The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-05-08
Left His Work Suddenly
and DiSappearea
Departure May Have Been
Caused by Reynolds Case.
Young Woman He Was TO Wed in
Sad Distress Over His Flight.

William T.. Briggs, whose name has
been more or less connected with the
Reynolds Whitaker case. tried in the
common pleas division of the Supreme
Court few days ago, has been missing
fsom his home on Fountain street since
Wednesday noon. Just why he disap-
peared and where he went is the cause OF
much anxiety 20 bis father, mother, and
an estimable young woman who was to
become his wife ecrly in June.
Wednesday morning Briggs went to his
work at the John NJ. Dean Company's
establishment as usual. He was the ship
ping clerk there and vas at his desk un-
Ill noon. At z o'clock he went into the
office OF the Postal Telegraph Company and
wrote note TO his friend and COM
panion, A. Il. Wright, saying that he
was about 10 leave town, and wanted hiV
TO see his bride-elect personally and tell
her that she must not tie disappointed,
for she would hear from him soon, ana
that there was more in the case, probably
meaning the case OF Reynolds VS.. Whit
iaker, than most persons we're aware Of.
Until the young woman was informed tn at
briggs had taken his departure she had
been in ignorance of the fact that he was
in any way connected with the case, as
she had been In Bosi on from the first of
the AHalf Until II low uhys ago. NDeu sDe
heard this she was Frustrated with grief.
Briggs has MADE his homo with his
bride-eleetis mother on Fountain street,
for the past ten years, and he has been
locked upon as one of the family. The
young woman was seen at her home to-
day by a NEWS representative and she
said that she was sure Willie had gone
because he did not care to meet her, but
she was in hopes ne would return, Tor he
had friends who would, IL he had any
trouble, glaoly assist him, and none
more than she.
Mr.. Briggs has been in the employ of
the John. N. Dean Company fer 10 years,
and has worked his way up from office
boy TO the position OF delivery clerk,
and was Held in much respect by the
members OF the company.
He also held position of trust in Wan
sitta Tribe OF the Improved Order of Red
Men, he having the control of the prop
erty managed by that Organization at the
corner OF Cranston and Winter streets.
lie is so past officer of the tribe.
In America Lodge, knights of lPythias
he held the position of chancellor COM
mander, and was also q past officer in
Eagle Council of the Junior Order of
American Mechanics. Ho letAquite a
sum of money and all his bsM clothes
and overcoat at his home on Fountain
street. a
His friends ere in hopes they may hear
from him soon, as his disappearance -
having very dangerous effect on the
health OF the young woman TO whom BE
is engaged. 1t is thought by some OF his
friends that Briggs migpt have been la
boring under the idea that the authorities
would perhaps aoprehend him after Whit
sker's acquittal, but they 60 not see any
reason for his having such notion or
that he was in any way connected with
the affair
Briggs ia about 81 years old, has C.
li9ht complexion, rather heavy NOUS
tache and weighs about $50 pounos.