The San Francisco call., 1905-08-22
JAMES N. CHAPLIN
A MENTAL WRECK
Eastern Manufacturer of
Prominence Is Arrested
on a Charge of Lunacy
HE ALARMS FRIENDS
Threatens Paying Teller,
Advertises for a Wife
and Writes Abusive Letters

James M. Chaplin, an Eastern manufac-
turer of prominence and known as one Of
the finest experts in lumber and its manip-
sulation. was yesterday taken into custody
on suspicion of insanity. The warrant
was sworn to by a brother, Frederick W..
served and Chaplin was taken to the De-
tention Hospital for observation.
Mr.. Chaplin is well known in Newark,
N. j., where he is or was the senior part
ner in the extensive lumber firm Of
Chaplin, Hall & Co. He was formerly
president Of the New York Lumber and
Woodworking Company, New York City.
Previously he had extensive lumber yards
at Tonawanda and Batavia, N. Y.
Two years ago, accompanied by q
daughter, Mr.. Chaplin visited California
and was charmed with the country. The
pair stopped at the most expensive hotels
and seemed to be equipped with liberal
funds. Eureka and the great redwood
forests impressed him to the extent that
he purchased a large interest in 1000 acres
situated on Solomon Creek, Humboldt
County.
SELLS AT ADVANCE.
This interest was sold a few months
ago to the railroad at a considerable ad-
vantage to himself. The result of his
first trip was so favorable that he deter
mined to close out his Eastern connec-
tions and settle in California.
Three or more months of his visit
passed by before the least suspicion of
mental alteration was noticed by his
friends. His boasts as to his finances
became more pronounced and extrava-
CANT. Within the last two days Chapin's
mental condition began to show symp-
toms of rapid decline. Though he has
a wife in Newark, N. J., yet on Sunday
before last he caused the insertion of q
matrimonial advertisement, describing
himself with all particulars and enlarg-
ing upon his great wealth and accom-
plishments and directing that answers
be sent to his business office, 510 Mont
gomery street. A photograph of appli-
cantS was asked for and strange to say
the advertisement was answered by
numerous young women from all parts
of the State.
The last week Chaplin has displayed
indications of complete mental collapse
and his actions have been most extrava-
CANT. One, of his acquaintances re-
ceived a check for $4,000 'as a
starter" he said. When you want
more, just call on me- Another inti-
mate has a check for $500 and still
another check far into the thousands.
He has been living at TIC Golden Gate
avenue and on Wednesday the landlady
was directed to move out, as "he had
bought the house and was going to re-
nit it." He called upon many painters
and decorators and sent them to the
house to bid on the projected improve
ments. In an impulse of generosity
Chapman presented the house to the
wife of his agent and offered a check
of $4,000 just to furnish it with"
GROWS VERY BOISTEROUS.
These paroXysms of mental decrepi
tude were followed by symptoms that
alarmed his business friends and filled
them with apprehensions. Lawyers.
business men and individuals crowded
to the Office with abusive and threat
ening letters they had received, but de-
parted when assured of Chapin's ire
sponsibility.
The crisis came on Saturday last
when Chaplin presented a check for
100000 at the Crocker rWoolworth
National Bank and demanded instant
payment. There was not cent to his
credit and payment was of course re-
fused He left and came again, threat
ening violence unless his demands
were instantly satisfied. Officer Walsh
then appeared and Chaplin was persuad-
ed to leave Yesterday morning he
again appeared and was even more vio-
lent in lis demeanor than before. The
yigilant officer took possession of the
check and persuaded Chaplin to depart
The same actions were repeated in sew
eral business Offices, only that with each
day he seemed to display an increased
excitement. The automobile men were
thrown in state of excitement by the
advent of a purchaser for. machine
to cost mot less than $4,000" They are
mourning the loss of $50 for the rides
Chaplin took.
Yesterday Chapin's brother came to the
city and measures were instantly taken
to place the demented man in custody
until his condition can be determined.
Dispatches from Andrew e. Voss, a
substantial citizen of Newark. were re-
ceived yesterday authorizing detention
and asking for particulars Chapin's g
last estimate of his wealth is $1,400, 900.
His actual financial condition is not
known.