The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-23
MRS. E. E. PARFREY
LOSES HER BOY
Alderman MiIIar Gave Him Over 10 the
Custody Of Mrs. W. B. Dnggan.
THE REASONS FOR HIS ACTIONS
Number of Witnesses Were Examined
TO Prove That Mrs. Parfrey Is Not
Fit Person 20 Have the Custody of
the Child - She Lives at No. 10
Lackawanna Avenue and Recently
Figured in an Unsavory Case.

Alderman Millar's court room yester-
day afternoon had an assemblage of
fifteen women, most of whom wer sub
ponenaed on the case of County Detective
Leyshon against Mrs. e. Il. Parfrey,
who was charged with criminal negli-
gence in the care of her nine-year-old
son, frankie. The case was the out
come of certain disgraceful actions in
No 16, Lackawanna avenue, where Mrs.
Parfrey lives. The woman was arrest
ed on a charge made by Mrs. Charles
johnson in which Mrs. Parfrey and Mr..
johnson were concerned. Mrs. Parfrey
was held under bail to appear at court.
This was last Saturday. Mrs. Dug
gan heard of the bad state of affairs,
and Inquiries led the Charity Agent to
believe that Mrs. Parfrey was not a
fit woman to take care of child.
Therefore, County Detective Leyshon
began legal proceedings against her
and the case came up before Alderman
Mlllar yesterday morning.
Owing to the absence of witnesses
adjournment was made until o'clock
p. m. At that hour the alderman's Of
flee was crowded with witnesses and
spectators. The boy, frankie, was the
centre of interest. Mrs. Parfrey, his
mother, had not arrived yet. One wo-
man bought the boy bag of peanuts,
another some candy, Mrs. Milleck. who
lives at No. 16 purchased a pair of
new shoes and a new straw hat, both
of which were placed upon the little
fellow in the office.
THE BOYS COMMENT.
H..
whispered to one of the kind friends:
IF my mother knew where she was
going she wouldn't wear that dress"
The dress in question was of shiney
black silk made after the fashion of
thirty years ago. The woman herself
is of the dark featured type of beauty,
with snappy blue eyes.
frankie thought she was going to
Jail.
Attorney L. P. Wedeman appeared
for the defendant. County Detective
Leyshon was the prosecutor and Mrs.
Dugan and Miss Keisel, of the board of
| charities, were present. The first wit
ness called was Alfred Parfrey, the
last" husband of the woman. He said
that Mrs. Parfrey taught the boy to
tell lies The boy is nine years old, but
his mother compels him to sweep the
house, wash the dishes and wash and
iron his own underclothes, and make
his own bed. This is what Mrs. Par
| frey's husband testified.
On direct examination the witness
| said that he was not Mrs. Parfrey S
| first husband.
What are you, the second?" inquired
| County Detective LeyshOn.
"Oh, my, no !" exclaimed Mr.. Par
| frey, TIN away behind that" He
thought that she had married six men
at least.
"Do you know any beside yourself?"
"Yes, one" said Parfrey; Jim Hayes
of Shanty Hill. She has another al
court" he added.
HEARD HIM SCREAM.
| Mrs. Melleck, a fine looking woman
testified to hearing the boys screams as
his mother whipped him. The boy used
| to hold up one end of the clothes line
on the roof while the clothes dried.
what is your business?" suddenly
asked Attorney Wedeman of the wiz
ness.
"A housekeeper," she answered.
Attorney Wedeman then charged that
! Mrs. Melleck was not the proper person
to testify to the care of a child. Mrs
Ray Brown, of No. 10 Lackawanna
avenue, said that the boy never went tC
| Sunday school.
do you go to Sunday school?" de.
manded the counsel.
"Yes, sir" answered Mrs. Brown.
you're a real. nice lady" sarcas,
tically remarked the attorney; that's
| ALL"
Mrs. Edmund Parfrey, of Adams ave-
nue., ,sister-in-law of the defendant, was
talker She testified in effect tC
what the preceding witnesses haG
said.
Attorney Wedeman asked her one
question, and the answer came so snap.
pishly that he judiciously decided tc
quit right there.
This evidence was thought to be suf
ficient and Alderman Millar gave the
child into the custody of Mrs. Duggan
frankie will be kept at the Home fol
the Friendless until the matter of hi
indenture to some one shall be decided
by the county judiciary.
The boy left his mother without any