The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-06-11
MAY S. PEPPERS
NEW HUSBAND
HAILED TO COURT

Alleging that Mary Ann Scannell (Mrs
May s. Pepper formerly of this city and
later high priestess OF the Brooklyn Spir-
itualist church, exercised an undue infu-
ence over Edward Ward Vanderbilt, the
wealthy lumber merchant whom she mar
ried week ago. Minerva, his youngest
daughter. had him before Justice Maddox
In the supreme court In New York yes
terday in an action aiming 10 have him
declared incompetent to manage his af-
fairs. and also to prevent Mrs. Wander
bilt from getting most of his property TO
the exclusion OF his children.
Miss Vanderbilt alleges that her father,
supposedly in response to advice purport-
Ing 10. come from the spirit world, willed
the greater part OF his property TO Mrs
Pepper in February, long prior 10 his
marriage TO her. She declares that her
father has not had will OF his own since
he fell under the influence OF Mrs. Pep
per, and that II he has not already handed
over $4,000 worth OF property TO Mrs.
Pepper he intends 10 do so very soon.
When Miss Vanderbilt's counsel, Max
Arnstein OF 800 Broadway. made the mo-
ton 10 have a committee appointed 10 in
quire into Bridegroom Vanderblts sonity
yesterday morning. MIR. Vanderbilt was on
hand with lawyers OF his own and with
ex-Judge A. III. Daley representing Mrs.
Vanderbilt. Mr. Vanderbilt. who. despite
his gray hairs and his 66 years OF age, was
looking rather spry, denied Indignantly TO
all inquiries that there was any need OF a
commission 10 look after him.
The application for the commission was
backed up by affidavts from Vanderbilt S
brother and sister, James o. Vanderbilt
and Sarah l.. Vanderbilt OF 159 Skillman
street II was said by Arnstein that Mr..
Vanderbilt's only other child. Mrs. Flor
ence Delristo OF Centre Moriches L. l.,
would also figure in the case before ii is
| finished.
Judge DALEY, for Mr.. Vanderbilt. asked
that argument on the motion be postponed
for week. alleging that 1t was without
any merit. and that the whole proceeding
was strike" suit for money.
Justice Maddox set the case down for
argument on Thursday morning.
Perhaps the most interesting feature OF
the affidavit of Miss Vanderbilt is the
reference TO the spiritual control OF the
lumberman. which is backed up by two
letters introduced in the papers.
In her affidavit Miss Vanderbilt says
that soon after her mothers death her
| father became acquainted with Mrs. Pep
| per and that he became a constant at
! tendant at her public and private seances.
| She says that she has been informed and
verify believes that her father is In re-
ceipt OF various communications purport-
| ing TO come from the spirit world in
which he is advised 10 dispose Of his prop
/ erty according to the advice contained
htherein and away from her and her sis
/ ter.
The affidavit goes on to say "In the
month OF February. 1857, presumably in
| accordance with the advice contained In
| the alleged communications from the spir-
II world, the said Edward Ward Wander
/ bilt made and executed a last will and
| testament, wherein and whereby he be-
queathed the greater portion OF his prop
erty TO the said May S. Pepper, and that
| this will was made and executed long
| prior To the alleged marriage between
| the said Edward Ward Vanderbilt and
the said May 8. Pepper. Deponent fur
ther says that in the month OF March,
! 1907 the deponent's father purchased
property at 5S St Marks avenue and told
! deponent that the said May 8. Pepper was
going to keep house there and hereafter
| look after his wants"