A Grandmother's Bonds: Walla Walla Man Finds a $75,000 Inheritance After 20 Years

If he can furnish the necessary proof that is demanded by the courts in Illinois, E. L. Smalley will soon come in for a small fortune. Mr. Smalley is one of five heirs to $75,000 in government bonds, which have been bearing interest for 20 years, and 80 acres of land situated near the center of Quincy, Ill. The property and bonds in question were owned by Mr. Smalley's grandmother, who died many years ago. From some cause the western heirs of the deceased never could be located, and for the past 20 years the matter has been held in the court of chancery in Illinois, awaiting settlement. Several months ago one of the heirs living in Illinois began a search for the remaining ones, and as a result of a visit to the Pacific coast recently it was discovered that E. L. Smalley of this city and Mrs. C. C. Shumway, of Weston, were the grandson and grand-daughter of the deceased. Upon learning of the matter Mr. Smalley at once opened up correspondence with a law firm in Quincy, who have taken charge of the case. Mr. Smalley has been informed by his attorneys that the property remains intact, awaiting settlement upon the proper proof of heirship. These proofs the claimants say they can establish without a question, and no serious trouble is anticipated in receiving their share of the estate.