A High-Stakes Estate Battle Erupts in Court
Minnie G. Yesler fights to manage her late husband's $1.5 million estate while fending off forgery accusations against her.
A motion was filed yesterday by White & Vanderveer and H. E. Shields, attorneys for Minnie G. Yesler, to continue the hearing of Mrs. Yesler's application for the appointment of M. R. Maddocks as administrator of her husband's estate. In her affidavit, Mrs. Yesler accused James D. Lowman—who acted as business manager for her husband—of manipulating the estate’s assets, including property on Cedar River and Front Street. Mrs. Yesler claims that after her husband's death, Lowman attempted to buy her interest in the estate for $125,000, far below its true value. Shortly after she refused, Lowman, through his attorney, had her arrested on charges of conspiracy and forgery regarding her husband's will. Mrs. Yesler asserts her innocence and alleges that Lowman has suborned witnesses, bringing people from Maryland to give false testimony. She contends that Lowman’s persecution of her is intended to secure control of the estate and prevent an inquiry into his financial management.
“J. D. Lowman's object in persecuting her on false criminal charges, so she believes, is to prevent her from choosing the administrator of the estate.”
This legal saga over the Yesler estate reflects a classic Seattle power struggle, pitting established business interests against personal heirs. Battles over the control of valuable downtown real estate remain a persistent theme in the city's history, from the Yesler era to the present day.
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