[4] In 1907, the sisters formed the Bassford Estate Corporation, hoping to recover compensation for some of their grandfather's extensive land holdings in the New York City area.

"[5] Isabelle Evesson was performing on stage from her teens,[6] often in touring companies and in Boston and Chicago.

[8] "Every act and gesture is finished," noted a Los Angeles newspaper of Evesson's performance in 1905, "and her voice is sweet and well modulated.

"[9] Evesson's Broadway credits included roles in Mr. Barnes of New York (1888), Papa's Wife (1899-1900), Anna Karenina (1905), and The Charm of Isabel (1914).

[11] Isabelle Evesson married journalist Almyr Wilder Cooper in 1895; the Mayor of New York performed the civil ceremony in his office.