Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1896-11-27
JUMPED INTO THE RIVER
To Escape n Man lie Had DefrRuded---
+. w. stowe, Formerly Well Known
in BrattIeboro, Gains New NotOriety
at Hartford, Conn.

To Escape Wan re hao DehFhuuou---
r. w. stowe, Formerly Well Known
in BrattIeboro, Gains New Notoriety
at Hartford, Conn.
F. w. Stowe of Conway, Mass, achieved
notoriety at Hartford, Conn, Saturday by
jumping from a bridge TO escape a man he
had deffauded. Stowe claims TO be the
manager of the Mutual Reserve Fund Life
association of Springfield, Mass, and has
been living in the latter city for some time.
He was arrested in Springfield few weeks
ago for passing a worthless check upon ii.
G.. Wells. The check was drawn upon the
Conway National bank. Stowe was &C
Quilted in the police court at Springfield,
as it was shown that he had simply over
drawn his account. Soon after be was ar
rested in Holyoke on a similar charge and
was fined $50.
He gave A. L. Foster, Hartford cloth
Ter, check for S24 on the Conway bank
last Friday in payment of purchases. The
following day Henry A. Deming, jeweler,
called on Mr.. Foster and stated that Stowe
had alluded to Mr.. Foster as reference.
Mr.. Deming said that Stowe wished TO pur-
chase a watch, and offered a check for the
timepiece. Mr.. Foster thought this strange,
as he didn't know Stowe, and he became
suspicious. Therefore he wired the Con-
way bank and learned by return despatch
that Stowe had no account there. From
other sources in Conway Mr. Foster learned
that Stowe was fraud.
Mr.. Foster began a hunt after Stowe and
finding him at Deming's store took him by
the collar and demanded settlement. After
some discussion they went to the United
States Hotel, where Stowe was staying.
Stowe said that II. w. Erving, cashier of
the Connecticut River banking company,
would give him the money, and they went
to the bank. Mr.. Foster stepped behind
the bank counter to warn Mr.. Erving, and
as he did so Stowe suddenly started for the
door and dashed down Main street. He
had valise in his hand. A report was
started that the valise was full of money
that had been stolen from the bank.
Stowe ran rapidly, and was followed by
Mr.. Foster, policemen and others until a
large crowd were in pursuit. He led them
chase through several streets, but, seeing
that his pursuers were gaining upon him,
be concluded to take desperate chances,
and when the stone arch bridge over the
Little river was reached he leaped over the
railing. he struck in the water % feet be-
low, and was evidently surprised when he
touched bottom at depth of two feet, for
he began TO duck his head under water as
though determined TO end his existence.
His valise and hat foated to the shore.
Stowe waded down the river toward the
Connecticut. The water grew deeper. Mr..
Foster didn't wish TO see Stowe drown,
so he offered a reward for his rescue. By
this time the water was up to Stoves arm
pits and he was exclaiming: "Oh, God /;
oh, God ~ He was seen to take from his
vest pocket a piece of white paper in the
shape of powder and empty the contents
Of the paper into his mouth. Then he tore
the paper in bits and threw them into the
river. Two men then waded out and got
him. Stowe was taken to the police sta
ton and after being rolled in blankets was
locked up, seemingly none the worse for
wear.
Stowe is we'll remembered in Brattle-
boro. He spent much time here a few
years ago, and collected quantities of an
tique furniture with the intention of selling
to city customers. He went from here sud
denly, leaving his creditors in the lurch.
II. W. Sargent attached some furniture
which Stowe did not take with him and
was able to square accounts. A mob chased
Stowe through the streets of North Adams
last year, and the sheriff took him to the
police station for protection. Stowe ar
ranged bicycle races at North Adams un-
der the name of F. S. Leonard, secretary.
Rain fell on the day set for the races, but
in the afternoon the track was in fair con-
dition. Stowe announced that the races
would be postponed, and wheelmen and
others who had come from distance were
so enraged that for time he was in great
danger of being roughly handled.
Stoves case came up on a hearing We'd
nesday. Stowe defended himself. The
court appointed a commission of physic-
ians TO examine Stowe as tn his sanity, and
the case was continued until Saturday,
pending the examination.