Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 22, 1905)
24: THE SUNDAY OREG OXI AN PORTLAND OCTOBER 22. EIEST ESTATE DWINDLES I Heirs Hlold Ladd's Steward ship for Loss of an Im mense Fortune. MISMANAGEMENT IS CITED Under His Administratorship and Trusteeship Half a Million' Dollars Is Practically Frittered Avajv HEIKS OF A. JL JOHNSON ESTATE. Tha heirs of the A. H. Johnson es tate, who are now making -tut effort to oust .W, M. Xiadd from his position a administrator and trustee of tbo es tate, have scattered throuch several Btates. "With the exception of oho or two of the rran d children who are tak ing: no "very active part In the contro versy, the followlns-named persona, sev eral of them In straitened circumstances, compose the list of those who expect to reap the reward of the remnants which may be saved from the wreck of the estate: Mrs. Anna II. Wrllle, a Btenojrrapher In the Board of Fire Un derwriters of Portland; H. B. Johnson, Mercy A. Johnson, Charlotte M. John son; Mrs. Mary Parkhuret, of Califor nia; Stephen M. Johnson, a drayman, of Portland: Arthur R. Johnson, of Colorado: Cordelia J. Ihinbar, Mrs. Carrie J. Hlbbard, Mattle B. Miller and Sadie B. Johnson, of Portland, and Charles 2s". Johnson, of Forest Grove. ' W. 21. X.add says in defense of his con duct as administrator of the A. H. John son estate that he has been forced to fol low the path he has. In large part, by the useless litigation carried on by Mrs. Cor delia Johnson In combating the Isom "White claim of $17,000, on technical grounds. The Johnson heirs assert that she carried her litigation several times through the Supreme Court, upon the ad vice of Richard Williams, her attorney, who has since come to represent Mr. Ladd os a legal advisor. , The Isom "White claim against the John son estate and the litigation It brought on furnished food for the courts for years and made great rents in the assets of the estate. Resultant from it, and the accrued interest and costs and lawyers fees, has come much of the expense of the estate, and also the charge made by the heirs that Mr. Ladd, as administra tor, erred in his duty by not putting a stop to the quarrel when he knew, or Bhould have known, the Justice of the claim against the estate and the flimsy technicality upon wnlch the heirs based their case. Died in California. A. U. Johnson died in California, and upon the day of his death, Isom "white, who held an account against Johnson for $17,000, filed an attachment upon a block of property at First and Taylor streets. The service of the writ was made by serv ing the papers upon the Chinese cook at the residence. The Justice of the claim was not disputed, but the legality of the fiervice was, and upon this ground the ccse was taken three times through the Supreme Court. In the long run the heirs were defeated in their contention and the property was ordered to be sold under execution. This order was carried out, the property being purchased by the Occident Investment Company for $18,000. Makes But One Investment, This Occident Investment Company is also an object of suspicion on the part of the heirs, perhaps mainly for the reason that the records show that but one in vestment has ever been -made by it, and that the purchase of the Johnson 'prop erty under the Isom "White execution ea!c. About two weeks prior to the sale of the property in question the Occident Investment Company was created in the offices of "Williams, "Wood & Lln thlcum. which firm wa6 the legal rep resentative of Mr. Ladd. The capital stock of the new company was $100. 000, and the incorporators were Rod ney Glisan, D. "W. Wakefield and Percy Blythe. Llnthlcum, who was the sec retary of the company, was one of the attorneys who arguod Mr. Ladd's an swer made to the recent petition of the heirs asking for his removal as executor. At the sale the company bought the property for $18,000 and, after keeping it for the statutory year, sold It again for $30,000, thus baking $12,000 on the deal. Since that time the company has made no other investments. Interest, like moths and rust, has devoured the Johnson estate, so it Is claimed, but the heirs in their poverty are wondering and are about to try to learn why the property held for set tlement has not been able to pay some income by which the interest could have been at least In part counterbal anced. Worth Three-Quarters of a4 Million. At the time of Johnson's death the estate was worth approximately $750, 000, which amount . was cumbered by a debt of $280,000 in round numbers. This was in 1894, at the time of Mr. Johnson's death in California. It -is now alleged by Mr. Ladd that the estate of practically half a million dol lars has been consumed by the inter est on the indebtedness. Of this in debtedness approximately four-fifths was owing to Mr. Ladd and was draw ing Interest at 10 per cent. Properties AVhich "IVero Sold. Of the property in trust, valued at $422,100, deeded to Mr. Ladd as trustee, the following has been sold: Appraised. Sold. Corner Second and Ankeny. sola to J. F. Shea $ 23,000 $ 12.000 2C. E. corner Seventh and Hoyt, two lots 17,500 13,500 8. E. corner "Washlncton and Ford, sold to J. C. Ainu worth 13,000 Sf. "W. corner St. Clair and "Wayne, cold to J. X. Te&l 25,000 S. W. corner "Washington and St Clair 22,000 Kins, eold to A. C Pike, one lot 8,000 One lot on East Water, be tween East "Washington end East Btark. -uold to H. E. . Noble 105 XiOta (old In BlackiHone Add 1.S00 X. "W. corner Tenth and Northrop, sold to Northern Pacific 11,000 "Union Meat stock 37,850 27,000 One lot on Seventeenth, be tween Thurman and Upshur 1,500 aso Total $123,410 Unknown. Appraisement of Trust. The trust, which was originally com PQSSSk. of Portland realties and Unlor Meat Company stock, was appraised as follows: "Wood's Addition, west of Portland... $27,000 Homestead, south of "Washington, be tween St. Clair and Ford.- SO.OOO. Other land, south of "Washington, be tween St. Clair and Ford 78,000 Half-block on Hoyt, between Sixth and Sct'enth 35,000 Block bounded by King. St. Clair, "Washington and Wayne streets C3.250 Block In East Portland fronting: on river, bet. Stark and Washing-ton.. 70.000 Ixte In Slacklstone Addition 45,000 Tenth and Northrup 11.000 Union Meat Co. stock 37.650 One lot. Seventeenth, between Thur man and Upshur 3,000 Second and Ankeny streets 25,000 Cite Items of Mismanagement. But little of the estate outside of the trust property has been sold- C. X. John son, one of the heirs, bought a tract of land In "Washington County, paying J5SO0 for it. Another parcel of land in Douglas County of about 40 acres has been sold. This was appraised at $100, but cost John son $10,090. A warehouse property on Front and Ankeny streets was also sold. There remains in Washington and Yam hill Counties about 3000 acres of the best land In the two counties. This land is cut up Into -farms which, with the exception of one, so it Is said, have never D&id in terest on their value. The one exception ls4 the Reedville farm, which is said to be tlie model farm of Washington County, and yet no better naturally than any of the others. The Springhlll farm, which is leased to a dairyman. Is hold up by the heirs as an example of the alleged lack of manage ment shown by the esecutor. This farm has been rented by Mr. Ladd to the pres ent tenant on shares, but the area under cultivation has dwindled until the por tion of the crop received by the adminis trator does not more than pay tho taxes, if that. At the same time the tenant Is using the larger part of the place as a dairy, and Is fast becoming well to do. IIeirs Face Poverty. Poverty stares the greater number of the heirs In tho face, while the interest on the accumulated debts is rapidly eating up what little may be left All of them have expected much fr.om tho estate, but will receive little or nothing. In the time of their waiting they have In some In stances been reduced to real poverty, while none of them have enjoyed the benefits of what they had reason to ex pect should bo theirs. Charles N. John son, of Forest Grove, la perhaps the most fortunate of all, as he is in comfortable circumstances, and the owner of a fine farm: Arthur R. Johnson, now in Colo rado, is a man who could use to great advantage tho share left him in his father's estate. H. B. Johnson, now in California, Is not particularly In need of the money left him, but there are a num ber of others who are anxiously waiting for their shares to enable them to stop for a time in their chase after the elusive meal from day to day. Stenographer for Underwriter. Mrs. Anna Wyllie Is a stenographer in the offices of the Board of Firo Under writers. Mercy A. Johnson, another daughter, lives in California, as does Charlotte M. Johsnon and Mrs. Mary Parkhurst Cordelia J. Dunbar. Mrs. Car rie J. Hlbbard, Mattle B. Miller and Sadie B. Johnson are residents of Portland and vicinity, and all of them would be much benefited by tho share of tho estate which ought to have come to them. Stephen M. Johnson, of Portland, is crippled with rhoumatJsm, but during the intervals when he is able to work dr!r a dray upon the streets of tho city. Mrs. Sadie B. Johnson is very poor, and is de pendent upon the assistance of her chil dren for her support. But in the hearts of all Is the hope that the efforts of the attorney now working on the case will save for them at least a part of their patrimony, and this effort will be made as soon as the case shall come up for con sideration by the courts. SAVE TIE BIRDS AUDUBON SOCIETY LISTENS TO RE PORT OP B. PIXLEY. Semesters and BIrga of Beaatlfal Plu mage Slaughtered for tke Mar kets and Millinery. 'A. W. Anthony presided at a meet ing of the Audubon Society of Oregon in the City Hall last night Mrs. Met calf In behalf of the recording secretary presented her resignation as her arduous school work took too much time, arid Miss Gilbert was unan imously elected to that position. B. Finley, who has done a great amount of work in tho interests of this worthy society, gave a brief resume of the re port that he will read "shortly before the Eastern members of the Audubon Society which was exceedingly inter esting. He said that MivDeutcher, the president of tho entire Audubon So ciety, had told him that he was great ly interested with the work of the Wsotern members. That tho East had been so unfortunate as to lose all its beautiful plumed birds long before there ever existed a society for their protection and that since Oregon in the couth and the northern part of Cal ifornia produced such Immense and ideal breeding grounds for all of tho most beautiful birds known to this continent ho felt as did all others that the work here should be very active, it was admitted In the meeting last night that with a few personal excep tions there bad been little done, but the excuse for this was chiefly due to the fact that there was but one annual meeting of the sochly. Whether this Is to be changed or riot will bo decided later at a special meeting. Mr. Finley In his talk said In part: "I have come to tho conclusion after a careful study of the whole matter that Iho best and speediest , way to reach these hunters for market and mlllinory firms Is to go to the source of, it all. Either the markets or the National Association of Mllllnera. Cal ifornia has protected herself in that way to a very small degree and I hope that endeavors in that line will result even better for tho State of Oregos The traffic carried on in the southern part of Oregon in both mark'et and mil linery fowls is past belief until one has made an active and personal investiga tion. I have dono this and an extended report will soon be beforo the meet ing." The work Mr. Finley Is engaging In is from purely personal interest as the Audubon Society carries no ex penses. When the day does come that, the songsters and birds of beautiful plumage are protected by law that, will fit tho case it will be greatly duo to the untiring and sincere work of Mr. Finley. BUILDERS BEAR IN MIND That the M. J. Walsh Oo.'s line of gas and electric chandeliers, as well as elec trical and gas appliances, la replete and the most up-to-date the factory can pro duce. They also carry a complete line of x grates, mantels, andirons, spark guards and fire sots. See them regarding the wiring of your residence, store or factory. Salesrooms, S43 Washington sU, corner Seventh, or Phone Main 879. iCilwamkle Country Club. Eastern and Seattle races. Tak Sell woed and Oroa City cars, Finrt and Alter, HAVE YOU SEEN Our New Arrivals in Fine Tweed and Worsted Suitings? y , ' Art has -certainly nested in the" weaver's fingers to produce such pleasing designs and harmony of color. We've not a few, but hundreds to select from. FABRIC, FIT AND FINISH Unequaled by the credit-giving tailor that charges a third more. - FULL DRESS AND TUXEDO SUITS A SPECIALTY Satisfaction guaranteed In all case?, Garments to order In a day, if required. Samples mailed. Garments expressed. 108 THIRD FEDERATION WILL 1EHUI VOTE TO DISBAND PHOVES ITS STKGXGTII. Officer Are Elected sad Reports of Work AcconiplUkcd Are Made ' nad Considered. J'Resolved, that the Portland Federation of Womens' Clubs is a great benefit to the Individual clubs and to the city." Such was tho resolution adopted by unanimous vote at the annual meeting of the federated clubs in the A. O. U. W. Hall in the Selllng-Hlrsch building last night. This action was taken after an animated discussion in which the fate of the federation hung In tho balance. The matter of discontinuing the organisation came up for serious consideration, but was voted down, and tho foregoing reso lution adopted after a thorough dis cussion. The discussion started with the with drawal from the federation of one of the component organizations", the John Ivy Water Color Club. In order - to see if there was a general sentiment In favor of disbanding the federation an open dls cussIonMvas held on the subject. Mrs. Frederick Egger,t, Mrs. Rose Hoyt and other prominent members spoke in favor of continuing the work and carried tho sentiment of the members with them. The withdrawal of the John Ivy Water Color Society was referred back to that organ ization for consideration, and it was urged that all the clubs In tho league continue In the centralized work with renewed en thusiasm. In the election of officers Mrs. Rose Hoyt, of the Portland Women's Club, was chosen president for the third con secutive term. The other officers elected YESTERDAY'S FIRES. At 2:3 P. M. Chimney fir la a residence at 203 li Third street was promptly extinguished by the Fire De partment. No damage. At 10:0 V. M Fire caused by the explosion of n hanging lamp at 413 Guild street did damage amounting to $100. The residence was occupied by Edward Hutchlnga. were: Mrs. I- Durkhelmer, of the Jewish Council, vice-president; MIfs Lepna Lar rabee. of tlje Teachers' Club, recording secretary; Miss E. Matthews, of the Froeblo Club, corresponding secretary; Mrs. W. Wynn Johnson, of the Portland Women's Club, treasurer, and Xlrs. L. H. Wells, of the Mothers' ar.d Teachers' Club, auditor. The report of the president. Mrs. Rose Hoyt. and those of the officers of the subordinate organizations showed that .much work had been accomplished during the past year. Mrs. M. Biumauer, pres ident of tho Council of Jewish Women, reported that that organization now had 280 members. During the past year It has erected a neighborhood house at a cost of $10,000. The Portland Women's Club was also reported to be In a thriving con dition. This organization expects to erect a clubhouse within the coming year, and now has a fund of JUC9 to be applied for that purpose. The Illinois Study Club was received Into the federation. It Is a new organ ization, and promises to be a strong factor In the club work of the city. One of the objects of the federation In the future will be to assist In the work of tho Juvenile Court. Mrs. Frederick Eg gert addressed the mooting upon the work which this branch of the municipal gov ernment Is doing for the boys and girls of the city, and a motion was passed as suring the officers of the Juvenile Court of the hearty support and co-operation of the club members In all of u efforts. Another matter which the organization will take up Is tho securing of the public school buildings for the use of worthy public meetings. It will bo necessary to bring about legislation to achieve this ob ject, and the subject was referred to the legislative committee, which will consider the means of bringing It before the proper authorities. Tho Pilgrimage. The excursion of prominent Portland business men which has mado a tour of Eastern Oregon, "Easter Washington and Southern Idaho, by way of the O. R. & X.. will arrivo in Portland at S thl morn- STREET lng. Visits of shorter or longer extent were made at the following towns: Pendleton. Athena, Frcewater, Or.; Walla Wa.Ua. Pr escort. Waitaburg. Pull man, Colfax, Dayton, Wash.; Mo3cow, Lcwlston, Idaho. 364-6-8 East Morrison St. 3 Blocks East of Morrison Bridge Oat of the High-Rent District "CALEF BROS." THE BIG STORE WITH THE LITTLE PRICES. We court competition. Wo admire opposition. And trader 'no condition Will we brtdge from oijr position. As the leading, most up-, to-date, popular-priced Furni ture House of the Northwest We sell furniture on an easy-pny-ment plan that is a winner. Let Calef Bros. Furnisb, Your Home Many of the leading physi cians in the city can testify to the superior service we have rendered them and their patients in the, exactness of bur work. Oregon Optical Co. 172 Fourth St., Y. M. C. A. Building. Headquarters for Invisible Bifocals and Toric Lenses. Interest works night and day avoid it by getting your piano now. Time payments without interest. Every instrument irf our store a genuine bargain during our sale. We are not making a cut of 500 on a $600 piano because our prices were right to begin with. But you get a bargain and your money's worth when dealing with us. Open evenings. SouleBros.PianoCo. 372-374 Jforrisoa Stmt. MOYE $15 0 Sunburst Petticoats 7 I Four Hundred, While They Last Store open, at 8 A. M. See display today in a couple of our Tilth-street windows. -wreSfTf 0f silk Petticoats, Dress Skirts, etc. Special prices on Coats anjd Suits will be announced in Monday mornins's Orogonian and by display cards in our eight large show display windows. THE J. M. AGHESON C(X - ... V WHEN Go .- . . V . - MOVER Suits and Overcoats In the World If you doubt it, ask your friend who has already purchased one, or come in and. MAKE US PROVE IT SPECIAL FOR MONDAY Fifth and Alder Streets IN DOUBT to the The Best $10 -1 '- THIRD AND OAK 5c