Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1898-08-15

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turned to New York where he was
sent to prison for 10 years and that
on July 18th last he walked out OIL
prison a free man through a commu-
tation Of sentence by Gov. Black,
the crooks time being reduced two
years and half. But while these
facts are quite generally known, it
has never been underst God in the
west for just what crime Post was
sent up. The story of the grand
bunco game so cleverly worked by
him is highly entertaining as told
by the Albany Argus. Post, aided by
| Thomas O'Brien, arranged the plan
through which John M. Peck, who re-
sided at No. 85 Clinton avenue, Al
bany, was robbed of $4,000 in cash.
Mr.. Peck, who has died since, was a
wealthy owner of real estate, and
was said to have had enough cash in
Albany banks to make an ordinary
man independent.
Post and O'Brien laid their plans
skillfully. Previous to playing the
game they appeared at the house OF a
respectable family on the north side
of Clinton avenue, west of Swan
street, Albany. This family was
acquainted with the family of Mr..
Peck lower down on the avenue.
The two gentlemanly appearing men
desired to rent the parlor for few
days, and gave out that they were
architects there on business connected
with the ceiling OF the assembly
chamber, and wanted to use the
room in order to hold business con-
ferences with those who might call
to see them. That was, at least, the
impression which the family had Of
their business.
1t happened that on that same day
one of the gentlemanly appearing
men called on Mr. Peck. This in
dividual was none other than George
w. Post, gentlemanly in appear
ance. but crook by nature and oc-
cupation. His call was of social
nature, but during it he managed
to impart to Mr.. Peck the informa
ton that he was a nephew of the
late Erastus Corning, Sr. To confirm
this, Buncoer Post shrewdly referred
to various business transactions
which had occurred years ago be-
tween Mr. Peck and the late Mr..
Corning. His knowledge of these
affairs was so familiar that Mr..
Peck accepted Post at his word and
thereafter addressed him as "Mr.
Corning"
Post had spread the net that was
to ensnare the shrewd and ex-
perienced real estate dealer. Mr..
Corning's" conversation was crisp and
entertaining, and when it finally
turned on business and real estate
investments, with which Mr.. Peck
was most familiar, his respect for
the visitor was heightened. Finally
'Mr Corning intimated that he had
a few thousand dollars lying idle
which he would be willing to in
vest, and he limited that perhaps the
best thing he could do would be to
try real estate. He spoke of farm
mortgages and had thought Of try
ing them, but came to the conclusion
that real estate was the most sure
and would yield the best returns
He limited that any suggestions Mr.
Peck could throw out to aid him
would be gladly received. That was
the substance Of the conversation on
his first visit, and when he left it
was with an invitation to call again
He called. the next evening, and this
time gained a still further hold upon
the confidence of Mr.. Peck. On a
third visit he mentioned that on tax
ing walk up Clinton avenue thai
day he had noticed house for
which he would be willing to pay
$4,000 in cash.
Post then described the location
of the house. wondered who was the
owner, and appeared astonished when
informed that Mr.. Peck owned the
property This must have been a
pretty little scene, and gave Post
an opportunity to display his ability
as an actor. Now $4,000 was an
amount which, it is said, Mr.. Peck
never dreamed of getting for the
property in question, and at first
thought it seemed to him hardly
possible that "Mr. Corning" could be
in earnest, but Post, with consum-
mate skill and a money s-no-object-
me style, insisted that he would like
to become the owner of that par
ticular property and no other, and
pressed his offer upon Mr.. Peck Mr..
Peck was reluctant, however, but
began to show signs Of yielding, and
finally "Mr. Corning" withdrew,
bearing with him half assurance
that he could have the house and
lot for the sum named. That even
ing Post and O'Brien we're engaged in
secret conference and the meshes of
the net which was to ensnare Mr..
Peck were more closely welded.
Mr.. Peck went to bed that Friday
night with the understanding that he
was to arise early the next morning,
go with "Mr. Corning" and show him
through the house, for which he was
to get $4,000 spot cash from Com