The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1869-09-09
SIX YEARs A FUGITIVE.
CoUSTEnrARr OF JEAN yAIJEAN-THk
STORY OF a PoSr OFFICE EMBLZzI.tMENr-
leyeIand (Ohio) Plaindealer.

Om AiC NOiIOI IaiiiuSh-Sh'
About six years ago, Commodore
llkinson, well~known lake man, mails
a valuable letter from Cleveland To, a
Lntry townin II orthern Ohio, ananever
ard of it afterward. An investigation
lowed EaIl Bill, then Marshal of the
ortIern District of Ohio, uoon informa-
then rising out of all the facts in the
Sc, caused the arrest of young man
10 was employed IN the of1iye to Which
letter had been mailed The arrest
oduced excitement in social circles, and
as productive of much pain to the young
ID accomplished wife. Tue couple had
en- married for about one year. The
ung man was brought TO Cleveland,
Iving his wife in a destitute condition.
Circumstances seemed to point with
ierring certaintyuto the guilt of the hus-
Ind. Notwithstanding that fact, he
Eotested that he was innocent. After
ing lodged in jail he wrote to his father,
physician in Indiana, detailing Tue cir
.-dmstances Of the case, and asking foras-
istance. The father, instead OF replying
rect to The son, wrote 10 Marshal Bill,
ylng: ''If my son is guilty, the law
ust take IFS course" The Marshal had
stened TO his story with considerable
re, and felt convinced that The man in
nded to do what WIS right after procur-
ig bail. The only bail he could offer
me from the Southern District of Ohio.
o accept this would oblige the officers of
.e Northern district TO 60 to Cincinnati
., Obtain the so,oupt of tho k,,dS Il tor
tied. 1t was accepted, however, and on
le first day of the term the young man
1t in an appearance in accordance with
e required terms. Eis counsel, seeing
he array Of evidence that would be
rought up against him, advised him to
IN away to Canada.
From Canada he started to 60 across
lie plains to California, stopping at Lea
snworth to meet a Canadian acquaint-
nee who was 10 go with him. The
anada man did not fulfil his engagement.
the subject OF our story went 10 work
that vicinity at very low wages He
believed at the time of leaving Ciey sland
hat the result of conviction would bring
four or five years Imprisonment at the
least calculation. As that would leave
his little family unproYided for and dis
graced in the bargain, he determined TO
run away, make money enough to keep
his family four or five years, and then re
turn and give himself up for trial In
case OF conviction his family would be
independent until he could return, when
he intended to take his wife and child 10
some place where they were not known,
and there spend the remainder of his days.
After remaining in the vicinity Of Lea
venwOcth short time, his business quail
ifcations and straigh; forward course en-
abled him to obtain some goods on credit,
with which he opened up a small trade in
one of the rising towns OF the State, where
he had remained until the present time
sas, joining her husband under the name
that he assumed upon his arrival in the
State. Their whereabouts was known
only TO few warm personal friends, the
father, of course. not being included in the
number. AS the town increased in pop
ulation, the business Of the young man
increased also. Taking an active part
in the public welfare, he was elected
Mayor, and served with credit for two
consecutive terms. Surrounded by all
that was essential TO insure happiness, he
was miserable man. In the place Of his
nativity, among the beloved of his youth.
and around the freside of his wife's ear
liest and dearest companions, ne was re-
garded as criminal and fugitive from
justice. He lived in constant dread of
meeting some one who would recognize
him and expose his alleged crime.
AT last, having attained sufficient of
this worlds goods to make his family
comfortable for several years, lie turned
his face toward Cleveland, believing his
trip would result in conviction Upon
reaching that city, the first person lie in
quired for and the only one he knew was
Earl Bill, who meanwhile had been trans
ferred from the Marshalship Of the dis
trict to the position of Clerk of the United
States Court. The moment our man en-
tered the Office the old Marshal, now
Clerk, recognized and was fairly aston~
ished at his return.
The ex-mayor said he was ready for
trial, and was able to give bail for his APP
pearance at the proper time. Mr. Bill
referred ham to the UEited States District
Attorney, George Wiley, who gave the
case some Careful study, and, under all
the circumstances, declined to prosecute.
All persons who are familiar with the
case believe that the young man is not
guilty of the grave crime which was
charged against him. He remained in
this city nutil day or two ago, when ht
went on his way rejoicing, having beer
assured that noAe pros qui would be en-
tered in his case
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