The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-04-25
ALLEGED HEAVY DEFALCATl0N.
Singular Disappearance Of Springfield
Broker-Fr0m Twenty TO Fifty Thousand

Dollars Involved.
From the Springfield Mass.) Republican, April as.l
left town two weeks ago to-day under circumstances
which give color to the ruinor that he does not
intend to return. On the day before april o. j. Num-
roe Kibbe, of Somers Conn.,, called upon Mr.. Winch
ell at his office and asked for the United States
R9nes % ne mad to for
Mr.. Kibbe had left with him for that pur-
pose. Mr.. Winchell made an evasive reply. As
the bonds were put in his possession early in
March, Mr.. Kibbe was naturally little uneasy
about the matter, and consulted +. s. Bailey, cashier
of the Agawam Bank. Mr. Bailey assured him that
there was no occasion for more than three days
delay In making the exchange, and ut Mr.. Kibbe's
solicitation accompanied him to Mr.. Winchell's ofce
when the broker told him that he had neither the
Treasury notes nor the bonds available ut that time.
The result Of the conference that Winchell was
other. The next day friday Mr.. wncne left the
city, saying that he was going TO New York. since
when nothing has been seen Of him hereabouts The
lease OF his ONCE has been assigned to X. Il. Ladd
few days ago his came to this city, paid the
fathers bill ut the Hampden House, where he has
lately boarded and took away hls trunks. Winchel
recently sold his house on Pearl street for $I5 OOO
and so far as can be ascertained has now scarcely
500 worth OF property In the city, which little Is at
tached. Mrs. Winchel, to whom he was married
about year ago, and with whom he has lived very
unhappiy, left town on visit about the same time
or two ago, was greatly surprised TO find her hus-
band away. She Is still here, and lab0ring under go
believes the current report to be tre also that Mr.
Winche has deserted his wife as well Us his cred
it0rs.
II Mr. winchels absence should prove 10 be per-
manent, he is a dcfauter for a large amount--how
large II L. impossible to estimate with any precise
at the present time. The figure il not likely to
he much below $4,000, and IL may be two or three
times that sum. Mr.. WInchell has been extensively
engaged In the exchange OF United States treasury
notes for bonds, and IL Is known that large num-
Der Of persons In towns hereabouts have left with
him the former, but have not obtained the latter.
More cases OF this Kind will doubtlessly come TO light
after this publication. The Mr.. Kibbe already men,
toned Is, 80 far as Is known, the heaviest loser,
and his case Is one OF especial hardship.
The S. 500 which he entrusted to Wnchen comprises
his entire savings for years, and when informed
yesterday OF the probable state OF the case he
was nearly overcome with emotion. man In
South Hadley il in the same list for 1880, and q
penny he has In the world. This s the worst and
most atroclos feature OF this swindle IL swindle IL
~. The sufferers are largely Woodworking people,
whose earnings, anassed little by little aud by no
Among the losers who can hardly be reckoned in
this class ~ James Kirkland, President OF the First
National Bank, who holds Winchell's note for ST. TO-
payable on Saturday Of this week. Numerous other
people In this city are bitten more or less severely
including some who have been accustomed to let
Winchell money ut high rate OF interest to relet 1t
at a higher. One OF the victims has begun suit
against Winchel for $4,000, which we hope he may
get
Mr.. Winchel is about sixty-nve years old and has
lived long time in Springfield. lie has been known
10 he sharp but few people would suppose him to be
swindler. He has done large brokerage business
for many years past. 1t Is certainly almost mex
phcable that man OF his age and means should SEE
out on course so dshonorable as the one reported
of him. The only reason which can be suggested IL
his unhappy domestic relations. Where he mas gone
nobody knows II he went to New York, rs nc said
he was going he has had time enough to get thou
sands OF miles away from Springfield. For his credit
tors sake we would be glad To chronicle MS return.
but the probability IL that his face VIII never be seen
here