New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-04-15
hoMAs RANkEn

erty II II is found that Mrs. Ranken Is not en-
titled to It. It Is alleged by the defence that
Mrs Ranken deceived the old man into believ-
ing that she was unmarried. when the fact was
that she was married ten years before she went
to his house in 1891. He had discharged former
housekeeper for accepting an offer OF marriage
and it was to keep up the deceit that Mr. James
says the plaintiff did various things which should
invalidate her claim.
Mrs. Johanna Marks and Mrs. Margaret
Butcher were called by the defence yesterday
afternoon. They had been servants in the Webb
household and they testified that Mrs. Ranken
called her husband Thomas Ranken. Uncle
John, that she called Mr. Webb papa, and that
Harry Ranken. her stepson, whom she introduced
to the old man as her brother. also called Mr..
Webb papa Harry called his own father Uncle
John Mrs. Butcher said that after Mr.. Webb 5
death, Mrs. Ranken told her that she was going
to marry Uncle john and the witness told her
that she had good man. When they returned
from their alleged honeymoon. the witness met
them at the door with a bouquet OF flowers
number of storekeepers were called who had
sold goods to Mrs Ranken while she was with
Mr. Webb They said she was down on their
books as Miss Jessie Webb. Several witnesses
said that Mr. Webb introduced the plaintin to
them as his daughter
Harry Ranken, the stepson. was called and
testified that he Is twenty-five years old. and is
employed as a copyist in the County Clerks office
in Troy. He lived with Webb during the two
years that the plaintiff was there. He called
Mrs Ranken his sister. and his father Uncle
John"
why did you call your father Uncle John'?'
asked counsel.
Because Mrs Ranken asked me to-" was the
reply.
What did you call Mr.. Webb?'
"'Pop.' Mr.. Ranken wanted me to call him
papa, but l refused"
The witness testified that Mrs. Ranken
had told him that she had ordered the ser
that her mother would not be admitted II she
called He said that the plaintiff told him
that her mother had written to her from her
home in Waterville that IL her brother Johnny
did not get a bank place the same as that occu-
pied by the witness. the mother would come
down and tell Mr.. Webb that her daughter
was a married woman.
Mrs Maggie Bitters testified 10 a converse
ton which she had with Mrs. Ranken. in which
the plaintiff expressed the hope that Mrs. James
would die first and leave Mr. Webb to her.
Il told her." said the witness. that she ola
not care fer Webb, but only for his money. She
laughed, and that was all.
Thomas Ranken the husband OF the paintln.
was called Mrs. Ranken cried in little
pocket handkerchief during the most Of his
testimony.
why ala Mr.. Webb call you Uncle John p
asked counsel.
Because my wife told him that was my
name"
Ibid your wife call you Uncle john"
eyes, almost always. unless by some other
pet name"
your wfe?"
NO" .
The witness said that after Mr.. Webb died
he and his wife pretended to get ma mar ca
They went to Troy and had wedding cards and
pieces of cake sent to their friends This was
| Mrs. Rankens suggestion.
| The trial will be continued to-day.