Evening star., 1898-09-16
MYSTERY NO MORE
An Intercepted Letter Discloses News
of Thomas B. Ritchey,
ABSENT MERCHANT OF WOODSTOCK
Writes a Woman Clerk to Meet
Him in Lexington.
d ETAILS OF THE CASE
'recial Correspondence of The Evening Star.

WOODS1 OCK, Va, September 10. ls9S
Thomas Beau Ritchey, whose alleged
mysterious disappearance from Washing
ton has been the gossip of this town since
the 23d of August, was not murdered in
Washington and thrown III a sewer as
some sensational stories il dicated. News
of the missing merchant has been received
from Lexir gton, Ky. 1t had long been
suspected here that there was a woman,
ether than his wife, in the case and a let
ter received here from him confirms these
suspicious. The letter was intercepted by
brother of the young lady to whom it
vas addressed. In it he asked the young
lady TO meet him at Lexington, it is stat
ed. What the latter would have done had
not the letter fallen in the hands of her
brother is not known. 1t is believed how
ever, that Ritchey will not make another
attempt by mail to have her come and
meet him.
1t Is stated that the young man wanted
TO go direct to Lexington and meet Ritchey
but was prevented from doing So Soon
after ne got the letter the contents of it
were made known to the people of the
town, and much indignation was expressed
concerning it.
Mr.. Ritchey, although he held the posi-
ton of superintendent of the Methodist
Episcopal Sunday school, and was a prom
lnent worker in the church, mad been talk
ed about for some time, it being alleged he
was unddly intimate with one of his clerks
a young woman, who was also in his Sun
uay school There We're others in town,
however, who thought there was no harm
IN the friendly interest shown the young
lady, and these people did all they could
to quell the gossip. During all the years
Mr.. Ritchey was in business he was highly
respected. That he was shrewd business
man and first-ciass ffnancier no one doubts.
GRO u1y disc tod I,y Ii
self. and his credit as good as was
that of any man in the Shenandoah valley.
Undergoes n Change.
But recently change came over him,
and he is said to have taken time on his
bills. the same as other merchants. This
he did, it now appears, for the purpose of
getting together as much ready cash as
possible before going off on his summer
vacation and before leaving this county,
as it is now supposed, never to return.
With his wife he went to Manhattan
Beach. and when he got ready to leave he
feigned sickness. He insisted that his wife
should not come with him, as he appeared
anxious for her to get the full benefit of
the season at the seashore. Her health
had not been the best for several years and
she finally concluded to remain, although
fearing il was great sacrifice to her
husband. When summoned home because
of his disappearance, however, she sus-
as she had supposed, and feared she was
without a husband. The only thing left
for her to do, therefore. was to hurry
home and see that the business dld not
suffer. 1t is now believed that the note
sent here to his niece. who was clerk in
the store was addressed in handwriting
other than his own for a purpose, but
what the purpose was in not clear.
1t was because of his failure to return
home the next day, he indicated he
would that the search for him was begun
so soon. Because OF this the missing man
probably did not have time TO make ar
rangements for his flight with the young
woman.
Soon after Mrs. Ritchey returned and the
court appointed a receiver for the business
the young lady in question was informed
that her services were no longer needed. 1t
is generally believed that Mr.. Ritchey had
considerably more money with MN Whcn
he went away than was at first estimated
Bills amounting to $4,000 or $1,000 nave
been since presented. The receipts of the
sales in the stores for a number of days
were taken with him.
While he did this. it is confidently be-
Iieved that Mr. Ritchey was certain when
he went away that mis- business was good
for all the bills that would be presented.
signs Attract Attention.
The name ''Ritchey'' on the signs in front
of the double store never fails to attract
the attention of strangers who read of
the alleged mysterious disappearance and
of his probable murder at the national capi-
tai. Mrs. Ritchey has the sympathy of the
entire community She is bearing up well
under the terrible strain. Since Ritchey's
letter was intercepted three days ago there
has been a revival of interest in the case,
and there is plenty of food for the gossips.
Many people, however, refuse to discuss
the affair.
Il don't want to be mixed up in the case"
said one business man, after he had to-
The Stars correspondent of the particu-
lars. You know some of these people
down here don't mind using their guns, and
l don't want one of them to walk in here
and shoot me-
1t is generally believed that Mr. Ritchey
has no intention of returning here.