Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-11-22
IT'S NOW ON TRIAL
Fred Leonard's Appeal Before
the Kent Circuit Court.
HIS BROTHER GIVES EVIDENCE
Tending 10 Show Frst's Incompesency
10 Hands His Business AfAus-
Othsr News Of the CouEts

The irst nearing in the eircuit court
in the Leonard litiEations. WAS COM
msncsd yesterday IN Judge Adsit's
court, the cause 1T lssus being the ap-
peal OF Fred II. Leonard from the
probate courts order adludging him
insane. etc. IL opened with the argu-
meats on Attorney Aliens motion TO
set ASIDE the order by which the pro-
bate court decided Fred III. Leonard
as mentally incompetent. and contest
ing the legality of the order Of the pro-
bate court in appointing the Michigan
Trust company as guardian OF Fred II.
Leonard. The attorneys for the appel
liant claim that the appointment was
void, Judge Perkins being . stockholc-
or IN the corporation. and that the
lew granting TO the company the func-
lions OF guardian Is also void. The
motion Was denied by Judge Adat,
who ruled that ne did not deem IL
good practice 10 make An order in thu
matter without hrst having . trial OF
the merits OF the case.
La the afternoon the tria. WAS com
meuced, considerable time being spent
N selecting . Jury.
Frank Leonard was tho first witness
sworn for the petitioners. He testified
that up 10 1888 Fred had been q care
full business man aud oad filled every
position IN the Leonards' business, and
Was considered the best man in the
store. That he had been intrusted
with much Of the buying of goods for
the house.
striekea By Paraiysis
About 1887 Fred had . stroke Of per.
slysIs and thereafter his entire de-
msanor changed. He became . spend
thrift and neglected his business. He
then spent his time in driving, often
spending $40 . month in livery bills
alone Tnen Fred travelled al over
the east, making New York City his
headquarters Part Of the time. the
witness testified, Fred travelled alone,
and part of the time he was accom-
panied BY Fred Hodges. who had been
nlrsd TO accompany and look after
him. Fred had stated before leaving
that be WAS going 10 New York, Phila-
delphla and otner places 10 consult tho
best doctors regarding his condition.
On this trip they visited, besides New
York and Philadelphia, Cincinnati,
Quebec, Montreal, Memphis, Louis
vile. Chicago, Milwaukee and Hot
sprlngs- But his condition Was not
bettsred. The expenses of this trip
was paid by the firm Of Leonsrd's Sons
4 CO.. but WAS charged 10 Fred's &C
count. In 1883 ne made hrs headquar-
tiers N Chicago, making frequent fly
ing WAITS nome. The mania for riding
still stayed with him, but he would
rlds on street cars, anything 90 he
could ride.
ass Alleged Estravasancs.
DurIng the year So Fred would draw
drafts on the house amounting to $500
to $500 month. After that time
agents were appointed IN New York,
Chicago. Detroit and other places. who
were instructed TO advance him x35 a
week. but the amount was always over
drawn. After that Fred accompanied
Franz Leonard and his wife 10 Baden
Baden. Germany. where Fred's allow
ance vas cut TO 10 cents day. and his
Berlin agents we're instructed to paw
ms board. He renamed there three
months, being unable 10 get away.
The case Vas adjourned until 10
O'Clock tns morning, when Frank
Leonard vii De on the stand again.
Ths case - beginning to attract stten-
ton and q large crowd was present.
Fred Leonard Was accompanied ty MS
wife.
Mrs Charles Leonard Was also pres
ent. The suits in chancery between
the Leonards are also pending.