The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-20
PETTIS, BASSETT & co.
A FUGITIyE'S WANDERINGS.
Capture of Frank Huffman, Who Travelled Six
Thousand Miles to Escape Arrest.

Frank Huffman, to whom several references
have been made within the last two or three
days on account of the suit against him, caused
by his relations with young Mary Williams was
brought to the city yesterday by Patrolman
Bruce The act upon which the charges are
based occurred several months ago. and Huff
man. anticipating trouble left for the West.
He was first at Beloit Kan. where he did bust
ness for while as butcher, but he thought it
best to 60 further and Windfall, in the same
State, became his abiding place. There he was
in bank, and thought himself safe until one
day gentleman met him on the street, and
curiously asked: What is your names"
Wilson" replied Huffman, and within half
al hour he had taken the train for Junction
City, where he staid few weeks clerklng.
From that town he went into Colorado as IA stock
dealer, and within a few months drifted back to
Kansas City, remaining there two weeks, and
then going to Lacrosse. Wis. In that city he
became clerk and steward of the Eperson House.
Mrs. Durham, the proprietor, thinks a great
deal off Huffman's ability as a hotel manager,
and regretted his arrest.
When will you return, Frank asked she.
'Just as soon as I can get this matter in In
dianapolis fixed up" he replied.
This place is yours l will engage no other
clerk; come back as soon as you can," said Mrs.
Durham, and she further showed her good will
by carrying to Frank when in Jail, little luxu-
ries and appetizing food that are not found on a
prison bill of fare. The people Of Lacrosse took
kindly to Huffman. They were astonished at
his arrest, and the character of the offense for
which he is wanted. Huffman, in endeavoring
to escape Mary Williams, travelled 5000 miles
with his photograph and description following
him through police channels. He was released
at the station house here on the bond that had
been prepared for him. He told officer Bruce:
eff cannot settle the matter any other way
will marry the girl" Frank is a we'll educated
young man. of engaging address and handsome
features.
special telegram to the Milwaukee Sentinel
from Madison, Wis, under date of July II,
shows how news items sometimes swell when
dealt with from distance:
'Patrolman Emanuel Bruce, of Indianapolis,
Ind. passed through Madison, stopping here to
procure a reduisition for Franklin Huffman,
charged with seducing Mary Wilson, beautiful
girl, aged fourteen years, who resides with her
widowed mother on the outskirts of Indianapo-
lis Huffman, who is about nineteen years Of
age, was arrested, Monday, by the chief of police
Of La Crosse on telegram. Patrolmap Bruce
has been following Huffman through the South
ern States, and was just home from Dallas, Tex,
where he had gone after his man, only to find on
his arrival there, that he had skipped. Huffman
is a son of Jacob Huffman, the proprietor of the
celebrated Huffman gardens near Indianapolis
who is worth several hundred thousand dollars
The girl in the case offers to settle for $40 OO0
while the father Of the boy is willing to give nc
more than S., 000"