Arizona weekly citizen., 1890-03-22
The Benwell Case.

The Benwell murder case has assumed
such an interesting theme of discussion
by journals OF both east and west, that
anything in connection Herewith, no
matter how trivial, is eagerly grasped
by enterprising knights of the quill, and
converted towards a solution of the
crime. Among other names brought
before the public, IN connection with
this mystery, is that of n. II. Pickthall,
a young man recently of Woodstock,
Canada, and at present sojourning in
this city. His disappearance from Wo, d.
stock at the time Benwell was murdered
and the fact that he Pickthal) was
supposed to have had considerable mon
ey in his possession at the time OF his
disappearance, led to the suppositicn
that he, too, had met the fate of Ben
well. At least such were the fears of
his friends, until Neville himself wrote
to his wife in Woodstock that he was
located in Tucson. During the past
week numerous letters of inquiry have
been received in this city relative to
the identity of the missing man, amongst
others being letter to Chief Roche, con-
tanning photograph of the man in
question. A glance at the picture con-
vinced the police boss that the pictures
original was in Tucson. Yesterday, in
in company with Roche, we listened to
Pickthall's story. We found him a
pleasant young fellow, with a smack of
British brogue that laid to rest all
doubts as to his nativity. Being asked
to tell what he knew about Burchell he
said: Yes | will tell you all /
know about the bloomin' fellow,
and will inform you why | am at present
IN Tucson. / first met Burchell in Wood
stock, Ont, about years ago. He
used to spend a good deal Of his time
around town, and sometimes he would
drive out to my place, accompanied by
his wife. The last | saw of him was
about year ago. He was considered
very fast hind of man, but in regard to
his business affairs I never had any in
sight. His wife is remarkably hand
some woman"
Being asked what he thought would
be the outcome of the Benwell investi-
CATION, he replied: Il think it looks
rather bad for Burchell. While l have
no particular reason to believe him TO
be the guilty man, yet circumstances
point decidedly against him. While
stepping at the Metropolitan hotel,
New York, on my way west, thought /
recognized Mrs. Somerset, but was
not quite sure. Since | have been
here, have good reason believe she and
her husband were both at that hotel
II went to Canada about years ago,
and followed the business Of farming. OF
late | became financially involved to such
an extent as to render mortgage on my
farm an absolute necessity. L secured
Il $1,000 loan, and with this sum liqCidat-
ed my smaller debts and with small
sum struck out for the Pacific Coast to
see il l could better my fortune. For
reasons peculiar to myself | did not
notify the entire province of my proposed
trip, and my sudden disappearance, fol
lowed SO closely upon the discovery of
Benwell's body, no doubt caused people
to think | had met with the same
fate.
At Deming I missed the train, and
my baggage and ticket went through t.
San Francisco. l had been travelling |
ander the name of Jackson for reasons
Of my own. | have been detained il |
Tucson waiting on funds from home |
which will be forwarded in a few days
as Chief Roche is we'll aware. This lit |
tie episode has been most unfortu-
nate ore fCT ne Il has placed ne If |
a most ignjoe light before the pablo |
and caused say family and friends mucl |
embarrassment aud anxiety"
Being asked il he intended returning |
20 Wood stock. Mr.. Neville replied, No, |
ain going 10 do what / intended upon |
tearing Canada. I want to find NOR; |
-"itfble location than Woodstock, an6 |
( succeed I shall send for my wife |
! unfortunately my name is as well ad |
yertised on both continents, to day, a. |
that of Burchell, and the further from
Woodstock is the case discussed, thu
more mysterious and complicated does ii |
become. But there is no more about |
the case / can tell you. have simply |
been made the victim of unfortunate
Had | told my wife ms |
Intentions Of going west, there woulC |
have not been 50 many newspapers dis
:ussing the whereabouts and doings o.
\. II. Pickthal."
Mr.. Pickthall told his story in plaiF
straightforward manner, and auswere,
I'll questions put TO him. even in regarC
20 individual affairs. He has the ap |
oearanco and manners OF gentlema!
every respect Of the word, and keenl,
feels the position in which circumstance
has thrown bim.