New-York tribune., 1921-03-11
Head of National City
Bank and Former Anne
Urquhart Potter File Ac-
tions in Supreme Court
Guardian Is Named
For Youngest Child
Allegations Are Withheld;
Banker Fights Plea for
$4,000 Monthly Ali
mony and $25, 900 Fees

James A. Stllman, president of the
National City Bank, and his wife, the
former Anne Urquhart Potter, better
known as Fih. have begun suits against
each other for divorce.
This became known yesterday when
Supreme Court Justice Morschauser, of
the Second Judicial Department, when
asked at White Plains about the mat
ter, admitted that actions had been
started.
The Stillman family is one of the
foremost socially in America and is
wealthy. Mrs. Stillman also comes of
distinguished lineage. She is the daugh-
ter Of James Brown and Cora Urquhart
Potter The latter was divorced by her
husband when she went on the stage.
Mr. Potter was nephew of Bishop
Henry Goldman Potter.
Referee Is Appointed
Justice Morschauser said yesterday
that he hxd appointed Daniel j.
Gleason, of Poughkeepsie. as referee to
hear testimony in Mr.. Stilman's suit,
and had appointed John f. Mack. of
Poughkeepsie, guardian of the child,
Guy Stillman, who is said to play an
important role in the case. The boy
was born in 1918. His name does not
appear IN the Social Register, where
the children of Mr.. and Mrs. Stillman
are given as Anne and James.
Distinguished lawyers have been re-
tained by beth sides in the forthcom-
Ing legal battle. For the husband the
firm Of Nicoll, Anable, Fuller & Sulli-
van is acting. Mrs. Stillman is repre-
Taft with whom John B. Stanchfeld
is said TO be associated. None of the
lawyers connected with the case would
discuss it yesterday.
Justice Morschauser said that last
Saturday counsel for Mrs. Stillman ap-
peared before him and argued for per-
mission to serve an amended complaint
in his clients action. Alimony of S1O,-
600 month and $4,000 counsel fees
were also asked. Counsel for Mr.
Stilman protested, saying that his in.
come last year had been cut from
100000 to 100000 by income taxes
The hearing was adjourned until next
week.
Neither of the principals in the case
could be found yesterday at the city
home, at 270 Park Avenue, or at the
country home at Pocantico Hills. There
js also third residence owned by Mr.
Btill.nan-a camp at Three Rivers
Quebec This is believed to figure in
one of the suits, for it is understood
that numerous French Canadians have
appeared at one of the hearings in
Poughkeepsie
Neither Mr.. Gleason. the referee, nor
-hr. Mack, the guardian of the boy
would discuss the matter when seen
Yesterday at Poughkeepsie.
guy Stlllman is understood to be
WIN MS mother, persons in Pough-
Keepsie said last night.
Married in 1901
Mr.. and Mrs. Stillman were married
June 3, 1901. at Grace Church. The
wedding followed long courtship and
was an important social event, about
z,oOo invitations having been issued
Potter. '0
Mrs; stlllman's mother, Cora Urqu-
mart Potter, once a New Orleans socia,
p,ealuty', gained fame on the stage
aaithough she experienced numerous
nnancial Il, failures in her productions.
on nne became great favorite in London
ner debut was made there at the Hay
market Iheater in 1887 in Wilkie Col
mss mss play, "Man and Wife," Kyrle
peiiew was her leading man. One OF
ner most notable achievements was her
PRODUCTION of Anthony and Cleo.
patra.
Mr.. Potter obtained a divorce from
MS wife in 1900 at Newport and late,
mar married Miss May Handy, of Balti-
James A. stillman. because Of his
ffe.lcence and retiring nature, has been
s.1 S.own as the silent man Of Wall
Ssrset." Ssrs; He succeeded Frank A. Van
ppsrlp psnip as president of the National City
t,an nank In June, 1919, giving up his posi-
moh As chairman of the board of direct
US 10 become head of the institution.
~. ne was born in New York City, the
sou OF James and Elizabeth Stiilman.
Continued on next pass)