The morning times., 1895-07-29
TWO MYSTERIOUS WORKMEN
Their Operations Greatly Puzzled the
People and Police of Anacostia.
Perfecting an Invention in w hich Mr..
estedand Hopes to Turnto w ealth.

The old HavenneT estate on the Bowen
load on the heights above Anacostia is
now an object of much interest to Ana
costians. Mysterious and strange events
have been reported as happening in the old
barn on the place. Six years ago the
mansion was destroyed by fire, and until
about two months ago no person occupied
any portion Of the place
About June 10th the mounted police who
patrol that section of the country found out
that something unusual was going on in
the place and began an investig alto N.
Policeman GIeen rode to the barn and dis
covered TWO young men busly engaged IN
the production of some mysterious article
which Tumor afterward designated as a
flying machine.
SO peTsstently did the police keep
watch on the place in the hope OF ascertain
ing something about the secret that the
woIkmen decided to do something. They
Were Mr.. William Lamson and Mr.. George
GueIdrun, OF Anacostid.
They complained 10 the unknown hacker
Of the great scheme. and as a result a letter
signed by Lawyer John Webb was re-
ceived by the Commissioners. 1t stated, in
substance, that several persons interested
in certain experiments had selected, among
several places i'll the District, the Havenner
property for eXpe rIment, believing il 10
be beyond the eye of the public, but that the
most lnquisltive Were the AnaCOStia police.
The letter requested that they be instruct
ed not TO molest the woIkmen. 1t further
said that experiments were going on in other
parts OF the District, ana should they prove
successful would greatly benefit the public.
A a result of the letter orders were i'm
mediately sent to Sergt. Anderson to keep
his men away from the scene Of action.
The order was strictly obeyed.
A Times representative found his way to
the place and was met at the door of the
barn by the two workmeD. Upon the
wall inside hung 4 rifle ana two reyolvers
4 large work bench extended the length of
the room aud shayjDgs Were strewn on the
floor.
In answer to several queries Messrs.
Guerdrum and LaInson gave an assurance
that they Were not at work on a flying
machine. All efforts TO ascertain what
invention was engaging their attention
proved frujtless aud the investigation began
in another direction.
Not far from the HavenDer property is
the resideuce of the late Sayles J. Bowen,
who was mayor of Washington, shortly
before the local form Of government was
changed. At this place resides Mr.. George
b. Starkweather, VINO has for many years
been the originator Of several money
making inventions and schemes. 1t was
learned that this gentleman was the hacker
of the new scheme. In fact he admitted
he was interested in a new idea which
he was keeping secret.
''If it is successful" he said, ait will
make me q rich man."
1t was further learned that the new inven-
ton is being made in connection with the
laying out OF the cemetery which will be
opened in Prince George county on the
other side of the HaYenDer property The
cemetery company was organized with
Mr.. u. c. Fountain and Mr.. Starkweather
as officers.