The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-07-08

relied with the woman, and had visited
physician and had three stitches
taken in wound on his forehead,
caused by water pitcher which the
woman used as a weapon.
The news of Ovenden's arrest pend
ing investigation caused genuine SYM
pathy among former associates at the
Worcester Club. To a. man, every at
tache of the club house who had been
acquainted with the accused murderer
spoke only words Of consolation and
doubt as to whether Ovenden could be
guilty of the crime he is charged.
Ovenden was born in Canterbury,
England, % years ago, and came to
this country in 1895. His first employ
ment in America was as waiter at the
Worcester Club. Even the members
became personally acquainted with the
young Englishman, whose manners
and dress were those of refinement
Edwin w. Cranston, porter at the
Worcester Club, is Z. native of England,
and was friendly with Ovenden before
the latter came to this country. Grams
ton secured the position for his friend
at the Worcester Club, and being
fellow-countryman was familiar with
L
conversation with The Spy man yes
terday, Cranston said:
Il cannot believe that Walter can be
guilty of any such crime as he is
charged. He came to this country in
1895 at my solicitation, and 1 have I'M
bounded faith in him. He was al
ways generous, manly, and, above all,
a young man whom one would at once
respect. I never knew him to do one
~ Il oil
kind and ever on the lookout for
chances to assist a needy friend. Many
of the boys here have been indebted to
him for acts of kindness outside his
regular duties.
"The fact that no marks of violence
other than those caused by the fall,
were found upon the woman's body,
seems to substantiate his statement
that he did not strike or push her. l
believe he is innocent of any crime, be-
cause l know his character If 1
doubted him, might point to the fact
that had he committed the crime it
would not have been a natural course
to follow to fall asleep in the room
where the crime was committed.
walter was never intoxicated, to
my knowledge, and 1 have known of.
numerous opportunities he has had to
become So but he disliked liquor.
to his character would be of help to
him, there are many friends in this
city who would gladly contribute their
testimony to his character
Before coming to this country Wal
ter was employed as waiter at the Ju-
nior Carlton Club, London. There he
made many friends and they regretted
the announcement of his intention to
seek employment in this country. He
came here believing it to be land of
promise, and his aspirations were high.
1t seems impossible to believe that he
could be accused of murder
His father is an iron monger in
Canterbury, and is quite well-to-do. He
was the idol of his parents, but they
| allowed him to leave home that he
might show his ability to earn an hon
est living. l know his parents will be
heart-broken when they learn of his
confinement. He has four brothers
and three sisters in England. He left
the club to accept position as but
Ter at Charles S. Bartons house."
Mr.. Barton said last night that he
remembered young butler named
waiter" but beyond that he had moth
ing to say Servants at the house re-
member him, and have faith in him to-
the extent of believing him guiltless.
Oyenden. left Worcester to enter the
employ of the management of the
Crandall House in Buffalo, N. Y. About
year ago he went to England and re-
manned there about six weeks. Upon