Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-11-01
Maria Halpin's Story.

NEw YORK Oct 29.-The following is the
sworn statement of Maria B. Halpin:
State of Nep York, County of Westehester.
Maria B Halpin being duly sworn says
reside at New Rochelle. in the County of
Westchester, State aforesaid. | am the per-
son whose name has been published in con-
nection with that of Grover Cleveland as the
mother of his son have been induced to
remain silent while the disgrace aud suffer
ings brought upon me by Grover Cleveland
have been discussed and criticised BY the
public and the press. and would most glad
ly remain silent even now, but for the duty
which owe to nv aged and afflicted father. nv
children and nv sisters, TO whom my troubles
were unknown until made public by publica-
ton few months ago. Ny duties TO those
r lativrs and to those friends who knew me
before my acquaintance with Grover Cleve-
land. whose kind assurance of love and sym-
patty and confidence have reached me, com
pels me TO to make public statement and
denial OF many of the statements which have
been made public concerning me and nv
character and actions while in Buffalo.
would gladly avoid further publicity of this
terrible misfortune if could do so without
appearing to admit the full statements con-
corning my character and habits, especially
those made by Mr.. Horatio c. King. and pub
lished with the alleged approval Of Grover
Cleveland himself These statements have
been accepted by many journals as true, and
appear to be the defence or excuse OF Grover
Cleveland for his actions toward and treat
ment OF me, as well as his story as to my Ia bits
and character before and during his scquaint-
ance with me. did not believe it possible
that even Grover Cleveland could attempt
n I'm hpr hlarkan Unp in rho nf the
world and disgrace me and my people after
all he had compelled me to endure for him
and their sakes. deny that there was any
thing in my actions or against my character
at any time or at any place, up 20 the hour l
formed the acquaintance of Grover Cleveland,
for which either he OF any other person can
cast the slightest shadow of suspicion over
me Up to that hour my life was as pure
and spotless as that of anv lady in the
city Of Buffalo, fact which Grover
Cleveland should be man enough and just
enough TO admit, and DEFY him or any of
his friends to state a single fact or incident
or action of mine to which anv person could
take exception. always felt that had the
confidence and esteem of my employers.
Messrs Human & Best and Flint & Kent, and
this could not maintain if had been the
vile wretch his friends would have the world
obtained an introduction to me from person
in whom had every confidence, and he paid
me very marked attention. His character so
far as | then knew was good. and his inten-
tons | believed were pnre and honorable
The circumstances under which my ruin was
accomplished are too revolving on the part OF
Grover Cleveland to be made public. | did
not see Grover Cleveland for five or six
weeks after my ruin, and then | was obliged
to send for him, he being the proper person
to whom | could tell my trouble. | will not
at this time detail my subsequent sufferings
and the birth of my boy on Sept IA. 1874,
but | will say that the statement published in
the Buffalo Telegraph in the main is true.
There is not and never was doubt as to the
paternity of our child, and the attempt of
Grover Cleveland or his friends to couple the
name of Oscar Folsom or that of any one else
with the boy for that purpose is simply
infamous and false. Attached hereto is the
statement prepared and submitted to me by
the friends of Grover Cleveland to sign. but
declined to do so, because the statements
therein contained are not true
(Signed) MARIA B HALPIN
Signed and sworn to before me this 18th
day OF October, 1884 CHARLES G. BANGS
Notary Public. West Chester County, n. Y
+. F. Ialpin, II. G.. Henderson, F. c.
Remand. witnesses,