May Lose Home

Attempt Made to Eject Her On a Tax Title

HER LITTLE PROPERTY

Is Claimed by a Land Company Who Say That She Had Not Paid Her Taxes

A test suit in a tax title case, the outcome of which will be no doubt of much interest to the people of this county has been begun by Attorneys Cavaneugh & Wedemeyer, representing Mrs. Emily Burns, an aged widow of Dexter. The case Involves the Wolverine Land company, of this city, which is said to have no permanent offices but to have been in existence here for some time. The members of the concern are said to be D. W. Closser and R. S. Woodcliff, of Jackson.

A few years ago, it seems that Mrs. Burns failed to pay the taxes on her property, amounting to $5.86. In 1893 the property was sold to the county and later passed into the hands of Archibald McNicol, of Ypsilanti, who is said to make a business of dealing in tax titles. On February 21 last he is alleged to have sold the property, which is valued at $400, to the Wolverine Land company for $10. Now the latter company propose, it is claimed, to eject the old woman from her homestead.

"The whole transaction is a disgrace," said Attorney Martin J. Cavanaugh. "We contend that the tax levied is invalid and that the petition that has been had for the sale of the old lady's land is irregular and void. She is a feeble old lady and has nothing left in the world, but this little piece of property which these fellows are trying to oust her from through the courts. I don't think, however, that their case will hold. It certainly won't if I can prevent it."