Estate of Black

Referring to a few of the facts developed by the testimony, as to which there is no controversy, we find that about the year 1832 James Black, the decedent, came to California and settled in what is now Marin County. He was of Scotch parentage, and had been a sailor. He was an unlettered man. He soon married, and a daughter was born to him. He obtained large tracts of land and settled thereon, and engaged in the then usual *25 business of pioneers, stock raising. He had about him numerous dependents, employees and tenants. He early became addicted to the. use of intoxicating liquors. To what extent, and with what effect, will be for you to determine. Thus he and his family continued to live upon a tract of land, called the Nicasio or home ranch. In October, 1863, his daughter married, and is still a wife. Years before that, he had purchased a tract of over 6,000 acres, known as the Olompali ranch, and in 1865 deeded it to his daughter, Mrs. Burdell, and gave to her with it a band of cattle. In February, 1864, his wife died in this city, in the dental chair of her son-in-law, Dr. Burdell. Mrs. Pacheco, a widow, having six children, lived in the vicinity of Mr. Black, and owned with…