The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-05-23
CITIZEN TRAINS CLAIM ON OMAHA.
There May he Something In IL ir He Can
Provo Himself to he n Lunntic.

Provo Himself to he n Lunntic.
OMAHA, May 19.-The suit OF George Francis
Train TO recover 500, oOO, 900 worth OF Omaha
property has caused considerable amusement in
this city, together with some alarm among the
5000 and odd families who occupy homes on
the disputed land. At one time and another for
the past quarter of n century Trains threats TO
open this case have disturbed this city; but
those owning the property finally camc to the
conclusion that he would never seek to bother
them. There is a belief that the claim may
prove to have a good basis. Ex-Mayor George
=. Bemis of this city is the local representative
OF Train and he has presented a strong case, ac-
cording to the view OF several Omaha lawyers.
In 1865 Train purchased of Kountz Brothers
and Samuel r. Rogers u tract OF 800 acres Of
land lying in the eastern part Of the city. 1t
was unimproved and apparently worth little.
Train appeared to be anxious to secure the prop
erty, and the owners demanded what was consid-
cred an excessive sum for the tract at that time,
$4,000. Train at once paid 1884, 900 in cash
and secured the balance by a mortgage. 1t was
commonly supposed at the time that he made
tho purchase in the interest OF the Credit Mo-
bilier. Now the property has been cut up into
city lots and mostly built up with large whole
sale buildings and handsome residences. In
1873 the land had begun to increase in value.
and the former owners sold it under foreclosure
of the mortgage which Train had given. 1t was
bought back by the original owners for $4,000
and a deficiency udgme for the balance was
entered against Mr.. Train, which stands unsat-
isfod to this day. Herman Kountz, who trans
acted the deal. is a banker here. He and Mr..
Rogers. the other owner, declare that Train has
| no title, and that their warranty deeds will hold
against damages in the forthcoming suit.
AT the time of the foreclosure Train had been
legally declared a lunatic in Now York city.
Mr.; Bemis says that one point has been over;
property, who think they are secure because
This State makes ten years, OF undisputed posses;
sion n legal title. That point Is that the record
in the State OF New York, finding Train insane,
has never been changed, and to-day, to, all In
and hence incapable Of being sued or suing: The
foreclosure proceedings by which the land was
sold wero brought without g guardian having
alleged, will render the proceedings void.
Since the Worlds Fair Train has been a bitter
enemy OF Omaha and everything pertaining to
Omaha to conduct 10000 children to the Chi.
cago Fair. Col. John Francis, general passenger
agent of the Burlington lines west OF the Mis-.
souri,, was an old friend Of his, and to him Train
went to ask special rates for the children. Mr..
Francis was willing to do anything tho rules OF
the company would permit, and offered Train an
10000 children. Instead OF being all smiles
Train was furious;
"Why," he said. your Internal road carried
VIII you charge more for children than hogsf
well" replied Col; Francis. the Burlington
will carry larry ypn Spn iS @iH be- es antisSsd as Sit fhe ibs s as II
what Kind OF accommodations will that so
cure T. inquired Train.
route f Tor Water and feed, delivered Without re
course at the Chicago stock yards
rio mn'n He iei ie aIi Town The next day, declaring he
would never visit the place again"
II nude the town and I'll break it." he said.