LONGEST-RUNNING CIVIL LAWSUIT IN AMERICA
Myra Clark Gaines — Socialite and Pioneer
It has all the makings of a new podcast series: a multimillion- dollar estate, hidden paternity, and a mysterious will.
Gaines’ case would ultimately travel through all levels of the legal system, involving many different courts and defendants, including the City of New Orleans. It would also become the longest, continuously litigated legal case in U.S. history.
In 1806, socialite Myra Clark Gaines was born to Daniel Clark and Culime Carrière but raised by family friends. Although Clark financially supported Myra, he never publicly acknowledged her as his own. In fact, it wasn’t until several years after Clark’s death in 1813 that Gaines discovered her true father’s identity. Before Clark’s death, he spoke of having two wills. The first dated 1811, leaving his estate to his mother and named his two business partners as executors. And a second handwritten will, dated 1813, said to acknowledge the New Orleans socialite as his heir and leaving his entire fortune to Gaines, an estimated $35 million. A tremendous amount for its time. Clark’s business partners were very powerful and influential in New Orleans businesses and courts. The 1811 will would only strengthen that influence. It’s believed the two conspired together and allegedly destroyed the 1813 will, paving the way for the 1811 will to go to probate. At the time, women had no legal rights. Myra’s husband, a New York attorney, helped her file suit in Louisiana state and federal courts, arguing she was the legitimate heir to Clark’s wealth.
Myra Clark Gaines’s case certainly made history. Not only for taking
an impressive 57 years to litigate but for what it did for the women’s rights movement as well. Gaines’s case happened when it was unthinkable for a woman to assert her legal rights to this degree. She would often argue her case in public court, a shocking act for its time. She also used her social status to advocate for women’s suffrage and joined the National Women’s Labor League. Sadly, Myra Clark Gaines wouldn’t live to see the outcome of her case. She died in 1885, five years before the U.S. Supreme Court’s final ruling. The ruling, you may wonder — she won! But it was a humble victory. Gaines was awarded roughly $1 million, yet the cost of litigating such a case for that many years took the majority of that sum, leaving roughly $60,000 for her heirs.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Brussels Sprouts
YOUR REFERRALS MEAN THE WORLD TO US There is no greater compliment we can receive than a client telling a friend or loved one about us. If you know somebody who has been injured and needs an attorney who will fight on their behalf and give their case the attention it deserves, please pass along this newsletter and have them give us a call at 314-293-4222. Thank you for spreading the word about Finney Injury Law.
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter • 2 1/2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 2 tbsp heavy cream • 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
DIRECTIONS
1. Coat the inside of a 3–5-quart slow cooker with butter. Add Brussels sprouts, garlic, cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. 2. Cover and cook on LOW until the Brussels sprouts are tender, 2–3 hours. 3. Turn the slow cooker off or to the “warm” setting. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cream, and nutmeg until the cheeses melt and the Brussels sprouts are coated in a creamy sauce. Season with more pepper to taste.
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator