The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-02-27

When Seattle people heard a year or
so ago that Col James Mcknight form
erly general counsel Of the Northern Pa
cific, had had William Wayne Belvin ar
rested for assault with intent to commit
murder. they recalled with interest the
life OF the accused while he was in Seat
tie with his strikingiy handsome wife.
The case however. dropped cut OF sight
and Beiysn was recalled more as ma
nipuIator OF big real estate deals in West
Seattle and Fremont than as a dealer IN
fsrearms
But Mr. Belvin refuses to be entirely
forgotten as the following Associated
Press dispatch from New York last even
ing shows.
WIN. Wayne Belvin was arrested in
the Waldorf Astoria late last night,
charged withs threatening the lie OF the
Denver millionaire. David ii. Monatt.
and also with trying TO defraud the hotel
out of $4e3- He was held in 500 bail in
the police court today. He was returned
to prison in default of bail. Belvin Il a
well known figure about the Broadway
hotels He liz always well dressed and
describes himself a promoter. He as
serts that Millionaire Moffatt owes him
$4,000 and it was because of Monatts
refusal 10 pay him this sum that Belvin
threatened to kill him on sight
Belvin Is a member of one of the most
aristocratic families in Virginia. He was
educated at the University of Virginia.
and in addition has increased his educa-
ton by extensive travel in all parts of the
world He inherited considerable money
while young man and at different times
has made large fortunes. He is, what
he represents himself to be--a promoter.
He came here sometime before the big fire
of June g. 1882 accompanied By his wife.
one of the most handsome women In the
United States She was a pure blond with
perfect figure and a complexion that was
mo is her IN
state. She was born near Stockton, her
parents being very wealthy pioneers.
They owned thousands of acres OF yalua-
bile land in the San Joaquin valley. Bel
vim fairly worshipped her.
Mrs Reivin was in London On one occa-
sion when her husband was there on
business connected with large business
venture Mrs. Beivin was presented at
court, and to express it mildly She
created a sensation. One English maya
zine published a full page picture of her
In the costume she wore at court and
spoke OF her as one of the most beautiful
women Of the world and the handsomest
presentee of the entire year.
Mr.. and Mrs. Belyin were very happy
while they lived in Seattle, so far as the
public knew. Mr.. Belvin had plenty OF
money and carried through large real es-
tate deals connected with West Seattle
land and what is now known as the Den
ny-Hoyt addition of Fremont 1t Is said
that he went East into some mountains
and negotiated the purchase of the addi-
ton just mentioned. which included about
800 acres Subsequently he took a trip to
Paris and on his return became involved
in litigation with prominent people over
the same property. He was beaten and
that ended his career in Seattle.
He left Seattle in 1890 or 1891 and was
next interested In large water works
n "a i, h.
out Of sight so far as his Seattle friends
were concerned and nothing was heard
OF him until a year or so ago when his
wife instituted divorce proceedings in
New York city. Her counsel was Col.
James Mcknight formerly general coun-
sci OF the Northern Pacific railroad. The
suit caused something OF a sensation
among the 100 of Seattle. but nothing
In comparison to that following the an
nouncement that Belvin had been arrest
ed for assault on Col McNaught with
intent to kill. Belvin claimed that Nc
Naught had broken UP his family. What
became of the case Is not known in this
city. but the suppostion is that matters
were compromised outside of court 1t
is not even known whether Mrs Beivin
was granted a divorce. A personal friend
OF Mr.. and Mrs. BeIvin said last even
ing that he did not recall the charges
made In the complaint. bat thought that
tHey were simply statutory. something
like failure to provide.
Mr. Belvin and his troubles were fast
becoming ancient history when the New
York dispatch dropped in with an account
of his latest doings. That he may have
had trouble with Millionaire Mofratt Is
not doubted, but taking into considera-
ton his wealthy connections in Virginia
1t is deemed improbable that he attempted
TO swindle the Waidorf-Astoria hotel out
| OF sa23.
In appearance Belvin is n typical New
York club man. He dresses in the height
of fashion, and spends money lavishly.
He IL rather short and inclined tn be
portly. Wherever he goes he has access
to the best society