The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1898-12-03

Della Leslie was a myth. and that the
name was only used by Miss Anna Beth
Tor the purpose of receiving letters under
cover. Miss Keegan, whose place is a
nalrdreSSlng establishment, stated that il
was no uncommon thing for her lady Gus
toners to have their mail addressed to the
store, l34 Powell street, in care of the pro-
Miss Anna Beth was one of my custom
ers," said she. She had her hair dressed
here occasionally. During this year she
mas received four or six letters, all ad-
dressed to Miss Della Leslie 1 am sure
that was a fictitious name, although she
never made a confidante of me. l. of
course, did not know she was married
DelleVe she had learned the hairdreSser's
trade, but l did not know she had ever
worked at 1t. 1 never heard of ManteI
before. The letters always came through
William Mantel is described by different
physicians he had worked for as being a
dapper little fellow, fond of dress and
ladies, society. He was not financial
success, and was idle great deal between
his spells of employment. He never had
anything except minimum of dollars and
a good suit of clothes. However, his old
employers speak well of him, and his good
character went toward helping him into
an honest If not a well paid job. He was
employed by DR.. H. L. Wagner of this
city in a humble capacity for four years.
and seeing that his poverty would prevent
him going through the medical school, he
turned his attention to some. other means
VI lNtllIlOOu his HSnI weight 1npelleQ
him to try the life of a jockey. and he
worked at the Hobart stables for some
time. He left that situation and was en-
ployed by DR.. d'Evelyn as a. sort of COL
lector. Afterward he worked in the
leather establishment of Nichols &, Co.
A short time ago he called at the office of
DR.. c. c. Wadsworths 1104 Van Ness av-
enue, seeking employment. He was per-
mitted to solicit for medical publication
on commission.
This record proves that Mantel finan-
0fa llxy WAC hor 5lrro ;la% o.
rimony, and Anna Beth had some reason
for keeping her marriage a secret from the
proverbially stern parent.
By William MantePS intimate friends
his wife's assertion that he abused and
threatened her with bodily harm is char
acter1Zed as preposterouS. They describe
him as little, mild chap, not capable of
harming kitten. Gentle and inoffensive
even to effeminacy is the character they
give the man his wife shot down without
a moments warning. Among those who
man are Edward Ayers, druggist at the
corner of Leavenworth and Eddy streets,
and s. F. Hughes, corner of Post and
Powell.
his nearest associates that he feared the
woman who ended his life. L. C. Hof-
man, grocer, corner Of Eddy and Leaven-
worth streets, states that Mantel was in
the store about two weeks ago. He was
very much depressed and confessed that
he was in deep trouble lover a woman"
With some reluctance, as he was very
close about his private affairs, he said
that it was Miss Beth and that she was
fearfully jealous She had even threat
ened him. Several days ago he came into
the store and when questioned by his
friend about that affair" answered that
it was worse" He did not state that
he and Miss Beth were married, but left
the impression on the mind of his nearer
that no wedding had taken place.
Hoffman," he said, never get tangled
up with a woman OF all troubles q man
ever got into that Is the worst"
II can't believe that Mantel abused and
| ill-treated his wife" said Mr.. Holman.
He was not of that kind. He was one of
the tenderest hearted little fellows / ever
saw. also know his wife, as the Beths
once lived in this neighborhood. She was
very nice girl, very reserved and lady
like. She was large and strong enough
around the block. He was about four and
a half feet high and weighed probably
120 pounds. Why did she use a gun on
the poor little fellow? He was a customer
In the store. and often when he was broke
bought groceries here. He was perfectly
honest and always paid his bills. / think
the poor little chap has an account on
my books of 10 cents, the price of a pur-
chase day or so ago.
"Mantel was gentleman in appearance
as well as in soul. One of those who
brush their clothes till they shine and
pay their debts
A dispatch from San Jose received last
was married in that city November 2
under name of William Fred Mentan to
Anna Beth. Justice Gass performed the
ceremony, which was witnessed by
George c. Russell and Mrs. Mary e.
Lightbody, who were in the Office at the