Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-12-13
A Strange History.
WANpERER on THE FACE OF THE EARTH,
ONCE WEALTHY, BEoeINe ALxs.

OF the many strange and interesting per-
sonal histories which Superintendent White
head is called upon to hear in his official ca
pacity, none is more remarkable than that
told him by an aged and infirm wanderer who
called at the Office of the Humane Society
the other afternoon and asked for assistance
to reach home and friends in the northern
part of the State. The story Of the old mans
life takes him through boyhood of wealth
and ease, a happy marriage and pleasant
home desolated by wife's infdelity; sor-
row, poverty, and closing with years OF wan
dering as tramp and vagabond. The old
man gave his name as Charles Atwood, M.
D., graduate of Yale College, and . son Of
wealthy New Englander. Graduating as =
physician, he In early life went to Brazil,
locating at Rio JaneirO, where for many
years he practiced his profession. During
the terrible cholera epidemic thirty yea ago
he was the first and foremost in the rarks Of
the sick and dying. escaping from the scourge
with health uninjured. Long years were
passed in South America, during which time
the young physician prospered, grew wealthy,
and finally, with an immense fortune ct HE
command, he returned to his American
home. Here, also, fortune smiled upon him.
After residing in the East several years he
came to Wisconsin, locating at Fond du Lac.
There he met young lady whose social pos
ition was on par with his own, and after .
brief courtship the two were married. An
elegant home was prepared, and the honey
moon and first months of welded life passed
happily. Abont this time young man ap-
peared on the scene-one whom DIR. Atwood
had known in his boyhood days. He was
homeless and without means, and the kind
hearted physician at once extended to him .
helping hand. He was taken to the freside,
provided with clothing and money, and was
given home with the Atwoods. Months
passed. The yonng man gradually ingratiat-
ed himself into the graces of the young wife,
and finally won her affections from the has
band. One night the doctor Unexpectedly
returned home and found conv incing proof Of
the infidelity Of his wife and falsity of his
friend. A terrible scene followed, and q
bloody catastrophe was averted only by the
confession of the wife that she was alone to
blame. DIR. Atwood then left wife, home and
fortune, taking with him only his three
daughters, the fruits of their union. Another
home was established. but this, he declared,
was also broken up by the interference of
Mrs. Atwood. Years passed, and sickness
was followed by poverty, the once wealthy
physician being reduced to beggary. For
years he has been a wanderer, reaching Mil
waukee yesterday from Michigan, where he
recently made an unsuccessful attempt to end
his life of rowing and establish a practice.
One daughter is married and now resides in
st. Paul, the others having homes in the
northern part of the State. This 10 his story,
not in his own words, but substantially ~ he
told it to Mr.. Whitehead. The old man was
sent forward tc Fon du Lac, where he hoped
to find friends to care for him in his old age.
-MttrdHkee Journal.