The New York herald., 1873-07-20
THE EFORCER SHOWERS
His Depredations in tho Quaker City New
York, Pittsburg and Chicago-S40, 900
Lost to Credulous shopkeepers.

PHILADELPHIA, July 1o, 1878.
The arrest in this city Of Frederick A. Showers,
Jr., charged with forgery, has created decided
sensation In certain aristocratc circles in which
the young man has hitherto moved. At first IL was
rumOred that his arrest was effected through a
misunderstanding, and that he was not guilty OF
the grave charge; but this has now entirely fallen
through, as recent developments show that he is q
forger to the extent OF $3OO0o and parties in diff
ferent cities whom he has victimzed are constantly
being heard from, and by next week it is expected
that the full amount OF his swinding Will be made
known. Showers is but twenty-three years OF age,
and Is q graduate OF one OF
THE CITY UNIVERSITIES.
His father is wealthy contractor and has for
many years been identified with the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company. A few years ago he took his
son as a bookkeeper and private secretary. While
holding these positions the latter BECAME familiar
ized though his dealings with various large firms
throughout the country and was enabled to ply his
trade with success year or so ago, as Is stated,
young Showers broke an engagement OF marriage
which he had contracted with the daughter Of q
wealthy Philadelphia iron merchant, and ran
away with a notorious Wood street cour-
tesan. After expending thousands Of dollars
to crafty her taste he returned to his former
home and promised to reform. He was forgiven
but his patience OF short duration, as his
parent soon discovered that he was losing money
in mysterious manner ami at last, as is alleged,
traced the matter to his son. EXAMINATIONS and re-
ordinations followed, and as a result he left the
city. Previous to his departure, however, he
secured number OF
to which he aiixed the name OF his father and used
them with disastrous eject to the latter. SO
numerous aud glaring were young Showers for
geries that the police OF several cities were
notlned to be on the lookout for him.
was to call at the various stores with which
his father was in the habit OF transactng business
and after purchasing something valuable, made
payment with forged checks and received balances
in cash. In this manner he swindled several Pnila-
delphia merchants out OF sums ranging from two
hundred to enc thousand dollars and ned before
the iorgeres we're detected. He was next heard
from
where he Piled his game with consummatc b0ldness
and success and left 'Gothamn behind with debts
variously estimated at from three to Ave Thousand
by forged checks. While in Pittsburg two or three
months ago he called upon friend OF his
ton, in which it was requested that any
money required by him would be promptly
paid by his father. The result was that the day
visited by young showers. who presented forged
check and departed with $780, and was never
heard Of again until the Young scapegrace's father
notified hlm OF the forgery. From Pittsburg he
was
TRACED TO CHICAGO
OF the dexterous bird OF Night but discovered
fresh tracks In Chicago. but in that city was
doomed to disappointment, as young Showers by
some means became aware that he was being
hunted and left for Toledo on propeller. While
in the Queen City he yctimized i've or six mer-
chants and railroad men to the tune of several
thousand dollars. and consequently Is very badly
wanted out there. Upon one occasion while talk
ing to q friend OF his fathers he was
RECOGNIZED
by PittSburg merchant whom he had Swindled.
and white the latter was searching for officer he
made his escape by jumping down flight or stairs
leading 10 the street and made good his escape.
Chief OF Police Heines, OF Philadelphia has long
been on the lookout for showers and on Thursday
last received Information tnat he had arrived In the
city and was stopping at small hotel in the
northern portion OF the city under an assumed
name. lie despatched an officer who found
showers and Immediately arrested MIN. Upon
being searched numerous checks with his iatbcrs
signature forged were found concealed upon his
person. He was taken TO the Central ONCE, and
while being inferrogated he was detected by Cap
tam ueines in TIE endeavor TO throw away
BADGE,
which, upon examination, proved to be badge
issued by the sheriff OF New York. How he became
possessed OF THIS useful little article Is mystery
that Oply the Sherin's department of New YORK
can sohe. While In prison here he has been visited
daily by his victims, who are greatly incensed
against BIN. His father refuses TO aid him In any
way, and seems determined to allow the law TO
take its course. Showers Is tall, npe-l0oking
young man. with jet black hair, a small mustacbc,
mild blue eyes, and is dressed in the height OF
fashion. He maintains stolid Indifference az TO
his fate. ne was srraigpea to-day and was fully
comNiUod.