The Washington times., 1901-08-27

The Alleged Testament of the Minor
quests of the Druggist stated to
Have Been Made Under Threats.
Caveats were filed yesterday in the pro-
bate branch of the Supreme Court of the
District, in which protests were entered
against admitting to probate the wills of
Alberta Stewart, a minor. and DIR. Frank
S. Williams. the druggist, who conducted
the drug store at the corner of Ninth
and Streets northwest for a number
of years. 1t is expected that the contests
in these cases will result in some
very interesting Developments
In the case of Alberta Stewart, the
contestants are Charles F. Rosewag, Annie
Maria Rosewag, Mary Gertrude Rosewag,
Godfrey Rosewag, tr.. William II. Rose
wag, and Ella V. Johnson. who are stated
to be uneles and aunts of the deceased on
her maternal side. 1t will be remembered
That few days after the death of Alder
ia Stewart, who. it Is said, was about six
teen years of age, a paper writing puf-
porting to be her last will and testament
was filed for probate. The document was
not signed by the alleged testatrix nor
was 1t dated
1t was, however, stated that the docu-
ment was in the handwriting of Alberta
Stewart, and was written in the presence
OF other persons. According to the terms
OF this document the testatrix disposed Of
her estate valued at about $4,000, to her
uncle, Albert Stewart, her aunt, Anna
Belle Stewart, and her cousin, Frank
Stewart
The contestants in the petition filed yes
terday protesting against the probating al
lege, first, that it is not the last will of the
testatrix; second, that she was not capable
OF making a valid contract or deed, and
that she was not of sound and disposing
mind; third, if she did execute the docu-
ment 1t was done under undue influence,
suggestion. and persuasion of her paternal
relatives; fourth, that the paper writing
was not intended as a last will and tes-
lament, and lastly that the document was
not signed by the testatrix.
The caveators ask that issues be framed
and the matter adjudicated by the court
They state that the personal estate of
Alberta Stewart is valued at about $50. 900.
one-third OF which consists of a quarter
interest In the estate of her grandmother,
Elizabeth Stewart. and the remainder in
real estate near Metropolis View.
In the case of the contest over the will
step was taken by Arthur Lee Williams,
his son, who is named as the beneficiary
The proceedings were instituted IL; behalf
of the caveator by his motSe, Helen F.
Williams, who secured divorc. rom her
husband, DR.. Frank S. Willier,s III April,
1900.
Proceedings were institute ga.g.st Mrs.
Williams for divorce by d. v.Jiams in
January. 1850, and in March az hat year
were withdrawn.
In the caveat filed yesterday It Is al
legged that DIR. Williams executed the will
and codicil filed for probate under the
compulsion of threats made by his broth
er. Arthur Williams, while the latter held
him In confinement and restraint of his
liberty.
DIR. Williams conducted a drug business
at the corner of Ninth and f Streets,
and by his will left his estate in trust for
his son. Arthur, until he should arrive at
the age of twenty-one years. In the
event of the death of the latter before
reaching that age 1t was directed that the
estate should be divided between the tes-
tator's brother, Arthur, and his sister.