The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1890-04-17
Loss or MEMORY FoR Elk MONTHS.


A Singular Dtosy - . New HampeaAe
MANI Aimiess WandsringA
A strange story oi los Of memory y
that told by Arthur Dow, who disap-
peared Aug. 80 last from Littleton, N. H.,
and was found by his wife In Seattle,
Wash. At the time Dow disappeared
from Littleton he was q successful mer-
chant there, having q business worth
1900 900. on which he realized e26, 900
wear. Dow was church member,
strictly temperate man, and ehJoyeo .ne
confidence of the entire community. ne
was married to an estimable lady and had
two daughters, aged and 8. lie disap'
peared, no one knew whittier. kewards
were offered and detectives employed,
but to no avail His wife and friends,
after month OF inquiry, gave him up
for dead, supposing he had met foul play.
He left his business affairs in such GOOD
condition that his wife's friends soon
Strengthened them out.
In February Mrs. Dow was greatly sur
prised to receive letter from her hus
band dated Tacoma, Jan. 81. Its tone
indicated mental incapacity. Mrs. Dow
at once telcgraphed to Mrs. Philip Win
sor. "A married sister in Seattle, to go to
Tacoma and take care of her husband.
Than she boarded a train for Seattle.
Philip Winsor went to Tacoma and found
the missing merchant. He looked wild.
His hair had grown down to his shout
ders and his beard was long and I'M
kempt. He told strange story. lie
said that when he left home he had
Authorization that man in Plymouth
N. H.. would sell him large amount OF
coal at a fabulously low rate. He went
there, but imagining the man had gone
west followed. He lost all memory of hi,
own name for several months, which
were perfect blank. He had checks and
$126 in his pocket.
When he got to Portland, Ore, Nov.
II, he came partly to his senses and tried
to buy ticket to go home on the train.
The price was $50 and he had only $50.
He remembered that he had relatives in
Seattle and bought a ticket there, but on
the train he relapsed again and lost all
idea of identity and remained at Tacoma
He has an indistinct idea that he was an
inmate Of hospital for many weeks.
He thinks he owes large bill for medi
cal attendance, but the impression is
vague.
His instinct of self preservation led to
securing work in a sash and door factory
in Tacoma. A short time before he wrote
to his wife he was seized with the grippe
When he recovered from this, although
in debt. his mind seemed to brighten
He realized who lie was and wrote to hi
wife, telling her he was in debt for boarc
and medical attendance, and to send hin
enough money to pay his way home. HI
was brought to Mrs. Winsors house.
When his wife arrived the scene be
tween the long lost husband and wifi
can better be imagined than described
Mr.. Dow had frightened perceptibly
and hopes of recovery are entertained
The family were talking about Masonry
when Mr.. Dow remarked: why, l an
Knight Templar. forgot all about
| till this moment. In my troubles if l hat
| known would not have wanted for any
| thing. | would have been cared for an,
restored to my wife and family; but
forgot the fact, too, when failed to re
member my name. 1t is funny, but
seems to me forgot everything. TIL
past is complete blank for severa
months. Chicago Tribune.