The Portland daily press., 1894-02-17
Sudden Death of George Trefethen

Mr.. George Trefethen, who resided on
Centennial avenue, Peaks Island, died
very suddenly at his home Thursday eve
ming. He was employed by his brother,
Newell Trefethen, as engineer at his lob
ster boiling establishment on Portland
Pier. He left the lobster house Thurs
day afternoon, taking the 6.10 boat for
home, accompanied by Mr.. Alfred Ster-
ling. He had stated only short time
before that he never felt in better health.
When the island was reached the two
men walked up the avenue, Sterling leav-
ing Trefethen when he reached his house
and Trefethen continuing on to his house
about quarter of mile distant.
Upon arrival at his house, Mr.. Ire
fethen seated himself in chair, and
asked his wife to get him some hot drink
as quickly as possible, as he didn't feel
we'll. Before she could get it to him he
was dead, probably from apoplexy or
heart disease.
Mr.. Trefethen was about go years of
age, stout and thickset. He was ma
tive of Monhegan, where he was engaged
as a fisherman, and came to Portland
about II years ago. His friends speak
of him in the highest terms as man
whose word was as good as his bond, Of
most exemplary habits and a true friend.
He leaves a widow, son and two daugh-
tiers. He was member of Ancient
Brothers Lodge of Odd Fellows.
Accused of Fraudulently Selling Lumber.
The preliminary examination in the
case Of George B. Staples of Canton,
charged with the frat du emit sale of lum-
Der to the Androscoggln company, which
took place before Judge Iasac J. Plum
mer in the Brunswick Municipal court,
attracted much attention. The charge is
brought by Mr.. Joseph PhilbrooK, who
claims to have been sold lumber under
false represen tations. Staples was bound
over to the next term of the Supreme
court. Mr.. Philbrook charges that Staples
induced him to go into partnership by
representing that he owned lum per
Under these representations Mr.. Phil
brook fitted up mill in Topsham at
an expense of several thousand dollars.
For this purpose he gave notes. Mr. NC
Fadden of Portland was engaged as an
agent to sell the manufactured product.
After season an agent of one Van Dyke
appeared, and informed Phiibrook that
they had mortgage on this lumber OF 81
thousand. It took all the money to pay
the Van Dyke mortgage and Mr.. Pill
book says he was left out in the cold
after he had paid something like $500.
Mr. Staples claims chat Mr.. Philbrook
was repeatedly told of the mortgage
| aItought it was not specifically men,
toned in the partnership papers Mr..
| Staples testified that he told Mr.. Phil
brook that he lost more than t%o million
by going by the Canton mill in winter
| freshet, and that Van Dyke had O. mort.
| gage on all the logs, that there were logs
| below that would pay for the same, but
| that until these were brought in all the
| logs sold must go to pay Van Dyke every
month and all the lumber he received
was to go to pay notes. He made
arrangements with McFadden before
making any talk TO Philbrook.
Mr.. McFadden began to feel shaky
about the notes becuase they were not
| paid and at last refused to take any more.
| He should say 81, 500 in notes was given,
or counting those renewed, SOME $4,000.
| Mr.. Philbrook got $1,000 in cash and then