Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1869-12-15
ErooH ARDEN ouTDoNE,


ing and seemingly most prosperous
merchants had TO succumb TO the
pressure Of the time. Among them
was a merchant by the hamo OF
"Smith." His real name and some Of
the circumstances we are about TO re-
late will doubtless be rccollected by
many in 81. Louis, even today. Ho
kept an extensive mercantile cstab-
lishment on-----street, aud by his
enterprise and promptitude won the
confidence of the best supply houses
in the East and West. His business
was good, bis credit was good, and
everybody thought he would survive
the troubles Of that long-to-be.remem-
bered Winter Of 81. But he, 100, had
many smaller merchants indebted to
him for goods lie furnished them.
He had u young, beautiful and high
ly accomplished wifc, and three smil-
ing. innocent babies; enough to inspire
an affectionate fathers ar ION and
energies for their maintenance and cd
ucation. They lived in neat little
villa OF their own in fashionable por-
ton of the city, and the neighbors
said that happier family did not cx-
ist in the State of Missouri
The crash came his debtors were
unable TO meet bis calls, and ds con-
sequence he was unable to meet his
demands. He suddenly became moody
and irctfdl, even in the bosom Of his
lovely family. What was he to doy
He had not much time left for rumin-
alton on his position, and something
should be done quickly. His first re-
solve was to make over the villa TO
his wife and his family, and secure an
annuity OF 5000 q year on bis wife for
the support of herself dhd children,
and leave the city secretly-he knew
nor cared not whittier. Little time
elapsed between the resolution and
carrying II into effect. So ono niRht
after kissing his wife and little ones,
but without bidding them good d-bye,
he sailed forth, determined to rebuild
bis fallen fortunes or perish in the at
tempt. His remaining stock was
soon gobGled up BY his creditors-but
now us to HIMSELF What became of
himf Did he mako away with him
self in ct of temporary insanity, or
was he made away with as scores are
from year to year that fall into the
hands of "roughs" who would murder
a man and stow away his body for
sl0l These were queries which agi-
lated the minds of the desolate and
family and the pub
lie and the press of St. Louis at the
time. No account of the missing man
could bo ferreted out. Proclamations
and rewards were of no avail and
the universal verdict was mysterious
dlsappearancc.'
Mrs Smith mourned her husband
as dead for the weeks and months of
two long years, till her fair features
began 10 grow salow and furrowed
by the effusion of scalding tears. She
wisely concluded it was useless to
mourn any more, so taking dn inter-
ested view OF matters, she decided TO
receive the long .pruffered attentions
Of VIM. Bradford, an old bachelor,
companion merchant OF her late hus-
band. He was doing a profitable
business on---.street having wealth.
cred the financial storm already allu.
ded to.
In very few weeks after this roso.
ldlion she was hailed as Mrs. Brad
ford-the bloom again adorned her
cheek and placid smile sat on her
brow and ips-sHe was again happy,
In her new alliance she was blessed
with beautiful children added to her
household and bearing the name of
Bradford.
But her happiness was not destined
to be perpetual, for WIN. Bradford
was afflicted with CONSUMPTION, and
gradually sinking dhder il, died dur.
The last Spring. leaving his wife for
the second time a widow TO her and
his children fell bis business, which as
she could not conveniently manage,
she converted into cash, realizing q
sum that placed herself and children
in easy circumstances.
During all these long years what
became Of SInith! He made his way
10 Montana, and worked in the mines,
where his Intelligence and natural en-
terprlse soon put him on the road to
wealth. Some years after he went
lhete the smallpox broke out among
Ihe miners, and he caught the infec-
lion, from which be recovered, but so
pitted that bis mother would not
know him. Day and night he labored
and figured and prospeeted on the re-
.lization of the object Of his am
bitioh-ihdependence, which is sy-
with wealth.
Last Spring his COOL star favored
him. Ho struck rich vein, and be.
held 10 the bags Of gold dust around
him enough to liqiidate the claims
against him, and place himself and his
they were still in existence
--ih luxury for the rest Of their days.
He sold out, packed up, and reached
ST, Louis about the lst Of June.
Preserving al incognito he inquired
for Mrs Smith. NOBODY knew het
Or knew Of her. His heart sunk within
him, Did his fair wife and beautiful
sink into sorrowful graves
while he was toiling TO mako them
happyi m
Al length he met a person Who was
with tho circumstances OF
Mrs. Smiths second marriage, and
when Mrs. Bradford was pointed out
to him he recognized the form and fea-
lures Of his long lost wife. After some
difficulty he obtained an introduction
TO her, and conceal.ng his namo and
the knowIedgcof his immense wealth,
he wooed and won her. She gave her
consent TO be bis, on the promise that
the children Of the previous two mar
riages should be well treated BY him.
On last Thursday evening a clergy
man was summoned TO tie the nuptial
knot, when the real name Of the new
sdltor and his former relationship was