Prisoner’s Mother Questioned As to Wealth of Frank Family
Atlanta Constitution
August 17th, 1913
Mrs. Rae Frank, mother of Leo Frank, resumed the stand at the opening of the morning session Saturday. Under cross-examination by Solicitor Dorsey, she was forced to tell much of her business interests In Brooklyn, her home, and that of many of her relatives.
She was questioned first on direct examination by Mr. Rosser.
“Has your son, Leo Frank, any rich relatives In Brooklyn?”
“No.”
“When you opened this letter which he wrote to his uncle, where there any other papers in the envelope?”
“Yes.”
“Did you recognize the handwriting of your son?”
“Yes.”
Cross-examination by Dorsey.
“What kind of papers were in the envelope?”
“I don’t know, except they were some kind of reports about prices.”
“You never had this price list in your hand?”
“No.”
“Where was it read to you?”
“In my Brother-in-law’s room In the Hotel McAlpin, New York city.”
“What kind of business is he in?”
“In the retail cigar business.”
“Where is your other son-in-law?”
“1 don’t know. I don’t keep up with them all the time, I have enough of my own to attend to.”
$20,000 Out at Interest.
“What are the amounts of your tax returns?”
“I have no estate other than my home.”
“How do you provide a livelihood?”
“We have a little money out at interest.”
“How much?”
“About $20,000.”
“How much is the worth of your home?”
“I don’t, know, except that we pay $85 taxes.”
“How much is the mortgage on the home?”
“$6,000.”
“What did you pay for this home?”
“$4,000 and assumed the mortgage”
“How much notes did you give?”
“I’m no business woman and don’t know.”
“The home, then, cost you at least $10,000.”
“Yes.”
“How long have you owned it?”
“Five or six years.”
“How much do you now owe on it?”
“Only the mortgage.”
“Haven’t you more than $20,000 loaned out?”
“No.”
Husband Not at Work.
“What business is your husband in?”
“Nothing at present.”
“In other words, then, he is a retired capitalist?”
“Not exactly.”
“What other kinspeople have you in Brooklyn?”
“Two sisters.”
“Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Jacobs?”
“Yes.”
“What do they do for a living?”
“Miss Jacobs works. Mrs. Bennett is married.”
“Where Is it Frank’s uncle lives?”
“Here In Atlanta.”
‘Does hie spend any of his time in Brooklyn?”
“Yes, he visits us frequently.”
“He ls very wealthy, isn’t he?”
“He is supposed to be.”
“What rate of interest does your $20,000 draw?”
“Six per cent.”
“How much of this amount belongs to you?”
“About $3,000.”
“How much cash has your husband in the bank?”
“I don’t know exactly, but would say $200.”
Rosser resuming direct examination:
“How old is your husband, Mrs. Frank?”
“Sixty-seven.’“
“He is broken in health?”
“Yes, and it was impossible for him to come here.”