New-York tribune., 1900-10-24
LIVED IN LAVISH STYLE.
DEFAULTER's HOME AN EXTRAvAGANT
FSTABLISHMENT-WIF HAD SMALL
FORTUNE IN JEWELS.

Cornelius I. Alvord. jr.. the defaulter. has
handsome home at No. 227 Sumnit-ave., which
IS on Chester Hill, one Of the most fashionable
sections of Mount Vernon. He also keeps fine
stable containing seven thoroughbred horses
and ponies. and half dozen fancy vehicles for
himself and wife, and turnouts for his children.
The property on Chester Hill cost about $50 900.
and with the furnishings, stables and other
equipment. it is said TO be worth fully $4,000.
Aivord wes never known as an ordinary bank
clerk in Mount Vernon. He used to ride to the
railroad station every morning when he went TO
take the train to New-York, in fancy wagon
cite with rubber tires. He was always accom-
panied by a coachman and groom. In the Mount
Vernon directory the words Information re-
fused" are printed opposite the defaulter's name.
It is said by Mrs. Aivord's neighbors that she
accounted for her husbands wealth by saying
that his position withetae bank put him where
he could get inside information on stock transac-
tions. and that in this manner he managed to
make sometimes as much as $4,000 year more
than his salary. His family consisted of his
wife. who is a stout. blond woman, and his three
children. Helen, Gladys and Harry Benedict AL
word. The children are well known in Mount
Vernon. Their father kept number of Shet-
land ponies and carts for them, and they used to
ride around the city great deal.
ALL PROPERTY IN WIFE's NAME.
It is said that all of Alvords property in
Mount Vernon is in his wife's name. Mr.. and
Mrs. Alvord entertained on a large scale but
their guests were mostly from out Of town and
few Mount Vernon people knew them. Every
time they would give one of their large dinners
or receptions the house would be lavishly
decorated by florists. and all of the delicaces
In and out Of season would be served.
Mrs Alvord seldom appeared at Mount Yer
non social affairs, but when she did she made
a lavish display Of jewelry and gowns. In last
February she attended a bail and reception at
the clubhouse Of the Westchester County Wheel
men, and wore a dress which is said to have
cost at least $500 1t was made chiefly of i'm
ported lace. It was fairy covered with dia-
mcnds a member Of the club said tonight that
her jewels if they were genuine, must have cost
S25. 900 at least.
Alvord was lot member Of any of the
Mount Vernon clubs. So far as can be learned
the only organization he belongs to is the New
York Athletic Club. member of the Athletic
Club said that he kept a handsome naphtha
launch at the summer home Of the organization
at Travers Island until it exploded and burned
up last summer while being brought back from
Newport by TWO sailors The sailors had a
narrow escape and swan about in the Sound for
several hours before they were picked up by a
passing boat. The burned launch was about
forty feet long and had decks of mahogany and
fine brass trimmings The cabin was fitted uu
handsomely, and Mr.. and Mrs. Alvord and their
children frequently took long cruises in her.
They also spent much OF their time in the sum-
at Asbury Park and Saratoga. One Of the
stories told Of them on Chester Hill is that they
went to Saratoga two years ago and got away
with $4,000 in cash in three weeks Then it is
said, they borrowed money on which to get
home.
MEMBERS Suspicious AROUSED.
AIvord had some trouble in Mount Vernon a
year ago, which brought him into prominence
At that time the Chester Hill Methodists set up