The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1884-12-24
Francis D. Moulton, the Mutual Friend

Francis ID. Moulton, one of the ablest
witnesses who ever exercised the in
genuity o. a cross-examining lawyer,
died at his residence in New York city,
December 3. 1884. Outside of his con-
nection with the Beecher scandal he
was a man to be remembered, being an
influential agriculturist and an earnest
friend of rural interests. Many who
read these sentences have met Mr..
Moulton at fairs and similar gatherings
of country people. He was a good pub
lie speaker, and a genial man whom it
was always a pleasure to see whether in
private life or in a meeting %cnnvened
for business. His death in the prime of
his wears and usefulness is much to be
regretted.
He was born in New York city, in the
year 1924. His father was a merchant
and his mother a woma of refinement
and culture, who gave him his prepare
tory education. In l849 he became a
student in what is known now as the
College Of the city of New York. He
graduated in 1854. One of his most init
mate college friends was Theodore Til
ton.
His health being bad Mr.. Moulton re-
luctantly gave up the idea OF either
reading for admission to the bar. or en-
tering the military academy at West
~ - a 49, =. xoos4;O. DIV
1861 he had risen to be a partner in the
firm which first engaged his services,
and continued to devote his superior
energy and sagacity to the enlargement
of the business Of the house, until the
great scandal interrupted his connection
with it and finally severed a long and
profitable partnership.
His intimacy with Tilton led to that
gentleman's acquainting him with the
story of the alleged great wrong he had
received from Beecher. The communl-
cation was made on December 80, 1870.
Mr. Moulton acted upon it promptly,
and arranged a meeting between
Beecher and Tilton, at which both
agreed to constitute him their friend,
and to entrust to his care letters and
other documents relating to the scandal,
then, or to be, in existence. Thus made
the mutual friendu of the parties, he
managed to keep the scandal repressed
during four years. When, at the end OF
that time, he refused to return certain
letters of Beecher's and his motives were
questioned in consequence, he broke the
seal of secrecy. This resulted in his be-
ing made the principal witness In the
great Grim CON. trial, in which IlltOn
sued Beecher for one hundred thousand
dollars damages. He was indicted sub
sequently. at Mr.. Beecher's instance,
but proceedings were quashed. A suit
brought against him by Miss Edna Dean
Proctor cost him nine thousand dollars
to settle. 1t grew out Of a blank space
being left for the name of a woman IN
volved in an alleged confession by
Beecher to Moulton. General Butler
drew up the document. By the way,
during the late presidential canvass
Moulton earnestly supported Butler.
The scandal and it's disagreeable eX-
p~eriences past, Mr.. Moulton resumed
business. He was eminently successful,
and at the time of his death owned two
estates in the country. That at Nara
gansett was the home of choice cattle,
horses and hogs, in the ownership OF
which he took great delight. Lately he
had a partner. The principal business
of the firm was the importation OF
salt.
OF his two children n died In IN
fancy. The other who lately graduated
at Harvard, is now a student in Column
bia law school, New York. Mrs. Moul-
ton survives her husband.
The deceased gentleman was noole
and striking in personal appearance
He was tall and well built. His auburn
hair was abundant; his blue eyes were
large and expressive. He had the facil'
ity of energizing people about him, ano
his ~sanguine nature, associated Wild lnt
brotherly benevolence of his disposition
was very helpful to many business mel
of the metropolis who now mourn hls
loss.
"Who was the earliest and creates,
fnanciers mentioned in scripture :,
"Why, Noah. for he successfully 11Oate0