The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1896-03-11
william A. PinkertOn on a Visit
to the City
CHIEF GLASS ENTERTAINS
He Talks Interestingly About Celebrated
Criminals
Story Of the Capture Of Forzer Dean, Who
Got Away With $4,000 from
Bank In San Francisco

William A. Pinkerton. head of the great
est detective agency in the world, is in the
city and registered at the Westminster.
Mr.. Pinkerton was in San Francisco in
connection with the apprehension of the
man Dean, who forged the check for
$4,000 which was passed upon the Ne
vada bank some weeks ago, and after
completing his business resolved to make a
little pleasure jaunt to this section. He was
here but once before-ten years ago-when
he stopped over for only one day.
While in San Francisco he attended to
the establishment of branch of his agency
in that city and also looked after some
matters pertaining to the American Bank
ers' Protective association, for which
his firm acts. The Bankers associa-
ton is composed of POO of the larg-
est financial institutions in the country,
who are leagued together for mutual pro-
lection against thieves. safe crackers, forg
ers, etc. Every bank is regularly supplied
by the Pinkertons with list of all the
latest schemes and methods of defrauding.
together with an album of portraits of
criminals in this particular line and full
description of their specially. When a
bank sustains a loss from any depreciation
it is shared pro rata by all the insti-
tutions in the association, and all
put up an equal share toward the payment
of detective expenses and the prosecution
OF detected criminals. Thus it follows that
forger who passes upon an association
bank bogus or raised check is prosecuted
by the combined wealth of the nation
This is having decidedly depressing eff
feet upon those who have heretofore fol-
lowed the gentlemanly trade of bank rob-
bing.
Mr.. Pinkerton related the story of the
capture of Dean. whose true name is Frank
L. Seavcrs, and his partner in crime. one
McCluskey. When the check for SIP,
raised to $4,000, was cashed by the bank.
only Dean appeared in it, but later the pay
ing teller remembered seeing another man
who was in company with the torger, but
who remained in the background. On the
day the gold was secured, both men left
San Francisco and went directly to New
York. From there they returned to the
west, and while McCluskey went to Minne-
apolis, Seavers or Dean settled in St. Paul.
AT the latter city Seavers opened an &C.
count at the Second National bank under
the name of Woods, while McCiuskey did
the same at the Union bank of Minneapolis
as J. M. Shaw. Having thus prepared for
action they commenced work.
When McCiuskey opened his account
the cashier of the bank vaguely wondered
where he had seen that face before, and on
an inspiration went to his thieves album,
and there it was. Pinkerton was at once
notified and had the man Swallowed. Meet
ing Seavers the pair went through several
of the smaller cities in Minnesota securing
and buying drafts and certified checks for
small amounts, which were later to be
raised. They returned to the city, and
when just about ready to proceed were ar
res ed. This occurred a week ago last Sat
urday. Both men have records, McCluskey
having served three terms for banl, rob-
berry and Seavers two for counterfeiting
and one for forgery. Both have been fully
identified and are now on the way back TO
Frisco to answer for their crime.
Interesting "reminiscences of G. B. Bry-
ant, the man now under arrest for the Tru-
man diamond burglary and other jobs,
were given. Bryant is an old offender
who served term in the states prison
at Rusk, Texas. He and his pal, Miller,
raised pay checks on the Missouri, Kansas
and Texas railroad, and are wanted for
various crimes. Their speciality was small
checks, and sometimes as many as fifty a
day would be worked off. Many another
noted criminal was brought to mind, who
had cause to long remember the name of
Pinkerton to his regret.
Chief Glass and several of the detective
force were interested listeners as the grea.
sleuth told of man after man whom he
had been instrumental in running to earth.
All hour passed all too quickly. Mr..
Pinkerton will be driven about the city to-
day by the chief and shown the elegant
and marks of prosperity which
are to be seen on every hand. The con-
trast to the town seen here on the ore
days stop ten years ago is to MIR. Pinker-
ton revelation, while the climate he has
not words enough to praise. He expressed
himself as really dreadng to return to
lie Stau tod
or four days, during which time he will
take in San Gabriel mission, Pasadena.
ranch. Echo mountain and other
points OF interest.