New-York tribune., 1908-12-27
RECALLS TORTURE CASE
Poets Granddaughter Defrauded 27
Years Ago Mdg Be Insane.

Miss Mary Hanu1el the last Of a family de-
soended from Huguenot stock. whose grandfather
Philip Freneeu. regarded among the first OF
distinctively American poets, Notwithstanding the
fact that she has property is practically starving
and freezing. Her condition is such that she will
tomorrow be taken to court for examination as
to her sanity.
1t is alleged that the unseating of Miss Hammers
IL it is unseated. dates back 10 January Il,
1881 when Mrs. Caroline Allen. who has since died.
locked her in room with a huge dog, leaving hSr
without food water for week Her signature
to real estate deeds obtained during her weak
ened mental state. Subsequent litigation procured
the setting aside of the deeds as fraudulent, but
Miss Hamnel is unable to enjoy administer her
property. and has. far is known. no relatives
to for her.
Philip Freneau, her poet grandfather was born
OF Huguenot stock In New York City in 1T5p and
died In 1872 He graduated from Princeton In
I'LL delivering poetical address at the commence
ment on The Rising Glory Of America" During
the Revolution he wrote causticaIly on everything
that displeased him. and Washington Irving dubbed
him the Barking Dog of the Revolution" Never
theless, he contributed matter of value to FIRE
neaus Journal of Philadelphia" and TO other pub
locations. His poem. The Parting GLASS; is prob
ably best known.
His daughter Helen Freueau, was Miss Mary
HammeFs mother.
It was charged that Miss Hammel came under
the dominating influence OF Mrs. Caroline Allen.
who wishing to her property, actually
locked her UP IN q small with gigantic dog
telling her
If you become cold. hug up the dog"
After a week OF unspeakabe physical suffering
either Miss HammeI or the dog smashed window
high in the room, and the attention Of passing
attracted. She liberated. An oid
friend the family instituted court proceedings IoT
Miss Hammel. and after protracted legal fghtings'
title to her property returned to her name. the
deeds being set aside fraudulent as she had not
known the nature of the papers she had signed
Mrs Allen convicted Of assault and inhuman
treatment on the complaint Of Miss Hanmei. She
fined 500 and was sentenced TO one years i'm
prisonmeDr
Miss Hammel lives IN house owned by herselr
IN Walnut street, Chestnut street, Locust
Grove, Long Island. Believing that she is entlrely
unable care for herself because of her weakened
intellect, DR.. Frank wilcox, of Locust Grove, mas
employed John T Robinson. of Elmhurst, to nave
her reason examined in a legal manner MI Foo-
inson who IS Public Administrator OF Queens Bor-
ough will Gauge Mss Hanmel to be taken to the
police court in Flushing morrow morning Ihere
is no other way he declares, to have the matter
investigated and the aged will be forced 10
submit to the humiliation for her own good
It is expected that the work Of getting MISS
FIauueI to court Will be light one, as she mas
for many years ben hater- She snudoe4s
at the mere approach of a man, DR.. wilcox says
II is expected that ifsAfiss HaInmel is examined
mentally and found TO be of unsound mind, q com
rnittee will be appointed care for her person