The New York herald., 1921-05-11
STILLMANS' MAID
DENIES NOTE THEFT
Wife's Lawyers Say Missing
Miss Kelly Is Found and
Supports Her Side.
SECRETED UNTIL TRIAL
A 100000 Check Passed in
1913 ef1919, When Banker
Was Ill, Is Discussed.

Mary Kelly, the former maid in the
home Of James A. Stillman, and who
disappeared soon after Mr.. Stillmans
divorce action was begun, has been
found, it was learned yesterday, and
will take the stand for Mrs. Anne
Urouhart Potter Stillman and her
thirty -months-old son, Guy Stillman.
Lawyers engaged in Mrs. Stillman's
defence are banking on Miss Kelly to
destroy the legal value of much of the
testimony already submitted in the
bankers behalf and particularly that
part of it which affects the legal rights
of baby Guy.
Miss Kelly was reported as being in
Europe and 1t now develops that she
actually was there. She heard that
she had been accused of stealing from
drawer in Mrs. Stillmans bedroom
the seven letters alleged to have been
written by Fred Beauvais. the core
spondent, which figure prominently in
the case. and wrote to Mrs. Stillman's
lawyers that the statement was un-
true.
A series OF letters passed between Miss
Kelly and the lawyers, 1t is said. with
the result that she returned to this
country. arriving here few weeks ago
Her movements were guarded so the op-
position would not learn of her pres
ence here. She went to town within
100 miles OF the city and will remain
there until called upon to testify.
Both sides have been searching for
the maid since the suit was begun. as
both considered her testimony of vital
Importance. John E. Mack guardian
ad Iitem for Guy Stillman. was particu-
larly anxious to get hold of her because
she Is one of the few persons who can
say whether Mr.. and Mrs Stillman lived
under the one roof during the early
spring of 1913.
Although OF the same name. Kelly. the
former superintendent Of the Stillman
estate and Miss Kelly are not related
They were employed by the Stillman
family about the same time. but Miss
Kelly continued as Mrs. Stlllman's maid
long after the superintendent had left.
Kelly was superseded by Beauvais in
the management of the Stillman proper
ties in the autumn OF 1919 1t Is un-
derstood that Miss Kelly was the maid
who accompanied Mr.. and Mrs. Stillman
to this city in April, 1918. when the
banker was almost continuously In the
company of Mrs. Stillman during the
period OF the allegations that affect Guy
Stillman.
Detectives working for Mrs. Stillman
are searching for nurse who Is under
stood to have ATTENDED the banker dur
ing a short illness he had some time in
1918 or 1919.
Mr.. Stillman, according to the infor-
nation In the hands of the lawyer. was
confined to his home In this city for
several days. Mrs. Stlllman then was
at the family residence In Pleasant
Vile. Soon after the banker regained
his health a check for $4,000 passed
through the banks. which has become
of interest to Mrs. Stillman's lawyers.
Lawyers following the Stillman suit
have been discussing recently an action
that appeared in the courts In 1918. In
this case n woman sued for divorce and
the husband set up an affirmative de-
fence. as Mrs. Stillman does The ref
cree found both parties guilty OF the
charges alleged and there consequently
was no decree.
The woman subsequently started an
action TOT separation, dhsshils I'Sci eioh.
The lower court granted her one and
allowed her alimony, but an appeal was
taken and the Appellate Division upset
the findings of the lower court, stating
she was not entitled to q separation be-
cause the evidence adduced in both pro-
ceedings was the same.
1t is considered likely that the third
hearing in Stillman vs.. Stillman will be
held in the chambers of Daniel J.
Gleason, the referee. at Poughkeepsie
on May is or 10. Mr. Gleason Is Sur
rogate OF Dutchess County and bis du-
ties as such demand his continued pres
ence In Poughkeepsie. the county seat
He also is not in the best of health and
recently injured his leg In an accident,
which has since compelled him to walk
with cane.