The Notary and the Disputed Deed
Ida Jones’s charge that notary Charles C. Kramer impersonated a police officer over a disputed deed was dismissed.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
After a tedious round of cross-examination in police court yesterday afternoon, the case of Charles C. Kramer, accused by Miss Ida Jones of impersonating an officer, was dismissed by Judge Arntson. Miss Jones has for some time been housekeeper for Robert Hannah, and a few months ago the latter deeded to her real estate to the amount of $2,000 for a $20 consideration. Later Hannah wanted his property again, but Miss Jones refused it. He sent Kramer, who is a notary public, to get the deed and Miss Jones again refused, finally swearing out a warrant accusing Kramer of representing to her that he was a member of the police force.
“Miss Jones again refused, finally swearing out a warrant accusing Kramer of representing to her that he was a member of the police force.”
Property disputes involving housekeepers and elderly employers were frequent tropes in early 20th-century litigation. This case highlights the precarious legal standing of women like Miss Jones, who relied on real estate to secure their future in a city where they were often legally and economically vulnerable.
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