Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-06-01
AN AMERICAN HEIRESS.
Rumor That san Francisco Girl May Cd
tain q German Title and Estates.


BERLIN, May 3l.-Miss Ida Green, OF
San Francisco. is claimant TO the title
and estates of Baroness Won Barnek0w.
Mr.. Edwards, the United States Consul
General. and number of lawyers who
are interested in the case, believe her
claim is legal, and that the girls mem
bership of one of the proudest families
of Germany is established. Years ago
Baron KEEL Won Barnekow, an officer
of the German army, after career
of dissipation, fed TO America
where. after numerous vicissitudes, he
became hotel runner in San
Francisco, travelling under the
alias of erred Green" While
in this capacity he became ac-
ouainted with girl named Gilligan.
The pair lived together, though not
legally married. but after the birth OF
daughter the Baron consented to mar
riarge, and at the same time, under the
laws OF California, made his daughter,
though born out of wedlock, his legal
issue. The Baron soon returned TO his
dissipated ways, neglected his family
and finally deserted them. After wait
ing a number Of years his wife applied
for divorce, which was granted IN
1855
In the meantime Baron Won Barnekow
had returned to Germany and had mar
ried again without undergoing the for
mality of q divorce. He died in 1887, Il
wear before his Californian wife got her
divorce. His second marriage was nat
urally illegal Mrs. Green obtained her
divorce. never knowing that her hus-
band was dead, and later on married
sailor named Robinson.
His daughter, Ida Green, lived with
her mother and Stepfather in poor
quarter of San Francisco. After Baron
Won Barnekow's death his sister, Coun-
tess Won Moltke, wife Of major in the
army, near relative of the late Field
Marshal, having an inkling OF the
truth. searched for the missing heireSs.
There were some large estates, heavily
encountered, however, and with rare
nobility of feeling the Countess tried to
do Justice to her brothers widow and
and child. She applied to Consul Gen
eral Edwards, who wrote TO Chief OF
Police Crowley OF San Francisco. Chief
Crowley found Ida and reported ac-
cordingly, and the necessary aifidavlts
proving the marriage, the identity Of
Baron Won Barnekow with Erred
Green" the legalization of Ida as his
legitimate child, and other necessary
documento, were sent to Berlin.
Consul General Edwards admitted the
story as substantially correct and
placed the matter in the hands OF one
of the most eminent lawyers of Berlin.
The one important question involved is.
Should the German or the Californian
law regarding the legitimacy OF the
child prevail. The father died i'm Ger
many, and it will make some trouble to
make Ida the legitimate Baroness Won
Barnekow and the legal heir. That this
will be accomplished, however, there is
little doubt. Consul Edwards IS en-
titled to high praises for the active and
disinterested part he has taken in
espousiug the interests Of frendless
American girl, who, if she succeeds,
will have to thank him in the first in
stance. The Won Moltke family also
are entitled to recognition for the hon
orable part they have taken through
ont the whole affair.