Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-08-27
TE-NUPTIAL DEED.
CLAIM THAT 1T WAS SECURED BY
COERCION.
MARRIED A POLITICIAN.
Interesting Facts I'm the Case of
Anne l.. and Walter II. NroOman
ceedings in U. =. Court OF Appeals.

The opinion of the United States Cir
cult Court Of Appeals, written by Judge
Simonton. was announced and filed yes
terday IN the case Of ANNE a. Vrooman
and Walter II. Vrooman, her husband,
appellants, VS.. William II. Grafilin, ct al.
appellees; appeal from the Circuit Court
of the United states from the District
of Maryland. The opinion of the Circuit
Court was affirmed with costs.
The bill Of complaint seeks TO set aside
and declare fraudulent and void a certain
deed of trust executed between ANNE
l.. Vrooman, before her marriage under
the name Of Anne l.. Grafiiin. and her
brother. William II. Grafiiin.
The Circuit Court, on a full hearing OF
the cause passed upon the issues Of law
and Oh fact involved therein, and dis
missed the bill. the cOmplainants accept
ing the ruling Of the court upon the issues
OF law, excepted 10 the finding on the
facts and so the case came into the
appellate court.
STATEMENT OF THE CASE.
George W. Gratilin, a merchant OF Bal
timOre, died interstate in November, 1880,
leaving an estate, real and personal, es-
timated 10 be worth between $4,000 ana
81 100000. He and his son, the principal
defendant had been trading under the
firm name OF George W. Graiiin x 90.
Their business was that OF the manutac-
ture and sale OF fertilizers and was very
extensive, ramifying into many States.
The fortune OF Mr. Grafliin was IN this
business in shares Of stock In many fer
tillZer companies. and in land. His lands
Wero estimated ~ about $4,000, and his
nIf "a al D.
tho credit and promoting the interests OF
his business RE died, as mas been said,
intestate leaving as his sole heirs and
distributes at law mis- son, William III.
Graflin, and TWO daughters-Alrs. Laura
Elml Buck, a widow and Miss Anne l..
Grafliin, the complainant. Miss Gratiiin
was possessed in her own right
OF real estate in Baltimore. the
family residence and the lot adj
joining, and one malt Of the life
insurance OF her father, $4,000. besides
bank account. Besides this, she had her
undivided third interest in her fathers
business. It's assets and tho real estate.
HER ENGAGEMENT NOT APPROVED.
Early in January. 1897, about two
months after the death OF her father,
Miss Graalin announced her engagement
10 marry Walter NrOOman, clergyman
and politician, resident IN 81. Louis, Mo.
Between her and her brother there had
always existed the most tender affection
ard unfdiling confidence. When he heard
Of the projected marriage, William Ii.
Graflin. though much distressed thereat,
would not discuss il with his sister, but
he advised her. as she was about 10 leave
Baltimore and reside in St. Louis, she
ought To nave some person, in whom she
could confide. TO represent her and act
for her in tho settlement Of her fathers
complicated estate. lie recommended
Mr.. b. r. Newcomer, well-known and
highly-rcspected merchant OF Baltimore.
for this purpose, and also suggested that
she should consult Mr.. Lanahan, lead
ing member OF the bar of that city, the
confidential counsel OF her father for
many years. and az that time tho legal
adviser OF the estate.
ENCOURAGED TO DEAL FRANKLY.
Recognizing the necessity and propriety
of this, she consulted Mr.. Lanahan, and
had "A pr0tracted interview with him. He
encouraged her TO deal frankly with him
as her legal adviser. and sought 20 know
the purpose she had In view. As the re-
suit OF this interview. he prepared the
deed IN question. He then visited her