St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-26
A Thief,s Deadly Thrust.

CLEVELAND, Dec. 25.-D. J. Begges, a
prominent merchant at Canton. O., was
found this morning in his room nearly dead
from the effects of several murderous cuts
in his neck and face. When he closed
his store last night Begges gave to his chief
clerk the greater portion of the days re-
ceipts, taking about $50, mostly silver, to
his own room in building a short distance
from his store. A colored man named
George Green, who had charge of BeggeS'
rooms, went to the place at 10 O'Clock this
morning to sweep and dust. A few min
utes later he announced on the street that
his employer had been murdered. He said
he had found BeggeS lying in bed with his
throat cut and there were numerous gashes
on his face and head. AS soon as BeggeS'
friends arrived they caused the arrest OF
Green, who has a bad reputation, on Sus-
picion of having committed the crime.
There is strong circumStantlal evidence
pointing to the guilt of the accused. En-
trance had been gained to the room by un-
locking the door, and Green was the only
person besides Begges who had key. All
the .-,nney, together with Begges' watch
and revolver, had heen stolen. Green had
spent considerable silver money during the
morning. although he had none Yesterday,
and when arrested S27 was found ON his
person. Begges is still unconscious, and
it is not thought he will survive. There
is strong feeling against Green and threats
of lynching are freely indulged in.
A 100000 FOrgez Safe in Canada.
ST. LOUIS, Dec. 25.-Information comes
from Clinton, Mo-, that Silas E. Cheek, a
prominent real estate and loan agent of that
place. is a defaulter for over S100, 900.
Utmost confidence was placed in his integ-
rity until recently, and banks had given
him credit far beyond his means and
honored his drafts for large amounts.
About two weeks ago W. G. Nichols of
Bridgeport, Conn, arrived at Clinton to
look after mortgage on property belonging
to Orion B. Jones. He discovered the name
on the mortgage was fictitious and the
mortgage forgery. Cheek had forged the
name of the recorder to a bogus mortgage
and had defrauded him out Of $1,000. To
save himself Check gave deed of trust on
his property for the amount and the same
day gave another deed of trust to save the
friends who had advanced him money. He
then left for Canada and has not been heard
from since. His manner OF obtaining
money was to forge names to bogus deeds
of trust and imprint the recorders seal upon
the document, which he could easily do, as
he had access to the recorders office at all
times. Deeds thus appearing all right. he
had no trouble obtaining money on them.
AS these papers were not recorded, it is
impossible to tell who are defrauded. but
the following parties have been heard from:
The Central Illinois Financial agency,
Jacksonville, ILL.,; John Hurd and Joseph
A. Joyce; F. G. Nichols, Bridgeport,
Conn the Newton SAVINGS hank Newton
Conn.,; w. J. O'Keefe & Co., Marshall
Mich. Cheek is 80 years old. married. and
his wife is now lying at the point of death,
but does not know her husbands wrong
doings. He owned property worth about
S34, 600, which has been attached by cred
itors, but no other legal action has been
taken. His books show he has loaned
S171, 900 for Eastern parties. In his desk
the following was found:
am thief, scoundrel, knave and liar
SILAS E. CHEEK.