I’ve been distracted by the Ashcroft-Lyon controversy and I’m not 
particularly happy about it.  It distracts from my main project and does 
not contribute to it.  I have an idea that Ralph Ashcroft was behind 
actions Isabel Lyon may have taken that aroused Clara and Paine’s 
suspicions.
 From what I can find out, Twain was first acquainted with Ashcroft 
through the Plasmon Company of America.  Both Twain and John Hays 
Hammond were major investors in the company and Hammond was not happy 
with the idea of Ashcroft and his choice for a board of directors.  The 
libel suit of Ashcroft vs Hammond resulted with Twain taking Ashcroft's 
side.  I wonder about the strained relations between Hammond and Twain 
following events in South Africa.
So Ashcroft went on to become Twain’s financial advisor and both he and 
Lyon earned his complete trust and regard.  So much so that Ashcroft 
acquired the Power of Attorney and was in a position to take control of 
Twain’s entire estate.  He never exercised it, perhaps because he was 
patient and saw no advantage in possible bad press.  He could, however,  
have seen that actions taken by Lyon toward removing Twain’s daughters 
from the scene, would be to his advantage.  Given Lyon’s rather unstable 
personality, suggestions from Ashcroft might appear to be to her 
advantage and her fantasy of becoming Mrs. Clemens.
Just some thoughts.  I have no evidence in any case.

-- 
/*Unaffiliated Geographer and Twain aficionado*/

Visit B. Scott Holmes <https://bscottholmes.com>
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