A Mercer Island Land Fight Turns to Contempt—and Alleged Violence
A receiver’s attempt to take possession of mortgaged Mercer Island property leads to a contempt citation against S. Sutherland, accused of forcing his way in and threatening the agent.
S. Sutherland has been cited to appear before Judge Langley and show cause why he should not be punished for contempt of court. The proceedings arise out of an action by the Northern Counties’ Investment Trust vs. Charles C. Calkins, Sutherland and others, for the recovery of $1,000 on a promissory note and the foreclosure of a mortgage. Bradley was appointed receiver of the property, which is situated on Mercer Island, and appointed C. N. Workman as agent. Sutherland, it is alleged, forcibly and wrongfully entered into possession and has used personal violence toward Workman.
“Sutherland, it is alleged, forcibly and wrongfully entered into possession and has used personal violence toward Workman.”
Mercer Island was then a rural property market, and a mortgage foreclosure could turn into a physical contest over who controlled the land. The case echoes modern fights over receivership, property rights and who gets to enforce a court order.
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