The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-09-03
A BIGAMIsr AND FoRGER.
The Remarkable Criminal Career of Young
Frank X. Byron,

Frank ~ Byron,
Boston Special.
Frank < Byron, young man whose career
of crime would startle many a gray haired
bird, is under arrest here for forgery and
embezzlement He was born in Canada about
twenty five years ago. For several years past
he has been agent for the Singer Sewing Ma
chine Company, of Montreal About four
months ago his employers became SUSPICIOUS OF
him and put an expert on his accounts Byron
knew what the result would be, and before the
expert could report he had disappeared He left
his wife and child in utter restitution The ex
pert found that he had embezzled So 900 from
the company.
Detectives were sent after him, but without
success It is known now that he went to To-
peka, KaD., where he presented numerous letters
of recommendation purporting to come from
prominent Canadian firms. On the strength of
these he secured a position as cashier in the
store of Taft & McCurdy, jobbers in dry goods
lie appeared to have unlimited funds. aud by
spending his money freely made many friends
de cut quite dash in Topeka society. and at
the house of friend was introduced to Mrs P.
Martinaux, wife of wealthy contractor and
builder. She was deeply impressed with the
young mans culture and refinement, and intro
ouced MIN to her daughter. pretty brunette Of
nineteen.
Byron became quite devoted to the GIRL and
Mrs. Martinaux finally invited him to make her
house his home, doubtless thinking she would
thus secure rich young son-in-law. Byron ac-
cepted her invitation and made open love to the
daughter. He told her that he was sole heir to
the estate of his grandfather in the East,
amounting to millions He escorted the Young
girl to nusicales, parties and drives, and at last
made formal demand for her hand in mar
riage.
There was one obstacle in the way. Miss
Martinaux was already engaged to a young rail
road man whom she preferred to Byron. Her
mother told her that if she did not break off this
engagement and marry Byron she would disown
her The girl was persuaded and married Byron
on July .. The wedding was splendid affair
Before starting East on extended wedding
trip the groom supplied himself with funds by
passing about $4,000 of forged checks on various
Topeka firms. He made brief stay in Chicago
went to New York, thence to Meriden, swindling
people in all three cities; thence to Hartford
where he stole his brides watch, diamonds and
some of her wardrobe and pawned them one
morning before she was up and then went to
New London.
He jumped his board bill there and obtained
money on false pretenses from various parties.
lie came to Boston about three weeks ago and
went to the Adams House. His young wife was
still ignorant of his true character and believed
the story he told her. that sneak thief had
robbed her or her vauabes. At the Adams
House he told her that he had been unlucky in
speculation and must reduce expenses They
went to boarding house, where he used to leave
her alone while he went out ION business" His
business was swindling various firms by Offering
for sale valuable real estate of which he pre-
sented forged deeds.
Among his victims was w. Humwich, agent
for New York publishing house. Humwich
found he had been swindled and caused Byrons
arrest. By a bullet wound on his chin he was
identified as the man wanted in Montreal and
many other cities. His young bride was com.
pletely overwhelmed this morning at the news
that her husband was bigamist, forger and en-
bezzler. He has relcgraphed to her father for
aid