The Republican journal., 1881-02-17
Maine Matters.
THE STORY OF SWANS swINDLES.

Later developments show Swan to be greater
scoundrel than his corn shelter fraud represents
him. 1t appears that for the past year he has been
borrowing various sums of money OF people who
took from HIM what they supposed TO be town
notes OF a Mrs. Cotton he hired $500 and of a
Mrs. Wall he hired 1000, in each instance giving
note in which it was represented that the amount
would be paid by the town of MnOt, and signing
his name ~ B. Swan, Clerk and Treasurer
Washington Dean of Oxford. holds one OF these
notes for 81 $3.50, signed by T. b. Swan, Treasurer,
but through the word Treasurer blue pencil mark
has been drawn. The note was obtained IN the
following manner: Mr.. Dean had a town OF Oxford
bond tor $500 bearing per cent, and on long
term Swan told him he would cash 1t for him
less the discount, which was some $40, and would
take the money and give him e per cent. for it.
Dean consented, and supposed Swan gave nm a
town note. Other parties it is believed, let Swan
have money and took what they supposed to be town
notes, and reports already place the total amount
as high as $1,000 which he has obtained in this
way. These notes, however, are illegally signed,
as Swan had no authority to borrow, as treasurer
for the town of Minot.
OF the blue pencil mark on MIR Deans note, the
Lewiston journal says: a fine line, made with
one of the recently invented indellble pencils,
now IN common use, is drawn through the words
Treasurer of the Town of Minot. AS Is we'll
known, the properties of this pencil lead are SUCH
that upon exposure to the air and moisture,
mark made by it grows much heavier and palmer
IMAM Wnou al IlrSt mace MT. Dedll say inc llllc
has appeared to him on The note since it has been
in his possesson,-a fact which the nature of the
mark renders very reasonable The note was not
endorsed
There have since been discovered three more
notes similar to the above, written OIL the same
kind of blank given to three other persons, who
supposed at the time they were receiving the
towns notes Mrs. Mdrscna Cushman of Mechanic
Falls. holds one for $500 at per cent Mr.. John
Atkinson of Minot for 81 900, and Mrs. Stowe OF
all, oil tnt "
notes outstanding against Swan of g, 100, for
which the holders have no security, whatever 1t
is also runored at Mechanic Falls, that persons in
Norway hold notes of Swan, who We're vlctlInzed
in similar manner No certainty attaches to this
rumor One wears interest was paid on Mrs Cush-
mans note"
The most conclusive evidence of Swans guilt,
however, is furnished by himself in the following
letter dated at Toledo. OHIO, and addressed TO
Orrington W. Hawkes. Esq, the father of Swans
wife
TOLEDO Feb. >, 1881.
FATHER HAWKES. i am under the painful ne
cessity Of informing you of the state of my affairs,
ana am deserving of your seVeres condemnation.
Commencing at Mechanic Falls with nothing, was
worth about $500 when married your daughter.
The next two years made, above expenses, 81 ,0OO
per year, that got to be worth about $1,000
above all debts. The tide then turned and began
t. lose everything. | kept my money and the towns
money mixed, and in the Casco Bank, 50 that in the
spring of 1875 found upon examination that
was about 500 short i'll town accounts. Matters
grew no better until the fall of 1879 found was
81 700 behind, and should have failed one year ago
if had not received 800 from Mrs Cushman, who
thought she getting town note, whcnln fact she
getting my personal note also received sol
from Newton Stowe, and = 900 from W. X. White
which made my accounts right last spring, in settling
with the Selectmen. ON account of the W hlte mat
ter, things grew no better As my business fell OH
being DESTROYS of getting even, went into stock
specuiatons, and made about $500 at first | finally
continued and kept losing until lost g 800 This
boss has taken place during the last three months
1t seems almost impossible that should have kept
mp this speculation. Was ii the result of despera
non, or insanity am amazed at my own acts!
| am defaulttr to the amount of 81 016, or less
Some cash and coupons may he found III Casco
Bank. And to secure you from loss. send you by
registered letter deed of one-half the pump shop
bill OF sale of express wagon, pine timber IN Buck
mans mill, safe, law library, pumps, also an assign
ment of 1896 in pump bills and order ON State of
Maine for pay for travelling and attendance a. mem
Der of the legislature. | think what have sent
you will save you from loss. If you have to lose,
certainly will make it up to you. You will also find
safe combination enclosed in this Get from Mill
EFT K Dwinal Il note of Sll9, and Sl}6 in money OF
its equivalent. lou will find DWinals note of Sljo
and Libby's note in the safe. send i'll registered
letter, deed, bill of sale and orders. which VIII
J. {. Walker from loss. | also send in registered
letter draft fOr Eva his wife enclosing $50 foI
her to live on, until can send her some more
money. only took 500 with me.