The Washington times., 1902-06-29
FATHER And SON
UNITED IN HOSPITAL
Boy Had Been Away From
Home Nearly Two Years.

of young Judson Gardner, son of Dr.
James L. Gardner, OF Plainfeld, Conn,
who has been absent from his parents
home for nearly two years. Young
Gardner is now at the Alexandria Hos
pital. and is rapidly recovering from a
severe attack Of typhoid fever. 1t WAS
while at the hospital that he revealed
his identity. His father was communi-
Gated with. and as a result there was a
evening. The case has attracted con-
siderable attention throughout the coun-
try. and many believed that young Gard
ner was dead. The meeting of the ia
ther and son. after such long period,
was most affecting one
Young Gardner came to this city about
month ago and secured employment in
the shops of the Southern Railway Com
pany. During his stay in this city he
was taken i'll with typhoid fever. He
was carried to the Alexandria Hospital
and for time there was grave doubt
as TO whether or not he would recover
The officials of the hospital commuRi-
Gated with young Gardners father, and
last evening. He expects to leave tor
his home in a few days. He, however.
does not think that his son will be able
TO return home just at present.
Kept Identity a Secret.
The case is a remarkably strange one.
According to reports young Gardner,
who was then sixteen years of age, left
homo ahotr, stro
time he kept his identity. it is said, a
secret, and his apparently unexplained
ebsence caused his parents no little
amount OF anxiety. and considerable no.
toriety. During his absence he travel
ed all over the world He, however.
wrote very infrequently to his father,
and so little was heard from him that it
was supposed that he was dead. The
boy, it is presumed. thought that if his
whereabouts became known to his par
cnts they would compel him to re-
turn home, and he seemed to love the
rowing life more than life in the little
town Of Plainfeld.
DR.. Gardner was first apprised OF his
sons presence in this city through Mrs
Margerie c. Adamson. matron of the
Alexandria Hospital, VINO wrote him d
letter concerning the story told her by
young Gardner. He at once communi-
Gated with her by telegraph, and as a
result Of the correspondence. reached
here yesterday. DR.. Gardner is now
registered at the Hotel FIeischmann.
When seen at that hotel tonight by
The Times correspondent, Dr. Gardner
seemed at first reticent to talk on the
case. He said that little less than two
years ago his son left home During
that time little was known of his where
abouts. although at infrequent periods
he would receive letter stating that
his son had sailed from a certain port in
some foreign country.
Has No Bad Habits.
The boy he said. was good and had no
bad habits. He said that he had fair
and was remarkably bright.
although he always seemed to love the
water from the time of his birth. While |
his parents lived in New London, Conn.
when the boy was but seven years of 1
age. he took an old trunk and filled the |
cracks with putty and after seeing that |
they were filled he threw it into Long |
Island Sound and then jumped in and /.
tilfA'4t thOi - 10 GuIUJ Il DDdl rue a {
number of workmen nearby becom- /
ing alarmed at the youths perilous pre- /
iicament. cried to him to look out. The /
Ii:tle fellow. however, succeeded in |
making his way to shore safely.
Long Loved the Water.
This was the first time that he showed .
love for the water Afterward he was
sent to school, and seemed to take a
liking to electrical engineering. He, |
b ~eyer. failed to give up his love for
he water. During the summer vacation
II tho school he pleaded with his father
to allow him to take q sea trip with 4
;aptain, who was a friend Of the father,
Eho sailed On coast steamer. Young
iardner's request was granted and the
ever seemed 10 strike him with full
orce after he left home, for he never
but sailed on different vessels
litter leaving the captain with whom he
.tarted. During all that time he has
sailed on vessels OF all descriptions and
las visited seaport towns In all parts
II tho world.
When questioned as to whether or not
le would take his son back with him
Jr. Gardner stated that he would not.
out said that he would let him rer.ain
Gardner intimlted hat he wClld let
he boy follow the course that he
hogght hest He said that his son, who
s now eighteen years OF age, would be
bic to fll the position Of first mate (
n q sailing vessel. II is. more than ;
robable that young Gardner Will return
0 the home OF his parents when he re
overs sufficiently to leave the hospital,
ut Il is expected that he win follow
he water after he pays his old home a
lsit.