Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-08-01
DECIDEDLY SENSATIONAL,


E I. Brown, the Wichita Banker who
Disappeared Last January, Returns
Home a Mental and Physical Wreck
Not Even Recognized BY His Wife.
WICHITA. Kan, July 24-On the even.
ing of January 10 last, E. T. Brown, q
we'll known and well liked gentleman OF
this citv. one OF the principal stockholders
of the Fourth National Bank disappeared
entirely. The only clew found was a
bloody car pin and his hat which his wife
found the next day lying almost in front
Of his home. The indications were that
he had been struck from behind by an as.
sassin, who concealed himself in a c'ump
Of bushes growing by the side of the walk.
At the time of his disappearance Brown
had on his person about 500 in money, a
fine gold watch and several hundred doll
lars worth of diamonds. His affairs were
in such a shape that they needed his i'm
mediate personal attention, and by his
absence several parties were large gain
ers. From the time Of his disappearance
until yesi erday his fate has been q deep
mystery.
About four O'Clock Yesterday afternoon
man so thin and emaciated that he could
hardly stand and barely covered by the
most miserable rags staggered into the
yard surrounding the Brown homestead
and went up to the back door, Mrs
Brown, who thought he was a tramp,
asked him what he wanted. when he
looked around, not seeming to know where
he was Finally he said starving" and
the lady handed him some bread, which
he tried to eat but could not He then
went to the barn and wandered around.
Something about the mans movement
attracted Mrs. Browns attention, but
when she finally went back she told him
to leave. He sat down on the steps and
said: Know me:" reaching out his
hands. She noticed a crooked finger
which correspondent with one on her hus-
bands hands and a scar on the hand, also
similar. She then examined infinitely his
clothes and found they were the same he
was wearing when he disappeared
Assisted by a lady visiting her, Mrs.
Brown took the poor man into the house
and put him to bed. Physicians were sent
for and found him almost a complete
wreck physically. A scar on the back of
his head indicated that he had received a
severe blow which was thought to explain
his condition. He remained IN a comatose
state, unable TO speak or show any
signs of knowing what was going on
ground him.
The poor fellow was almost starved, and
his reason had been completely de-
throwned. He wore the same suit of
clothes he had on when he disappeared.
and mis- complexion showed that he had
been prisoner for months.
After Brown disappeared a reward of
$1,000 was offered for his discovery dead
or alive.
1t is the general supposition that he
was slugged for his money and held for
the reward, but no chance for obtaining
the latter presenting itself that he was al
lowed 70 go free and that by instinct he
found mis- way home.
Another theory is that Brown had been
held prisoner in order to give certain
persons a chance TO get control of his
property.
The city is greatly excited over the
mystery and the matter will be searched
to the bottom.
At nine O'Clock it was reported that
Brown was failing and could not live until
morning. Brown was last seen between
eight and nine O'Clock on the night of
January 10, leaving a street car for his
home block away. He failed to return
home that night and next morning his
hat was found about half way
to the house with blood OK
it, a beefsteak near by which be
had carried with him and a car coupling
pin which was thought to have been the
weapon used by his assailants. 1t was
generally supposed be had been MUIR
dered, as no other reason for his disap-
pearance would satisfy the many who
knew him What has happened to
him all are ct loss to know. 1t is the
general belief thathe has been kept some
where by MS assailants, they hoping to
get large sum for his body, and that in
some way he escaped.