The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-08-13
SENIOR PARTNER GONE
A Large Boston Grais House Forced
to Insolvency.
A WIFE AND DAUGHTER LEFT.
Some Of His Financial Doings Look Queer,
hut the Accounts Vave Been Audited
and Found straight-Ths General
FUNDS In Per feet Condition.

BosroN, Aug. 13.-0ilman, Cheney d
Co., hay. grain and hour merchants In the
Chamber of Commeroe Building arc inan-
cially embarrassed. James Z. Gilman,
senior member of the hrm, has been
missing for two weeks, and 10 said to be
involved to large amount. Yesterday
the irm made voluntary assignment
for the benefit OF its creditors to Lawyer
Charles p. 6earle.
Regarding the liabilities, Lawyer Searle
said that he did not know the exact
amount Of their liabilities or OF the as
sets. He could not tell in 30 short time
but thought that the liabilities will not
exceed $4,000. The firm has bank ac-
count OF about 5000, and has other assets
In the nature OF book accounts.
Tho cause of the assignment is said to
be Gilman, who is about As years OF age
and lives In Newton. Gilman, In June,
1883, was appointed the executor OF the
estate Of William F. Walker, who, down
to the time OF his death, controlled the
bean trade of Boston. Walker left for
crty or estate, which was to be controlled
or managed by the now missing execu-
tor. Walkers will directed that his
widow, Augusta Susan Walker, should
have one half his estate; ne-quarter OF
the estate was to go to an only daughter,
held by the testator's widow for William
ID. Walker, an only son.
Gilman down to this day Is said not to
have filed In the Probate Court for Suf-
folk county an inventory OF the estate
which came to his bands as executor.
Neither is he said to have filed any ac-
count to show what money has come to
his hands, or what he has paid out as
executor. Thus the fipancial condition
Of this estate is unknown.
Gilman Is said to have held control Of
the management OF his fathers estate,
which is said to be quite large. The faith.
er was oh> of the original organizers OF
the firm of Gilman, Cheney q Co., which
was established in 1883.
When Mr.. Gilman left town he had
with him IL is said $500 in cash, which he
had drawn out from the firms money,
Tuesday, Aug. g. a letter dated New York
was received by the firm from him, in
which he said that he was going to Bal
timore. Since that time his whereabouts
are unknown.
In his own name stands a beautiful
house of cons siderable value In Newton
willie. He left behind him a wife and one
child, a daughter, who has reached wo-
manhoo since.
The Arm has for some months, 1t is
said, been doing an Improbable busi-
ness. II has equities in real estate In
this city. 1t holds a seat in the Boston
Chamber of Commerce. His accounts
have been audited by q committee of the
board and have been found to be all
right. The gratuity and general funds
are in perfect condition. The departure
OF Mr.. Gilman does not involve Mr..
Cheney's reputation in any way. He is,
however, q great sufferer financially by
his partners action.
Mr.. Gilman was looked upon as a man
who was we'll -to-do, and was considered
. good liver, having had the reputation
of furnishing the best table OF any family
living In the Newtons. While not con-
sidered fast by those In Newton, he was
always looked upon as one extravagant
in his tastes and spending many dollars
which q more conservative person would
not have thought Of doing.
He was last seen In Newtonville about
two weeks ago. Mrs. Gilman il a promi-
ncnt woman In Newtonville society and
has many friends.