New-York tribune., 1919-11-08
ShOnts Cuts
Off Wife for
Mrs. Thomas
Continued from page I

in that year. According to a friend of
the family, Mr.. Shonts for eight years
after 1902 supported his wife and two
daughters at the rate of $4,000 a year.
In 1910 he met some financial reverses.
and he reduced the allowance to $45.-
600, which he continued to the time of
his death.
Started Action in Paris
1t was also said that in 1915 Mrs.
Shonts and one Of her daughters pur-
chased in Paris jewelry valued at
sl35,000, and for which Mr.. Shonts
paid. The only action brought by Mrs.
Shonts against her husband was be-
gun in Paris, but she discontinued it
before it came to trial
The reslduary clause in the Shonts
will. making Mrs. Thomas the legatcc
reads: "All the rest. residue and re-
and mixed of whatever kind, nature or
description, and wheresoever situated
or located of which l die seized or
possessed or in or to which may
have any right or interest or be in
any way entitled, including any and all
lapsed legacies and including each and
every one of the sums hereinabovc
given and bequeathed in trust to my
executors which shall not vest or the
trust in which shall fail or shall not
take or be given effect because Of nom
compliance by the beneficiary with the
conditions, terms and provisions set
forth in paragraph eleven hereof or
because any Of the other matters or
things set forth in said paragraph or
for any other reason or cause what
socver, ! give, devise and bequeath
to my friend, Amanda C. Thomas, her
heirs and assigns forever
Wife Barred From Further Share
Paragraph eleven mentioned in the
foregoing clause was the one in which
Mr.. Shonts made it clear that he did
not wish his wife to receive anything
further from his estate than he pro-
in part: "1n case of my wife. the pro-
visions, bequests and deviscs herein
above made for her benefit shall be
in full satisfaction, and in lieu of
dover and of any other or different
right, title or interest which my said
wife may have or claim to have in
my estate, and of any and all demands
and claims of whatsoever nature VIII ich
my said wife may have or make against
me or against my estate"
Mr.. Shonts added that unless his
widow accepted the provision made for
her, it was to be revoked altogether.
The stern alternative is set out by the
tsstator with regard to any legatec who
contests or aids in contest Of the
will. Such contcsting beneficiary be-
quest shall revert to the residuary
estVe, which means that it also would
go to Mrs. Thomas.
Called "Wil Maker"
Mr.. Shonts was what lawyers call q
twill maker" that is, man who con-
tinually changes his will or makes new
ones to meet whim or desire. From
1900 to the time of his death nc made
at least eight wills.
Mrs Shonts says that in at least one
fciary. Mr. Nicoll is authority for the
statement that Mr. Shonts executed wills
on April Is. 1918, and June 8. 1919.
but they were substantially the same
rs the document filed yesterday and
executed in July last.
Mr.. Nicoll also said the estate of
Mr.. Shonts would amount to less than
100000. OF this Mrs. Thomas's share
as residuary legatee and possibly the
tween 100000 and S250,000. Besides
/ this Mr.. Shonts in his will beQueathed d
to Mrs. Thomas's twelve-year- son
Herbert Thomas, oil the jewelry he re-
:eived from Mrs Thomas
Light on Their Friendship
Former Justice Clarence J. Shearn,
attorney for Mrs. Thomas, was reluc
tant yesterday to discuss the Shonts
will or the affairs of his client. From
other sources, however, Conformation
was obtained that threw some light on
the identity of the woman treated 80
literally in the viii of the railroad
man, of their first meeting, and of
their friendship. Mr.. Shonts' daugh-
ters met her at social function, it was
said, and through them Mr. Shonts be-
came acquainted with her
Mrs. Ihomas and her husband used
mN'' tain luxuriously furnished