The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-07
TALENTED BEAT.
Career Of Thomas L. Kempster
in Seattle.
NEVER PAYS HOTEL BILLS
ne Claims to Represent English Capital
aud Carries on Various Real
Estate "Deais."


OF the vicinity.
one hand SO badly cut that several fingers
are gone. He wears full gray beard, and
ms manner is said to be remarkably seduc-
tive. the proof of this latter statement is
shown in the fact that he has vctimized
nearly every one who has had dealings
with him.
Mr.. George Newell, of WILDLY island,
mas traced his interesting career, and saws
that several years ago Kempster first came
70 this city from Victoria. His career
there had been SO unsavory that some OF
Inc Victoria people--the Knights of Labor
IN particular-sent word to beware OF Mr..
kempster. for he was swindler and gem
erai deadbeat. These facts concerning him
were published In a newspaper here. and as
result Mr.. kempster disappeared from
the public gaze He sought seclusion with
MS family on ranch at Springbrook, but
bis postoffice address is Oriilia.
About the lst of October, however, he
glrded up his ioins and came down to Sc
attic with his wife. His adventures in the
Seattle hotels alone form an interesting ep-
isode,-or in fact, five episodes. SO far as a
fosr-iETELLeENcER reporter can ascertain.
how many houses he has stopped al. 1t is
Impossible to say, but the first trace Of him
has been found at the Arlington. His
smooth tongue and good appearance made
IL possible for him to stay there for several
days. en- his DILL was presented, and. as
he Jailed to pay 1t, he was turned out into
the cold and heartless world. Mr.. O. N.
Morse, the proprietor OF the hotel, held Mr..
kempster's baggage and still holds it.
Ihere are an umbrella, several soiled un-
dergarments and small black vaise, but
Mr.. Morse would rather have $40 than
them all.
Mr.. Kempster's next appearance was at
the Colby house. Mr.. Robert J. Dodds
the proprietor, says that he represented
himself as man OF large wealth and with
big accounts at Dexter Horton g. Co.'s and
several other banks. He had valuable pa
pers which he wanted put in the safe, and
in general way he played the role of
capitalist. One day he borrowed from Mr..
Dodds a few dollars until he could go down
10 the bank and get some money. At the
same time Mrs. Kempster borrowed from
Mrs. Dodds. Mr.. and Mrs. Kempster
started for the bank. but never came back.
When Mr.. Dodds sees them he duns the
willy couple for the $2l due him, and all day
Friday Mr.. Dodds was on the track of
Kempster. but never a cent did Kempster
yield.
On the 14th of November Mr. Kempster
appeared alone at the Snoqualmie hotel.
He stated that he had come TO the city on
important business of q secret nature, and
he preferred not to register for a day or
two. He had as usual valuable papers,
which must be carefully put in the safe.
Mr.. Kempster's high y respectable appear
ance led the manager OF the SnoquaImie to
allow him to stav for while Without reg
;stering. When Kempster had run bill of
SIT he went away. leaving nothing in pay
ment but the memory of his gracious
presence.
A few days later he appeared at the
Grand hotel. To the clerk he gave a bum
die OF extremely valuable" papers for SAFE
keeping. He wanted room over night
without paymen in advance, for he was
expecting draft for 5000 or IS 900 in the
morning. When the golden morning
dawned he hied himself away, having not
paid a cent. but leaving the valuable papers
in the hands of the clerk.
On the LIST day OF December he came to
the Russell house and registered as plain
John Smith" He also broke his usual
plan by paying for his room in advance.
The next day he told the clerk that he
would receive any mail coming for "Mr.
Kempster." Up,n being questioned
Kempster acknowledged his real name,
and said some one else had registered him
as Smith Just for fake. A little later in
the day Kempster found it desirable to
leave the Russell house.
While he was thus making the rounds of
the hotels he was CARRYING on several large
real estate deals. On October 2 he told Mr..
George Newell. of Whidby island. that he
represented English capital amounting to
$4,000. and could raise almost any amount
of money. Mr.. Newell relates with much
fe ling the nego iations for the sale of his
WILDLY island ranch 10 Kempster. For
six weeks the dickering went on, and Mr..
Newell neglected his crops and everything
else TO show Kempster around. Finally
the details were arranged and Mr.. Newel
at no little expense had Strive & Nc
Micken draw all the papers for the transfer
of the property. On the day set they
started for Coupeyiie. the county seat.
Mr.. Newell remarked that unless Kemp
ster had the money there was no
need in going down to record
the transfer. Kempster replied that
it was all right when III. county
auditor had his pen dipped in the ink for
entering the record" saws Mr.. Newell. Il
asked kempster TO show his money. He
couldn't, and the deal fell through. His
aim seems TO be 10 get deed i'll his name,
and then let the people whistle for their
money"
This statement by Mr.. Newell Is borne
out by the experience OF II. S. Drew &
Company. Through them he began nego-
tiations for a ranch on Hoods canal. He
vas to nay 81 GOO down. and give a first
mortgage for a,e rest Then kempster
went to ID. f McConnaughy. of this city,
to borrow $500, with which to buy
ranch. He promised McConnanghy first
mortgage, also. and of the 81 coo got $500,
lin or0er to bond The property and hold
the bargain" When Mr.. McConnaughy
found that he could not get first mort
gage. so Mr.. Drew says, Mr. McConnaughy
refused TO let The other 5000 go, and is
now trying 10 get back the 1920
These are samples OF the transactions in
which Mr.. Kempsser INDUCES.
Around the World in a Little Boat.
YUMA, A. T.. Dc. 6 Godfrey Skies and
II -