The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-11-01
Miser Nevton OutvItted.
now HIS WIFE CHARITY SAVED HER RIGHTS
ON HIH nEATu-HED.

NV WiIE SANbD nkh htVHsD
ON HIS DEATH-BED.
A New Haven. Conn.,, telegram says:
The little hamlet OF Ledyard Centre, in this
State, has lost Its most important factor In
the death OF John Newton. The township
embraced many OF his broad acres, but
from them the hamlet itself derived little
benefit, as John was a miger. The first
money that he ever earned was for chop
ping wood in the pine swamp. The amount
was $40, and he Immediately put IL In
bank, where It has remained to the present
day, having increased to $4,000. In shaving
notes and loaning money John has accumu-
lated fortune Of 100000. His residence
among the rocky bills Of Ledyard Centre
was simply a hoyel, which is on the verge
OF tumbling down.
As careful miser as John was he was
outwitted at last. Among the visitors at
his fathers house when he was young
man was q spinster named Charity Nor
man. She was a country taioress, and
went from house to house TO replenish the
mems wardrobes for the winter. Johns
father was. unlike his son, and loved Jolly
company and good clothes, and frequently
Charity would be called upon to spruce up
his old garments and make new ones ac-
cording to the latest fashion. One day
&" Colonel Newton" as he was called, died
very suddenly. Charity lent helping
hand TO John Newton, the son, in
his bereavement. She cooked the dim
ner, made the butter, and proved
such a valuable housekeeper in every Ie-
spect that John was 10th to part with her.
He finally persuaded her to become his
wife. However, before the wedding-day
had arrived John suddenly changed his
mind, and tried to get rid Of her. Charity
had a bic brother, and to this big brother
she appealed for advice. He became in
dignant, and In an interview with John
threatened many pleasant things, among
them a breach-of- promise suit, il be did
not carry out his former intentions. The
damage done to his sisters heart he claimed
was $500 worth. John considered the sub
ject and finally concluded to save the $500
by marrying her, which he did.
A few days ago, when Johns life was
drawing to a close, he sent for a Philadel-
pha relative to whom he intended to give
his property. The relative came and began
arranging matters with him. His wife.
Charity, learned enough from their talk to
convince her that certain worthless mort
RdPts NOiuu " Cll lltI tiS sulIt, W
the relative received the cash. She re-
solved TO circumvent that little plan. and
going upstairs, she discovered John New
toms private savings bank under the caves
In the garnet. She found it contained 5000
In gold coin. 5000 in silver, and $4,000 ia
bonds and securities. She went quietly to
lawyer in Norwich for advice. Return
ing home, she continued her household
duties. and later visited the chest in the
attic, taking with her big dinner-pOt,
and raising the lid OF the chest, she trans
ferred the contents 10 her kettle and then
returned to the kitchen, placing the trea-
sure under the sink.
In the morning John Newton became
aware that he was dying, and wishing to
settle matters, requested that his wife 90
and get his chest OF money. She refused,
and in strong terms upbralded him for
trying 10 take away her lawful portion.
The lawyers present became wild, rs did
the relative, but 20 all their entreaties she
turned deaf ear. She would not go for the
money. As last resort John asked her how
much she would take 10 relnquish all claims
TO the property, and she promptly replied
100000 in cash. The papers were drawn
up and duly signed, whcreupon Charity
produced the kettle and poured out the
contents before their aslonished gaze. The
100000 was counted out and paid her. and
hardly had the will been signed before
John Newton breathed his last.