Chap. 296.—An ACT to release to the heirs of Frederick Devis Haroth,
the Commonwealth’s right to certain Real Estate of which he died
seized, upon proof of Heirship and Irregularity of Proceedings to Es-
cheat. .

Approved April 29, 1874.

Whereas Frederick Davis Haroth, late of tho city of Rich-
mond, died in or about the year eighteen hundred and sixty-
five, seized of certain real estate in this commonwealth, but
intestate and leaving no heir at law then a citizen of the
United States; and whereas, by title two, chapter four, sec-
tion eighteen of the Code, edition of eighteen hundred and
seventy-three, any alien not an enemy may acquire by pur-
chase or descent, and hold real estate in this state, and the
same shall be transmitted in the same manner as real estate
held by citizens; and whereas Theodore Haroth, who claims
to be the son of the said Frederick Davis Haroth, deceased,
and as such entitled to said real estate, has since the death
of said Frederick Davis Haroth become and is reported now
to be a citizen of the United States, in the city of New York:

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly, That on its be-
ing shown to the satisfaction of the circuit court of the city
of Richmond, that the proceedings instituted to escheat said
real estate were irregular and not conformable to chapter
one hundred and nine of the Code, edition of eighteen hun-
dred and seventy-three, entitled of escheats and property
forfeited to the state or derelict, and its being also shown to
the satisfaction of said court, who are the heirs at law of the
said Frederick Davis Haroth, deceased; all claims that this
commonwealth may have to said real estate by reason of said
Frederick Davis Haroth having died intestate and without
heirs at law, then citizens of the United States to hold the
same, be and are hereby released in favor of said heir or heirs
at law so proving their heirship: provided, that the title of
the commonwealth to said real estate hath not passed by
alienation for a valuable consideration to an innocent pur-
chaser before the passage of this act.

2. This act shall be in force from its passage.