The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-07-12
MOURNED BY MANY.
g. ". McGOVERN OF ORION.
Heavy Liabilities, and the Creditors
Who are "Left"--A Surprise and
ShOck--His Methods.

Heavy Liabilities. and the Creditors
Who are .Left"--A Surprise and
shock--His Methods.
There is intense excitement at Orion
as throughout Henry county, over the
sudden disappearance of Charles W. Nc
Govern, young lawyer, heretofore hons
orei and respected, and considered
quite Wealthy. McGoyern has been
practiding law in Orion about six years.
His residence there dates back fifteen
years, and being yet mere boy when he
made the town his home, and having en-
tered into manhood there, his pros
poets on embarkation upon the scenes or
business life were indeed bright. He had
the good will and confidence OF all who
knew him; and his brother, being promi-
nent in the political affairs of
Henry county, the young man
had more than the average ad~
advantages Of a young man starting out
TO make wealth and fame. When his
brother, W. X. McGovern. was made post
master Of Orion not long since, Charles
W was accepted as security on his bond
of $2S 900 lie swore that he was worth
that smount and there was no reason to
suspect otherwise.
now HE COMMENCED.
Some time ago be commenced borrow
ing money, stating that his own funds
were tied up IN investments and that he
wished to 90 further in business Specula-
tons lie experienced no difficulty in
getting all the money be wanted upon
his personal security The first cloud of
suspicion appeared two months ago,
when he suddenly disappeared, but soon
turned up again Soon after, a mtu by
the name of McCandless. a prominent
citizen of Orion, sold out aud went to
Pennsylvania, with the intention of locat
ing in that state. On reaching there, he
changed his mind, ami sent 81 900 back
to McGovern to invest for him. Later,
McCandess wrote McGovern that he
would be back upon certain day, and
the day preceding the specified time,
McGovERN DISAPPEARED,
and remained away two weeks, and then
upon returning made satisfactory explana
lion to McCandless of the disposal of his
Friday he again dccamped, and this led
to an investigation of his affairs, which
has brought to the surface an astounding
array of sOrrOwing creditors.
Among other
IMPORTANT TRUSTS
which were imposed upon him was the
guardianship of the children of Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas Dilcy, who were murdered
at Briar Bluff by Gallon few years ago
The property consisted of farm, on
which there was mortgage, and McGov-
ern borrowed S. 900 to lift the indebted
ness. He neither did SO, nor accounted for
the 5000. This case is being heard at
Cambridge today. Mr.. McCandlcss had
also entrusted him with bills to the
amount of 81, 500 to collect, and though
he has made the collections, he has made
no returns He borrowed 80 600 from
N
Sayre and has not paid a cent on either,
though he has kept the interest up. Eli
jah South, of Orion,
HOLDS NOTE
against him for 50, 200, on which A. \.
Sayre, W. N Sayre and John Long are
securities. n. W. Rshel left Orion last
spring placing his collections in McGov
ems hands. He has heard nothing from
his bills except that McGovern collect
ed them John Long loaned him
$500 two years ago. J. H. Lippencott
let him have $3.50, Charles Chase trusted
him with 8 900, and all these gentlemen
are losers to the extent of the amount
loaned by each respectively. There are
other smaller claims bringing the aggrc
gate amount aosconded up to $4,000
Last Friday he made an assignment to
his uncle, j. II. McGovcrn, and skipped.
HIS DOWNFALL
was caused by drink and speculation in
stocks in Chicago. He was thirty-ive
years of age, energetic and capable. He
at one time bought an extensive tract Of
land in Nebraska, but afterwards traded
il for town lots 10 Minneapolis, and this
property, which is completely plastered
up with mortgages, is said to be very walls
liable, and in portion of the city which
is growing and improving constantly.
McGovern was known to many in
Rock Island. and to those who have had
transactions with him, the news of his
downfall and disgrace will be shock.
He has probably gone to Canada. His
relatives still claim that he is wealthy,
and that every cent of his liabilities will
be paid.
In Hard Luck.
W. F. Crawford, Edgington's asprant