The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-11-03
SECURED EASY MONEY.
Several Wichita Banks Contribute to a
Daring Young Nan.

Wichita Nov 3=The Eagle says:
One of the most accomplished. swindlers
that has made Wichita a visit in some
time is C H. Hoffstadt who is locked
up at the county jail charged with
forging the name of c. E. Cole to
check for $50, which he passed on the
American State bank His bond is
fixed at $3.50. in default of which he was
committed to Jail to await his hearing.
Hoffstadt claims that he came to this
city from BartleSyille, Indian Terri
tory, two weeks ago. From all appear
anees he lost no time in looking over
the ground, but got busy immediately.
His victims, little ashamed to ae-
knowledge that they had been caught,
are now coming to hght-they are num-
erous.
Accompanied by his bride of two
months ago. the boy forger" secured
rooms and started out for business go
ing to the Rev. E. c. Pollard. of. the
Emporia Avenue Methodist church,; he
explained to that gentleman that he
Was a Methodist on probation, that he
had just arrived and was short OF
money would the pastor kindly let the
'probationist' have S. until he heard
from home. Certainly he got it. Going
thence to Rev. G. S. Sargent, pastor of
the Plymouth Congregational church,
ne told that gentleman that he and MS
wife, who by the way was Congre-
gationalist. in this instance, had just
arrived in the city and while waiting
for money from home were constrained
10 quest the loan Ol 30 HUH lAlC pas
tor Certainly he got it.
Going to the office of C. Z. Cole he
stated his wife was wealthy, that they
intended depositing some money in the
banks of this city and would like to
take an agency of Mr. Coles business
A contract was drawn up and Cole took
the stranger to the banks and introduc-
ed him The rest of the plan was easy.
Shortly after a check bearing the name
Of c. E. Cole. for $50, was presented to
the bank and was paid. Another check
for $50 drawn the same as the first,
was presented shortly after. The cash
ier's suspicion was aroused and he re-
fused payment on the check.
John T. Dunning was also favored
with a visit: here Hoffstadt represented
that he was an experienced Insurance
solicitor. formerly in the employ Of Mr..
Dunning's company at Houston, Texas.
He was ordered to report for work the
following Monday morning. He did not
report as ordered, as he was arrested
Sunday afternoon but he did pass a
check for $3.50. signed with the name
of John T. Cunning, on Mrs. J. NJ
Miles. a boarding house keeper, at 40e
South Topeka.
The National bank of Wichita is out
$50 on the efforts of the gifted young
man. He presented a check signed by
Jesse A. Holmes for $50; this was cash
ed as was another check bearing the
same signature for $50. Going again
to the bank he attempted to pass an
other check. this time for $40, with the
same signature as on the 'other two
The cashier. becoming suspicious, stated
that he had just locked the cash in the
safe and was therefore unable to cash
the check. They were all forgeries.
A well intended effort was about tc
be made to save the young man from
the penalties of his crime. before it was
known to what extent they had gone
Those who We're willing to befriend
him. thinking that his crime was only
a misdemeanor, have given him up as
a man we'll versed in the highways and
the byways of the transgressor.
EIofTstadt. accompanied by a young
lady, arrived at Cherryvale the early
part of August; under their own names
they register ed al q hotel and were as
assigned to separate rooms. It was ev-
;dent to all that couple were penniless
Hoffstadt was busy in the meantime
| telephoning to friends at Parsons and
his mother a Coffeyville to come tc
their assistance. His mother and q
friend from Parsons arrived and
Strengthened I'D the bill, but the girl
had then passed IS hours without food
A proposition for the girl to return to
/ Parsons was met by vigorus opposition
Parsons was met by vigorous opposition
! accompanied by the mother, went tc
Independence. where they were mar
ried on August Is.
A short residence at Independence
Cherryvale and Cofeyville followed the
/ ill-starred wedding.
IIoffstadt claims he was representing
a Chicago mail order house, as was his
mother. whom he claims IS in Chicago
at present.