Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-02-11
AGED IOWA NAN TELLS OF PLANS
ron plsposlT'oN OF HIS
PROPERTY.
DRAMATIC scGhE ENACTED
IN FORT DODGE COURT
Says Hs Adeptsd Mrs. Newman in
Furthssanes Of Intentions TO Estab.
ifsh Agricultural eeaeel For Girls -
Woman Urged Him to Wed Her
Mother.
Special to Times Republican.

Coffin, almost ~ years or age, very
declared that he was guild
ed by providence in the working out
Of his plans for an agricultural school
for girls to be founded on his farm
near here. while he was on the witness
stand yesterday afternoon defending
himself against charges that he is men
tally feeble. Mrs. Carrie B. Rutledge.
his only daughter. has brought suit
against him to have permanent
guardian appointed for him.
When pressed concerning the finan-
cial details of his plan to establish the
school, Mr.. Coffin declared that proVi-
dence will show him the way. He de-
clared those who know him know that
he has been guided by particular
providence in everything he has DONE
The scene was one of the most dra-
matte ever seen in the Webster county
court room. In the dim light of late
afternoon, Mr. Coffin sat in the witness
stand, the strong lines of his face
brought out by the light from the re-
porter's table. Attorney Wennis kelle-
her, a partner Of Senator Kenyon, stood
near him so as to make 1t easier 1or
him to hear. The old mans voice was
was trembling at times as he told OF
faith that is like that Of the olden days.
= Il have worked for humanity these
forty years." said the witness in
loud voice. II have prayed God that l
can hand my property which under the
guidance of God has grown so much
more than ever expected. down to
benefit humanity"
Urged Wedding Of Mother.
Strongly contrasted with the dignity
of these statements. were those that
Elizabeth Newman Coffin. the woman
40 years of age whom he adopted IN
Chicago, Jan. 81. 1912. had tried IN
Los Angeles in the spring OF 1911 to
get him to marry her mother. Mrs
Carolyn Murray, widow Of Senator
Murray, Of winterset. The witness ex-
planned that this was part Of the plan
Of adoption so that his adopted daugn-
ter could assist him in his lhilanthropic
work without arousing the ire Of the
gossips.
Mr.. Coffin explained that. altho the
mother was willing. he finally refused
to marry her because Of the experience
he had had with Nellie A. ingalls, the
third wife from whom he secured
divorce aftet she had brought suit for
separate maintenance. When asked II
he thought Mrs. Newman. the adopted
daughter, was sent by providence, Mr..
Coffin replied: 1T seemed to me she
was sent to me, but you people then
had me in the court room during his
divorce easel. That stopped me-" The
witness later declared that after his
experience with wife No. 3. Mrs. 1ngals,
he: has tried to be very cautious.
While describing the worth Of his
Mr.. Coffin said the plan was
to have a., board made up Of eminent
educators of which he and his adopted
DAUGHTER were to be members. He said
without any additional housing, from
twenty five to fifty girls can be accom-
modated. He believes teachers who are
interested enough in the plan Of making
girls independent can be secured to
teach for very little pay. He declared
he did not specify whether or not the
girls are to wear overalls such as men
wear.
When asked whether or not the girls
would become independent by buying
farms, he said some OF them would. He
declared others could hire out to do
such work as is done by hired men.
Tells Of Adoption Matter.
Mr.. Coffin described graphically how
the adoption matter was decided upon.
II do not want you to take what have
to say in bad way" he warned. I'VE
were In Chicago comforting as to what
the future might have in store for US.
She was sitting across from me, looking
at me Suddenly she said:
"T want you Then she paused. and
finally said. That is exactly what l
want I want YOU"
George A. Ringland, local capitalist.
declared that the furnishings Of Hope
Hall, the home established for ex-con-
victs, were better than those in Coffin's
own home or In the home Of his daugh-
ter, Mrs Rutledge who then was living
on the Coffin farm with her husband.
When Mr.. Ringland went on thu
stand, Mr.. Coffin asked who he was.
aitho the witness testified he had
known Mr.. Coffin intimately for over
forty years.
DR.. NJ. n. Volding. superintendent OF
the state insane hospital at Cherokee.
and Ave other physicians. are expected
to testify concerning Mr.. Coffin's men,
tai health tomorrow. Miss Jane Adams
OF Chicago, also may testify.