Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-09-21
TOLD OF ESTATE
Witnesses Say Father Mack'n
Discussed Disposition
of Property.
IN SUPPORT OF THE WILL
Franklin A. Spencer, Peoria, and M. c.
Harrington, Denver, Relate Con-
Versatons With Priest.

NerSatIOnS with Priest.
Up to the time of adjournment of
the circuit court this noon, but four
witnesses had been examined in sup
port of the will of the late Thomas
| Mackin. which is contested in
the suit now being tried. The two at
testing witnesses, e. b. Sterling and
| l.. c. Pfoh, were first examined. and
told of the circumstances of their wit
Messing the signature of Dean Mackin.
Franklin a. Spencer of Peoria, who
was On the stand yesterday afternoon,
was an important witness. He is the
| manager of the Peoria agency of the
Mutual Life Insurance company He
testified to meeting Father Mackin in
the fall of 1908. relative 10 a loan to
the Sisters of Visitation. He detailed
his negotiations with the priest. and
said that from his conversation with
him at that time he considered Dean
Maclin Il smart, shrewd business man.
Talked OF Disposition.
He told of subsequently meeting the
priest on Il train going to Chicago. and
of a conversation relative to what Faith
CT Mackin intended to do with his
property at his death. Mr. Spencer
testified that he had expressed a suppO-
sitiOn that the priest would leave Il
large share of it to his church, and that
Father Mackin had replied that the
church had enough, and that he pro-
posed to take care of his own, and in
further explanation of what he intend
ed to do, said that he intended to leave
the bulk of the estate to the lady who
had charge of his home, his niece, Mrs
Grace Mackin.
The cross examination simply en-
phasized the fact that Dean Mackin
did not intend to leave any property to
the church, but intended to take care
of his own relatives. On redirect exam
ination, Mr.. McEniry desired to have
the witness explain what Father Mack
in had meant by taking care of his
own, as he had in the direct examina-
ton. that is, that he intended to leave
the bulk of the estate to his niece,
Grace Mackin. but upon objection. the
witness was not permitted to make the
explanation.
Hear Business Advisor.
The other witness, Michael c. Har-
rington. is a grain dealer at Denver.
Col. but was formerly a resident of
North Platte. Neb.. and was well &C
quainted with the Rock Island priest.
and handled a large part of his prop
erty in Nebraska. He generally advis-
ed Father Mackin on business matters
regarding his western property. and
stated that Father Mackin often called
on him when he made yearly visits to
Nebraska. and had frequent conversa-
tons with him about his property. He
testified that i'll these conversations
the priest had told how he acquired the
property, and what disposition he in
tended to make of it. On one occasion
he said that the farm near Leland was
really the property of his brother. James
Mackin. He explained that when James
Mackin's first wife died, he was about
to marry younger woman against the !
wishes of his children, and that to pro !
tect the interests of the children. |
Thomas Mackin had taken the /
title to the farm. and in reality /
held it in trust for the children |
Of James Mackin. Mrs Dolly. Mrs. Pla- |
and Mrs. Grace Mackin. He |
had explained. the witness said. that |
much of the property had been acquir-
I'd through fortunate investments. and |
rom the rents and profits of this farm.
Mr.. Harrington also stated that Father
Mackin had said that in good con
science he felt that he ought to dis
pose of the bulk of the estate to these
children of James Mackin. as it in
act belonged to them. Many
relative to the
estate, and what Father Mackin
hougt of the children, particularly
trace Mackin, and what he expected
o do for them in the disposition of
lis property, were related.
Mentioned Other Relatives.
Mr.. Harrington admitted that Father
Iackin had mentioned a brother in
Ireland. whom he had not seen for
many years. and sister in this coun
ry, but said that the priest had refer
ed to these relatives in his conyersa-
ons only in the most casual way and
Without any terms of affection or en-
Garment. while he seemed strongly at
ached to Mr.. Plamondon and his wife,
nd to Mrs. Dolly and Mrs. Grace
Iackin
Both Mr. Harrington and Mr. Spen-
er said that from their conversation
hey judged Father Mackin to be of s
ound mind and memory. The cross Il
Examination of Mr. Harrington did not
evelop anything not brought out in
he direct examination, and confirmed l.
atber than otherwise the statements |
f the witness under examination in
hief II
The case will be continued this af-
ernoon until next week, the court be- Il
lg occupied tomorrow with motions It
nd the hearing of bills for divorce. L
Grand Jury Continues.
The grand jury is still busy, and
will not complete its investi-