Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1894-10-26
Fred w. Weatherford an En-
bazzlar.

1 OOe@s@tOhe
| His friends in this county will be
panied TO learn of the downfall Of Fred
Weatherford, who is well known at Ar
lington, where lie has relatives. The
Oregonian Of the 22d says:
Fred w. Weatherford, late bookkeeper
and confidential clerk for Holman & Co.,
forwarders and draymen, of this city,
was yesterday arrested ON q charge OF
larceny by embezzIement of $4,000 Of the
firms money. Weatherford is well
known iu Portland and throughout the
Willamette valley, and his downfall is
due to gambling and drink. lie was
taken in custody about $3.50 O'Clock p.
m. by Constable Connor, on warrant
sworn ont in Justice Geisler's conrt by
John w. Holman, and in default of
| $4,000 bonds was locked up in the county
Jail.
Weatherford entered the employ of
| Holman & Co. about six years ago, and
the most implicit confidence was placed
in him. In addition to keeping the
books OF the firm and acting az cashier,
he was intrusted with the collection of
the bills. 1t is believed that he began
his peculations with the beginning OF
| his employment, and while the informa-
ton leading TO his arrest charges him
with the embezzlement Of $4,000 it 10
known that the amount may reach a
larger figure, perhaps as much as 10000.
Part Of Weatherford's duty was to col
lect the freight and drayaee charges on
the freight handled by his firm for their
customers. The freight is paid by the
draying company, and, in turn, collect
ed from the firm receiving il, with the
drayage charges added. Weatherford
each day went ont with a batch OF bills,
which amounted to considerable money
His manner Of deducting part of this for
his own use WAS TO simply make
fraudulent entry in the books, and see
that the monthly balance sheets, pre-
sented TO his employers for inspection,
tailed With the money collected. This,
it seems, he succeeded in doing, with
out detection for several years. Finally,
however, the firm grew suspicious, and
made partial investigation of the
books. They soon discovered that their
confidential man was short in his ac-
counts. Weatherford, it is said. &C.
knowledges his dishonesty, but agreed
TO make good the amount em bezzled.
This occurred during the iStter part Of
August Of this year, and he was dis
charged from his position day or two
before the first of September.
Holman & Co. did not show any dis
position to place Weatherford under ar
rest. 1t is said they told him he would
have to return the stolen money as soon
as they learned the exact amount Of the
theft, and he promised to do SO, saying
that he had relatives who would see
him out OF the trouble. w. K. Ellis,
an expert accountant, was employed by
the firm to check up the books, and the
exact amount of Weatherford, e shortage
has not been given out. Weatherford,
in the meantime, remained in the city
for several weeks. A short time ago,
however, be went to Elk City, and re-
turned to Portland again only two or
three days ago. He either could not
raise the necessary money 10 meet the
amount OF his peculations, or made no
effort to do so, for the firm he robbed
finally thought it best to place him
under arrest.
Weatherford is about 30 years of age,
and spent the earlier part OF his life at
Salem. He is son of DIR. j. w. Wealth
erford, recently deceased, who for many
years conducted drug business at the
capital city. DIR. Weatherford at one
time lived in Portland, and was highly
respected. About ten years ago young
Weatherford came to this city, where be
was engaged as clerk in railroad office.
Afterwards he went to Walla Walla,
where he occupied position as book
keeper for the well-kaown house Of
Schwabacker Brothers. 1t is said he
was discharged from that position for
dishonesty, and returning to Portland
succeeded in securing the place with
Holman & Co. He is said to be an ex-
pert bookkeeper, thoroughly conversant
with the work. Since his employment
/ by Holman & Co., it is well known that
he has been heavy drinker, and resort
| ed to faro and other games OF chance
! through passion for that kind CT sport
! He also put in much of his time with
fast women, and spent great deal of
money in their entertainment, His
friends have continually wondered at
| his display OF cash, which was far be-
yond the resources of a young man in
his position, but they did not believe be
was systematically robbing his employ
4 ers.
When arrested Weatherford was at
his room in residence on Eleventh
street. He was greatly disconnected by
his unpleasant position, but accom-
panied the officer to Jail without COM
plaint. Upon reaching there he said
that he would be able to furnish bonds
il allowed to look up his friends, and an
officer was ordered to accompany him
to several different places. Up to late
hour he had failed to secure the requir-
ed sponsors for his appearance. how
ever, and he spent the night Ia prison.
Mr.. Weatherford is married, but his
wife has separated from him. and she is
living with her people,
-~ 60