Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1874-11-14
ROBBERY OF A MIsER.

The history of the old man, Luther
Bryant, whose home in New York city
was robbed of Sl2O,O00 while be was
in jail awaiting trial upon the charge OF
having purchased stolen postage stamps,
is a most remarkable one. He was
born in Cummington, Hampshire coun-
ty, Mass, where his father practiced
medicine. At the age OF fourteen he
was graduated at Williams College,
and he was then travelled in Europe for
, over two years. Returning he was soon
given his physicians diploma, and began
work in his profession. The \. Y.
correspondent of the Boston Post gives
the following story of the old mans life
and loss
After a residence of many years in
Burlington, VT, he changed his home,
in 1913, to Charleston, S. G. Then he
came to New York, and having fancy
for old coins, he opened a small stand
on the sidewalk near City Hall Park.
He soon began to do large business in
quiet way in buying mutilated curren-
cy at thirty per cent. discount, which he
had redeemed at its full value at the
United States Treasury. He continued
in this business Notwithstanding lega-
cy Of many thousands of dollars left
him by his brother. 1t had been his
habit for thirteen years past to leave his
home at 8 a. m., walk TO a restaurant ON
Chatham street, eat breakfast, ana then
going to his stand, begin the work OF
the day. Subsequently he moved his
little stand TO the railing in front OF the
old Dutch church, and here he became
a landmark. He was seldom missed
from his place. He plodded on, mlnding
his own business, and constantly add
ing to his little treasure. Recently, to
his surprise, he was shown q warrant
for his arrest, and was taken to the
Tombs Police Court He had never
been in court room in bis life, and
was terrified by his surroundings. Be
ing unable to procure bail he was put
in cell, and there remained for five
days. Meanwhile his few friends were
unaware of his having been arrested,
and his rooms, with their hidden treas
ure, remained unguarded. Late on
Sunday night, October llth, resident
in the house saw a carriage drive away
from in front of its doors. Investigation
showed that the premises had been
ransacked, and that the old mans hid
den treasure had disappeared.
The room where the treasure had
been kept was handsomely furnished
and was fitted up with secret drawers,
in which Bryant had placed $4,000 in
S2O gold pieces during the last twelve
years Before concealing the coin he
would weigh it carefully, so as to be
certain that it was piece of full weight,
and then would punch small hole IN
the head of the Goddess of Liberty, on
the face Of the coin. He would then
enclose one hundred pieces OF the coin
in silk paper aud store away the rolls
in secret drawer. a shelf above the
floor supported large tin case. This
case was almost filled with rare CONS,
too. Gradually the box had become
heavier, and at last he was unable 10 hit
it up to the floor Accordingly he
bought ladder to use in ascending to
the box to put in the coin. The coin in
the box bryant estimated at $4,000.
Hanging against the wall was large
morocco travelling bag. In this there
was 81 900 in mutilaled currency and
500 in tie new currency; gold watch
valueCLat $500; gold chain weighing
100 pennyweights; diamond ring;
pair of amethyst sleeve buttons, etc.
Near the bag was a trunk, in which was
hid the S20,000 worth OF postage
stamps. All this had disappeared, and
as soon as the fact was discovered lit
tie girl went to the cell where the poor
old man was confined and told him the
sad story. :,
Not one gold coin had been left, and
some of Bryant's clothing had been ta-
ken. The lock of the trunk had been
torn off with a jimmy, and the contents
strewn over the floor. When appnsed
of his misfortune he showed great an
cuish. He wrung his hands and his
eyes were filled with tears. The police
obtained his release on his own recog-
nizance to appear for trial, and then
took him to his house. "Ail gone, al
cone," he said sadly ''Thep," he con
tinued, ''there was an engagement ring;
the setting cost 1925, and there was
still another ring-but never mind
they took them all. He was confident
that the thieves had procured his arrest
for no other purpose than to pIunder
his home. There seems to be no doubt
among those who know Mr.. Bryant
that the story is strictly true. While
he boarded his money and jewelry he
lived well. His apartments were mean,
but none in New York were more rich
" furnished. He enjoyed good dinners,
and was good to the poor, helping those
around him, but had little to say to
them. His money, he said, he kept in
his room, because he had no confidence
in banks. \ few years ago he made
will bequeathing money to varIou;
friends; and tnen had added codicil af,er
codicil until the paper was covered, and
then wishing 20 put in another codicll,
and not having the room TO put 1t IN,
he burned the VIII. The story goes
that disappointment in love made him
resolve to become recluse. but when
this is spoken of be shakes his head and
saws: Its too bad, too bad, that peo-
pie will say such things.
ASEcpoTE OF WEBsTER-Just before