University of Virginia Library

SEWARD ESTATE LAND CONVEYANCE

President Darden presented a request for confirmation of a conveyance of 1946

In the settlement of the estate of the late Dr. Walter M. Seward a number of lots in the
City of Petersburg, Virginia, were conveyed to the University, and by deed dated August 10, 1946,
Lots 17, 18, 19 and 20, Block C, in a subdivision in said City known as "Hillcrest" were conveyed
by the University to Johnie Winston Fleming and said deed was recorded by said Grantee in the
Clerk's Office of the Hustings Court of said City on the 17th day of September, 1946, in Deed Book
No. 158 p. 69

We are advised that while the attestation clause of this deed recites the fact that- "The
Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia has caused its name to be signed by J. L.
Newcomb, its President, and its corporate seal to be thereunto affixed by E. I. Carruthers, its
Secretary", there is no reference made to any specific resolution of this Board authorizing and
directing this action by these officers

A Petersburg attorney, in examining the title to these lots, has asked that he be furnished
with several certified copies of the resolution which authorized this action, but upon a thorough
examination of the minutes of the Board, it would seem that if such a resolution was adopted it
was not spread upon the minutes. Our records do show, however, that the transaction was properly
concluded, the deed delivered and the purchase money paid. The following resolution was, thereupon,
unanimously adopted

RESOLVED, that the action of the late Dr. J. L. Newcomb as President of The Rector and Visitors
of the University of Virginia, in executing a deed dated August 10, 1946, by which Lots 17, 18, 19
and 20 in Block C on a plat for the subdivision known as "Hillcrest" in the City of Petersburg, were
conveyed to Johnnie Winston Fleming, and of E. I. Carruthers, Secretary of the Board of Visitors of
the University of Virginia in affixing and attesting the seal of the Corporation to said deed and
in delivering said deed to the purchaser, be and is hereby approved, ratified and confirmed in all
respects