The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1904-08-25
WASHINGlU} hitlIlNJb
Negress' Heir Finds he Has Been
Dead and Buried 28 Years.
NEVER TO TELL FATHERS NAME

Mother Deceived His Parents, But
Says That He viii Fight For Their
Estate.
washington. Aug 22.-More reyela-
tions regarding the dark and many
sided romance Of his life were made
By Lewis Alexander, the fOster-son Of
Mrs. Mary Almarolia. the rich nesress
who died last week and, left him her
fortune He has now ditcoyered that
not only have his father and mother.
whose names be will never reveal.
been dead many years. but also that
ne is himself legally dead and that
he was buried IS years ago. according
10 the records of the district health
Office
The life story of Lewis Alexander is
one of societys sidelIghts at the capt
tai and illustrates phase of the IN
dercurrent which seldom comes to the
surface. This young white man was
reared from his earliest infancy by
Mary Almarolia, portly colored wom'
an. and the daughter OF Nike Sinner.
a wellknOwn free negro of East Wash
ingtOn
The story Of Lewis life was related
by one who IS familiar with the facts,
and was corroborated by the young
man himself from written enformation
in his possession. Early in 1876 yonne
woman. said to have been prominent
in Washington society circles, vas
brought to the residence of Mary Al
marodia. IN Southeast Washington, by
a man who il is claimed was prominent
In District financial and stock circles,
and who at one time is said 10 have
represented the United States as min
lister to a foreign country. This man
was native of Kentucky. IL was
added but had spent nearly all his lie
in this city. where he attained promi-
nenee in the directions stated.
The young woman remained at the
Aimarolia house several weeks until a
child. Lewis Alexander, was born, as
shown by the records of the District
health department When able 10 leave
the place she returned 10 her friends,
the infant being left in the hands OF
the negro woman. who was instructed
to rear il, If it lived. but In total Igno-
rance Of Us parentage and the circum-
stances OF its birth. Mary AlmarOlia
was a crafty woman. and decided upon
a program which she carried out 10
the letter. She notified the parents OF
the little one within a month after It's
birth that It had died Of inanition.
The father. without making an In
YestigatiOn. gave the woman money
for the supposed burial of his offspring
and told her to have a suitable tomb
stone placed over the little grave. a
conn was purchased. into which was
placed a dummy corpse, Those who
claim 10 know say a remarkably life
like doll baby of large size figured as
the tiny corpse. This was placed in 2
carriage. and accompanied by Mary
AlmarOlla was taken to local ceme-
terry and Inferred, whether with or
without religious rites is not known
The storm then rushed on to the
burial was made to the health Office in
some manner not yet revealed, 1t IS
stated. and Lewis Alexander is dead so
far as the health records are concerned.
The father, who was reported to be
quite wealthy. and the mother are both
dead, and II is said the fathers prop
erty went to the nearest Of kin. who
are said TO be nephews and nieces.
When asked what steps he would
take in the matter Lewis Alexander
said;
"They seem 10 be afraid | will adopt
my fathers name, but have no pres
ent intention Of doing so. | am. how
ever. certainly entitled 10 some OF his
wealth. He was responsible for my
birth. and am hia son. for know that
no married my mother few weeks be-
fc@ my birth, alth 1ugh he deserted
her afterward, secured a divorce Qul-
etly and married again. As to the
names Of my father and mother, | have
taken a solemn oath never TO reveal
them save in self-defense. | intend to
fight for my rights. and II the other
secrets come out 1t will not be my
fault.
al am an electrician and have good
education. and am capable OF earning
a livelihood, but am certainly entitled
to something from my fathers estate,
and am going TO have il If possible "