to press her complaint that Mr. Overton is wasting his substance on women-folks, dissipating the fortune he built thru many years of hard work and penny-pinching self-denial and therefore needs a guardian. Mrs. Rhodes is his heir and nearest living kin.

Mr. Overton’s case has aroused much interest in Camden County. Sentiment in his community is against him, because hardworking country folk don’t grasp the idea of an old man making little gifts to the women, and buying a car for his own pleasure. Unclie Charlie takes the viewpoint that having worked so hard all his life and being about ready to lay down and die, he ought to get something for his money first.

Mr. Overton will conclude his testimony Friday morning when he will attempt to prove that he is of sound mind and good judgement, and thoroly capable of managing his affairs. He will also seek to disprove charges that he was drunk, on occasion when he rode home flat on his back in his mule cart, and neighbors thought he had hit the bottle too much. The old mule is trained that way anyhow, so the old man can rest. Uncle Charlie will also try to prove that the little gifts he has given the women folks from time to time were simply tokens of esteem or of charity.

Neighbors however will testify that certain people have taken advantage of the old man’s recent generosity and are trying to work him for his roll. Neighborhood sentiment is somewhat against him, as he has always been given to staying at home, saving his money and minding his own business.

Strong batteries of legal talent are employed on both sides, and between the relatives and expenses of litigation, the old man may finally wind up with no money to give away.

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Oct. 2, 1925

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