Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-05-07
INTERESTING CASE.
=, MIR. ,. NJ. SEwcoMB A MEMBER
OF PErERsBURGs CoUNCILs
ne Was Supposed TO BE Dead, and
Another Man Was Elected to His
s..,-rhe Funeral Of Miss Groome-
briefs.

PETERSBURG. VA. May s.-(speciaD
very interesting case has arisen In
connection with a seat In the Common
Council from First Ward. the out
co,,e NJ which IL would be hard to fore
foil Mr.. Jesse NJ. Newcomb. who for
six months mysteriously disappeared. and
who was supposed to have been drowned
nv falling overheard from one OF the
Bay-Line steamers on his return trip
from Baltimore, where he had gone TO
purchase goods, was a member OF the
Council from First Ward, having been
elected as a Republican. His disap-
pearance was, OF course. a sad mystery
that was never explained until he made
his own report of his wanderings after
his return to this city. Many people be-
lieved him dead, many did not. One or
more of the secret orders to which he
belonged reported him as dead. and the
Hastings Court OF this city practically
declared him dead by appointing an adj
ministrator on his estate. And in view
of this action Of the court his stock OF
goods was sold. BY reason OF his long
absence and of the action OF the court
more. the Common Council declared Mr.
Newcomb's seat vacant. and in order to
give the ward proper representation
elected Captain W. S. McCance as his
successor. 1t Is now understood that
Mr. Newcomb of his own volition. as well
as upon the advice Of friends, will
make application to the Council for the
restoration of his seat. and In case of
refusal will take steps in the courts to
acquire It. In whatever aspect the case
is viewed 1t is one of great interest.
FUNERAL OF MISS GROOME.
The funeral OF Miss Gussie Groome
took place Sunday afternoon from the
High-Street Methodist Episcopal church.
The church was crowded, and many hun
dred persons who through sympathy
and friendship had assembled to pay
tribute to the dead were unable to gain
admittance. The burial of this charming
young lady closes the last scene In one
OF the saddest accidents that ever occur
red in our city. \ week ago last Satur-
day morning. while In the enjoyment Of
perfect health and I'm anticipation OF early
married life, she was accidentally snot.
She lived exactly one week, and the young
man TO whom she would have been mar
rled was a constant watcher at her side.
ANNUAL MEETING.
The annual meeting of the stockholders
OF the Ettrick Cotton misunderstanding
Company was held at the company's Of
flee in this city to-day. The company is
reported to be in excellent financial condi-
ton, with an abundance of work on
hand. The following board of directors
were elected for the ensuing year: George
H. Byrd, OF Philadelphia: w Brydon
remnant. OF Richmond: Alexander Hamil-
ton. John w. Bradbury, and Dr. J. II.
Claiborne. of Petersburg. After the meet
ing the board organized by the election
of Mr. W. b. Tenant, of Richmond, as
president Mr.. David Collender was
unanimously reelected as agent.
NORTHERN PROJECTORS.
Some ten or twelve gentlemen of means
from Ohio have been visiting this section
for several days. prospecting for lands.
They are the guests OF Mr.. Stewart
real estate agent OF Reams Station,
and have been shown around extensively.
Preparations are being made for the
accommodation of the clerical and lay
delegates TO the Episcopal Council which
meets at 81. Paurs church In this city
on the 9Th Of June.
John Hare. aged about 60 years, died
very suddenly tonight. on Shepherd
street The deceased was son or the
late O. +. Hare, and was highly es-
teemed. The Coroner was notified, but
Inquest was deemed unnecessary.