Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1902-12-04
The WORLDS RICHEST MAN.
Alleged TreaJlrs3 of San Francisco Her
init Cause Trouble in ENGLAND

init cause Trouble in England.
At Sheffield James Albert Marson,
generally known as "thc Sheffield
millionaire" was charged with for
gerry, obtaining money by false pre-
lenses, and perjury, -ays the London
Mail.
The evidence related largely to the
story which appeared in weekly
newspaper entitled: "Thc Coming
Richest Man in the World-A True
Story That Reads Like Romance"
and Of which Marson was said TO be
the hero. The article was read in
court and caused much amusement.
The article stated: Great excite
ment now prevails within the private
circles of a family living in a central
manufacturing town situated in the
Midlands. Ayoung fellow named AL
bert Marson, who fills the position Of
clerk, will in a few months be an
nounced as the richest man in the
world"
The facts connected with the af-
fair were declared to be strangely
romantic and full sf interest" The
testator, eccentric and a hermit in
San Francisco. was described; also
how for 16 years after his death the
will was wrongfully kept secret I'M
til an old servant, suspicious, COM
menced investigations which cOntin-
ued for the space Of six years. These
led to the discovery of the rightful
heir. Then ensued a description Of
the hermit's mansion. There was a
trapdoor, which on being opened
showed a manhole, which in turn re-
yealed flight of well-worn steps
Then a passage and then a room, the
shelves of which groaned beneath
the weight of ingots of gold. There
was also machinery for the CONVEX
sion of gold dust into ingots.
Then came another room, more
passages, and a massive iron door
bearing a gold plate with the follow
ing inscription:
"This door is so constructed that if
forced open the person or persons
passing it by such means are liable to
death. The key is to be obtained
from s. bank, and can only be
given up to the English gentleman
authorized by their government to
receive it, and to be unlocked in the
presence of the chief governors of
San Francisco"
The key was produced, the neces-
sary precautions observed, and the
door opened. Behind the door was
bridge, and beneath the bridge a
pit filled with water Passing over
the death-trap the party found the
surroundings to be gold mine, an
examination of which proved it TO be
of countless worth"
The heir to this countless wealth
Continued the article) is still scratch
ing with his pen, but the queen has
already intimated her intention of
making him peer of the realm as
soon as the world is publicly acquaint-
ed with the information here record
ed.
Joseph Frederick Brown, fish
salesman, who lived next door to
Marson, stated that on Marson's as
surance that the story was perfectly
true and that he v.s the man re-
ferred to, he lent hiSl numerous small
sums, amounting in all to e422. He
had been repaid about 500. He had
also received a check for f5, 900. but
had returned it to Marson to be rein
dorsed and had not seen it again.
Marson had told him that he (the
witness) and a number of other
friends were to be introduced to her
majesty and subsequently to the
prince of Wales.
The case was adjourned, Marson
being released on hail