The Land Baron Who Never Was: The Bizarre Legal Saga of Burke's Second Addition
A territorial secretary’s attempt to claim land in Seattle collapsed when it was revealed that the man who actually bought the property had already died years ago.
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.
BOURNE'S TITLE TO BURKE'S SECOND ADDITION.
We call the attention of the public to the fact that D. E. Bourne has no title whatsoever to part of the lots and blocks in Burke's Second Addition, as he was not the original owner and had no authority to do so. Being bought for his use several years ago by a man named P. L. Bourne, who was the territorial secretary and also agent of P. L. Bourne, we are informed that he has since died. In this case, according to the laws of inheritance, his heirs have taken possession of the same. The title is now in the hands of his widow and children.
The matter came to light when a dispute arose over the ownership of the land. It was found that P. L. Bourne had purchased the land from the original owners, but before he could complete the transaction or record the deed, he died. Consequently, the legal title passed to his estate. D. E. Bourne, perhaps a relative or associate, attempted to assert ownership based on informal arrangements, but these hold no weight against the legal heirs.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper legal procedures in land transactions. The failure to record deeds promptly can lead to significant complications and disputes, especially when death intervenes. The current owners, the heirs of P. L. Bourne, are now in possession of the property, and any claims by D. E. Bourne or others based on his informal purchase are invalid.
This 1890s legal notice highlights the precarious nature of early Seattle real estate, where informal agreements often clashed with formal probate law. It mirrors modern disputes over property rights and inheritance, reminding us that even in a booming city, clear title is everything.
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