Evening star., 1902-09-13

JOSEPH SPECHT DEAD
WEALTHY FARM OWNER VICTIM
OF PARALYSIS.
Remains to Be Forwarded to st. Louis
for Interment-Funeral
Tuesday Next.
Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.

Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.
ALEXANDRIA, Va, September 13, 1892.
Joseph Specht, the proprietor of GunstOn
Hall, formerly the anchestral home Of the
Virginia family of Masons, died at the ole
homestead yesterday. in the ffty-seventh
year of his age. Death was due to paraly-
sis, and his last Illness was brief The re-
mains will be forwarded to St Louis, where
he lived prior to his coming to this state.
The funeral will take place next Tuesday
Mr.. Specht Is survived by a widow, two
sons and two daughters. The children are
Rev. Joseph Alexander Specht, rector of
Trinity Episcopal Church, Upper Marlboro,
Md Miss ADELAIDE Specht, Mr.. Edward
Specht and a married daughter, the last
two living in the west
Mr. Specht came to Virginia from Mis-
souri, with his family ten years ago. He
had accumulated considerable wealth in
the clothing business in st. Louis, and
spent large sums Of money in purchasing
the old Gunston place and the large ad-
joining estate known "Benvenue." the
property of Mrs. Margaret Todd of this
city. These estates combined covered many
hundreds of acres and We're greatly i'm
proved by the lavish expenditure of the
new proprietor, who spared no pains TO
make his home among the most beautiful
in the state. The ancient hall was placed
in elegant condition
Disturbing Element.
About two years after the wealthy Mis-
sourian had settled at Gunston an event
occurred which proved to be disturbing
element at his newly established home. 1t
was the appearance of a man giving his
name as Howard and representing himself
to be an advocate of the Buddhist religion.
His scheme as unfolded was to establish
mission in the neighborhood for the en-
couragement of thought and study in the
principles of that faith and the dissemina-
tion of its doctrines 1t is said his avowed
designs were so attractively presented that
they enlisted the encouragement and sup
port of Mrs. Specht, although meeting with
but little favor in the eyes Of her hus-
band. Finally a chapel was established
near Gunston Hall, but the chimerical
scheme soon fell through. The instigatOr
was charged with fraud and Mr.. Specht
took steps to prosecute him. In the mean
time. however he had left the neighbor-
hood. The affair attracted considerable at
tention and caused a big sensation.
Fondness for Farming.
In recent years. 1t is said, Mrs. Specht
has been residing in the west, while her
husband lived much to himself on his Vir-
ginia estate. devoting his time and atten-
tion to the elaborate and scientific cultiva-
tion of his many acres. He had fondness
for the production Of fancy farm products
and the Improvement of special breeds of
stock. Mr.. Specht apparently took little
interest in the political affairs of the state
and did not take an active part in general
matters of citizenship since his residence
in Fairfax county. He was born In Ger
many and came to this country In early
life. Entering business In st. Louis he
rapidly rose to distinction. His remains
are now lying at Gunston.