The morning times., 1896-11-25
wilmer ADJU0GED INSANE
His Own Testimony Was Convincing
to the Jury.
MUCH PROPERTY INVOLVED
When Placed on the Stand the
Wealthy Merchant Could Not Re
call the Name of His Partner.
Had No Recollection of His Busi-
ness Affairs.

Calvin Wilmer, well known business
man of this city, who for twenty years
conducted large grocery store in the
West End, was last evening adjudged to
be of unsound mind.
The inquiry into his sanity was begun
last week at the instance of Mr.. Milton
Wilmer of Hagerstown, Nd, who is u
brother of the unfortunate man. The
brother represented that Mr.. Wilmer was
worth considerable money. A few years
ago he was reputed to be worth as much
as $4,000, but it is alleged he is now
possessed Of property OF no greater value
than about S25, 900. The alleged menta al
infirmity IS said to have been brought
about 10y domestic trouble and business
reverscs, but more particularly the death
of his son short time ago.
HE FOUGHT 1T BITTERLY.
The accused opposed the inquiry vigor-
ously and was represented by Col. Ed Hay.
Judge Jere Wilson represented Mr., Milton
Wilmer, and the hearing has been in
progress for several days.
Tie statements of witnesses revealed the
fact that Mr.. Wilmer was taken i'll last
July, hut before that time had been fail
ing in health. In Mr. Witnier's family there
are his wife, Mrs. Rose Witmer. his daugh-
ter-in-law, and Mrs. Bell, whom he
raised from a young girl. Some time
aSo All NltiiSI SohNtytu SDilIe III IilS IllOSI
valuable property to these three PERSONS
This came to the attention OF relatives
in Hagerstown and they Instituted an in
quiry which led to the Investigation as
TO Mr.. Calvin winners insanity.
Mr. Wilmer claimed that some of these
relatives were scheming against him. and
there were expressions by Mrs. Rose
Wilmer that Mr.. Daniel Doub, "a nephew,
had endeavorcd to draw up a will for Mr..
Wilmer instead nj iii
DENIED BY DoUB.
These allegations were denied yestcr-
day by Mr.. Doub on tie stand, and fur
ther ev idence was given to show that Mr..
Witmer was really incapable of attending
to his business affairs, and his estate
gradually dwindled in value. II was
shown that he recently gave deeds of trust
for large sums Of money which he for
got all about short while later.
There was present at the hearing the
ladies mentioned. and with tt..n sat Mr.
Wilmer, who appeared perfectly rational
nut tl!is appearance changed considerable
when he took the stand later in the after
noon and attempted in answer to in
qInres of Judge Wilson to explain his
business.
The first question elected a reply which
at once Convinced the jury that Mr. Witmer
was mentally derangcd. For eight years
MI NIlin"T Hdu as partner III the grocer v
business a Mr. Duval, yet tile accused was
unable 10 tell the Jury the first name of his
partner He could rccuilcct nothing about
his business affairs or 10 whom he was
indebted. Money had been borrowed for
him and placed in bank by a friend, yet he
Knew not the amount SO deposited or wha,
property was mcrtgaged. or what dis
position was being made OF the money
CONVICTED HIMSELF.
1t was Mr.. winners own appearance on
the stand that convinced the jury that he
was insane and needed someone to look
after his affairs. Judge Wilson continued
TO examine Mr.. Wilmer until member of
the jury suggested that they had heard
sufficient Ia determine their decision and
they accordingly retired and formulated
a verdict that Mr.. Wilmer had hcrn ment tall v
unsound since the 4th Of last July
question Will arise as To the disposition
OF the property One of the deeds was
made 10 Mrs. Wilmer, his wife, and this
is said 10 have been made since last July.
This, OF course, Will not stand legal
test. but as the convc vance of property
10 Mrs. Rose Wilmer and Mrs Ren was
made prior To the date mentioned in the
verdict they will not be contested
Other property, which has been recently
mortGa Ced viii of course be construed to
have been improperly conveyed