The San Francisco call., 1908-12-16
LOUIS MCkINNON
WILL CONTEST
MOTHERS WILL
Eldest Son TO Fight for Larger
Share in Estate Valued
at S25O,OOO
Was Lett $4,000, While Rest of
Property Went TO His Sis
ters and Brother
Case to Be Bitterly Fought and
indications Point TO Sem
satiOnaI Features

l"o applications for special letters Of
administration have precipitated a con-
test over the se5o.0oO estate of Mrs.
Saran J. McKinnon of Menlo Park,
widow OF John J. McKinnon. wealthy
, 'umberman. BY both trust deed and
viii J. Louis McKinnon has been
practically cut OF from any substantial
share in the property. In the contest
that viii ensue he viii be ranged
against his three sisters and his broth
er Alfred The case promises 10 be
sensational. and there is every indica-
lion that it viii be bitterly fought
The viii has been offered for probate
in san Mateo county and the issue viii
be forced AT the hearing set for tomor-
row. At that time Louis NcKinnon
VIII present his claims through his at
torney. Charles :. Wheeler. The other
hcirs viii be represented by Garret Nc
Enerney- Under the trust deed Louis
McK.nnon was left $4,000 and under the
VIII $4,000 The other children share
practically equally under the trust deed
and viii contend for its validity.
CLASHED WITH FAMILY
The son who brings the suit is 40
years old. and had upon previous occa-
sions clashed with the other members
~ the family. Some time ago he en-
desvored to have his mother removed
as eNeeutrix OF his fathers estate upon
the ground that She was incompetent.
lie was unsuccessful. but his action
created a breach in the family that has
never healed
Mrs. McKinnon died November 81 of
this year at her Menlo Park home, leav-
ing property that viii reach IN value
from s25o,ooO to 100000. It consists Of
real estate in san Francisco at Post and
kearny streets. another piece in Geary
street near HYDE and other parcels in
OUTLYING sections.
Mrs. McKfnnon left a VIII dated No
Vember 1e. 1908. but had executed a
trust deed in April. 1907, which super
sedes the other document Under the
VIII Louis IcKinnon was left $4,000,
but under the trust deed he will re-
ceive only $4,000
The trust deed places the property in
the hands OF the two daughters Leonide
anu II AIllilC -htAlnnDn. AHGer Its pro-
visions they are instructed to pay TO
Louis McKinnon $4,000 and to Francis
Eugene Mckinnon. a grandchild, $500
They are also authorized to take SlO.-
600 each for themselves and their sister
Ellen. The balance OF the estate
amounting 10 about $2l5OO0. is left in
equal shares 10 the three sisters and
their brother. Alfred. making some-
thing moro than $4,000 apiece.
REARRANGED AFFAIRS
In the VIII Alfred had been placed on
the same basis with his brother and the
bulk Of the estate left to the three sis
tors. Evidently Mrs. McKinnon had de-
signedly rearranged her affairs and in
the trust deed practically eliminated
her oldest son
Mrs. McKinnon's Oldest daughter. FL
len, is an invalid, and for that reason
The younger daughters were named as
trustees Alfred. the son who shares
the estate with his sisters. is connected
with the Hotaling interests He is well
known in local society circles and has
gained some reputation as an amateur
actor.
II IS stated that Louis McKinnon will
base lis claim on the allegation that
has mother was incompetent at fbe
hme she signed the viii and trust
deed She was IS years of age when
she passed away. The heirs. however
VIII bring as witnesses 10 Mrs. McKin-
mons competence Dr. Charles c. Wads-
worth, Or John Gallwey and Dr.~W "
Kerr, who attended her during her i'll
ness