The Washington times., 1905-04-15
MAG0WAN, ONCE
|. MAYOR Of TRENTON,
A CHARITY PATIENT
New Jersey Man, Once
a Millionaire, Now
Has Nothing.
INFATUATED BY WOMAN
Second Wife in New York.
Where He Earns Pre-
carious Living.
INFATUATED BY WOMAN


| gowali, corner mayor of Trenton, and
ten years ago one Of the largest man
ufacturers in the city. when his wealth
was estimated at $4,000 is a charity
patient-:n- ST. Francis Hospital
Nh. Mcgowan, two days ago, while
enjoying the hospitality of Joseph Sip
pley, the keeper OF a saloon on West
Hanover street, fell down a flight of
stairs and receirod injuries that made
1T necessary to send him to the hospital.
Spectaclar Career.
| There has never been. in the history
Of the city of Trenton a more spectacu-
| lar career than that Of Frank A. Ma
gowan. He was born here and educat-
ed in the public schools
Possessed of q remarkable degree of
human energy. a shrewd business mind
and an unlimited ambition, he brought
himself at the age Of thirty years to a.
position of prominence in the field of DO
ttical and industrial activity that at
tracted attention throughout the coun
try.
In 1871 he became g. candidate for the
off1ce of mayor of the city on the Re-
publican ticket. Trenton at that time
was Democratic city. Through the
friendship that he acquired with the
working men of the town, he was Snaf.,-s
ed TO win by a majority such as Was
never hoped for by the leaders of yhs
party he represented.
His Rise Was Rapid.
His superior ability as Il business nan
obtained for him financial backing that
enabled him to get control OF the East
ern Rubber Company and the Expire
Rubber Company two of the largest
manufacturing establishments in this
city, and representing an investment OF
more than s2,00O,0oo.
In 1894 Mcgowan was looked upoi, as
the probable nominee for governor. He
had the friendship OF the leaders of the
Republican party of the State. In an
ticipation of gubernatorial honors. he
Dullt magnificent home at the corner
or Monmouth street and North Clinton
avenue, one of the most exclusive resi-
Dental sections of the city
Up to the time that his mansion was
bullt Mcgowan had lived with his fam
lily in a modest home on North Sijnton
avenue. After he had taken up his resi-
dcnce in the new home the old one was
rented to John Alfred Barnes, employed
by Mcgowan as foreman in the Empire
Rubber Mill
beauty. attracted the attention of Mr.
Mcgowan, and he became so deeply in
fatuated with her that he neglected his
family, and his conduct became a matter
OF public comment
Magowan's spirit of independence, con-
spicuous during his business career was
emphasized at this time. for, In spite Of
public criticism, and against the advice
OF his friends, he devoted himself TO Mrs
Barnes.
Mcgowan induced his wife to return
TO their former home. After living there
with her FOR two or three weeks, he sud
denly departed for Oklahoma in COM
pany with Mrs. Barnes. After establish
ing a statutory residence in the Terri |
tory, they both obtained divorces.
After they were married, Mcgowan
brought Mrs. Mcgowan No. 2 to Trenton. |
and they took up their residence in the
Mcgowan mansion, where they lived for
several months.
Fortunes Tide Turns.
In the meantime the tide of fortune |
had begun TO set against Mcgowan. The |
men who had helped him to the front II, !
business activities, as well as those who !
had been benefited by his generosity dur |
ing the days of his prosperity. turned
against him.
Under the strain Mcgowan began to |
drink heavily. The day came when the |
sheriff took possession of the mansion |
were driven to the necessity of seeking
shelter In the stable, where rooms had |
been arranged for the coachman.
Eventually ousted from this shelter |
they engaged quarters in the Trenton |
House, the Windsor Hotel. Barlow's Ho-
tel, and the American House out OF all |
o. which they We're eventually turned.
The furnishings of the Mcgowan man
sion were sold at public auction. Ma
gowan. who protested against this dis |
position Of the furniture, took possess
sion of some of tie elegant draperies
that had been purchased at the auction
was arrested and thrown into jail; but |
his friends interceded in his behalf and |
nothing came of the case
Went to Canada.
Mcgowan and Mrs. Mcgowan No. 9
went TO New York city. and from there
to Canada The woman. as Mrs. Barnes,
mad a beautiful daughter named Myrtle.
whose possession the father obtained nv
force, He took her TO Cleveland. Ohio
where he formerly resided.
y few weeks later Mcgowan and the
mother of the child went to Cleveland,
and. seeing the child on the street
escape with her. There was an excit-
Ing race between the police authorities
and the mother of the child
which ended In the landing of Mcgowan.
with the mother and the child on Ca
madam soil
Mrs. Mcgowan No. l meanwhile at
lacked the Oklahoma divorce, and tho
New Jersey court of errors and aDneajs
declared Il invalid
This decision made Of Mcgowan a
oigamist; but his first wife's love for
lim and her regard for her children
her from enforcing upon him
he punishment fixed by law
Barnes subsequently married
Mcgowan and Mrs. Mcgowan No
nave been living in New York CITY.
He has been making a precarious Iiy-
ng by promoting various schemes.
1t is understood that he Is without
means. and that for two weeks he has
oeen living here upon the charity Of his
friends.