The Bachelor's Defiant Defense
A long-time squatter proves his sanity after his sister and brother-in-law attempt to seize his property by branding him 'crazy'.
Many years ago, George W. Butler settled in the east end of Chehalis county and for twenty years kept batch on his claim. Tiring of this, he sent East for his maiden sister to come and keep house for him. In the course of time, she was wooed and won, one Henry Varing being the lucky—or unlucky—man. These two looked with longing eyes upon the possessions of the old bachelor, and finally the sister demanded that he deed her half of his property as consideration for her housekeeping services. This George refused to do. Because they had not gotten along well during the housekeeping period—for George was set in his ways and some old maids are not noted for the serenity of their temper—she thought their past quarrels would be enough evidence to prove a case of insanity on the part of the old bachelor. Last Monday the hearing was held in Montesano. The trial was interesting. Finally, the defendant was asked if he had given his consent to the marriage of the woman and Varing. 'Yes,' he replied, 'but one of the conditions was that he take her off the place at once. But,' he added, 'I advised him not to marry her.' Thereupon he was released and the costs taxed up to the plaintiff.
“George was considerably 'sot in his ways' and some old maids are not noted for the serenity of their temper.”
This 1894 case mirrors contemporary elder abuse and 'nuisance' litigation, where family members attempt to invalidate a senior's autonomy to gain control over property. It serves as a reminder that housing security—and the attempts to strip it away—has long been a flashpoint for conflict between neighbors and kin.
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