File contains documents related to legal issues arising out of the settlement of Dr. Edward Black's estate and properties. Documents include notes on legal precedent and timelines of case histories; drafts of motions, correspondence, opinions, and other documents; directions for deeds to be drafted and receipts for the creation of the deeds, among other documents. The file also includes correspondence to Frederick Griffin from John Greenshields, Edward Black's son-in-law, and Hew Ramsay, seeking legal advice and opinions. Other individuals mentioned as parties to the legal actions surrounding the Black estate include John Black, Charles Tait, Alexander McKenzie, Hugh McGillis, Ann Kittson Morrison, John Redpath, and Nancy McKenzie, among others. Documents refer to notarial duties performed by Henry Griffin and John C. Griffin, Frederick Griffin's brother and nephew, both of whom were notary publics. Some of the notes in the file are dated 1895, 18 years after Frederick Griffin's death. It is unknown who made these later notes.