The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-08-26

Man Who Made Fortune in Klon-
dixie Returns to Find Wife
Divorced.
Special to The Journal,

Klondike country has furnished its
share of romantic stories Of separated
families and the return Of wealthy in
dividuals who have been grubstaked
and come home with wealth untold, but
there is more to the story of Judson E.
Lathrop than the mere returning with
gold galore, for he finds that his wife
is divorced, and that his mother and
sister have passed away. For fourteen
years Lathrop had notHheard from his
relatives, and it was generally believed
he was dead. & I. ILL., N
Fourteen years ago Mr.. Lathrop was
travelling for a milling company. From
one Of his trips, he did not return; he
did not even write home or give any
clue to his whereabouts. Two weeks
ago he returned to his home at Apple
ton, Wis, and informed his son, Alfred,
who is employed in railroad office at
Milwaukee, ofyhis desire to renew his
standing with his family. His son
writing to his sisters, Misses Hazel and
Bernice. Iathrop :, Of this city. The
meeting occurred: at Summit, S.. D.,
where Mr.. Iathrop has brother teach
ing school. The Misses Lathrop re-
turned to their home here today and
give the incidents Of the father s.
absence q ! ~."+:G2fI Z
y Trip to Klondike. II .
Mr.. Lathrop started for the ,Klondike
with 500 in cash and on reaching
Seattle he was without funds. But he
was taken thru by a party of friends.
On reaching the gold fields the party
went 800 miles into the interior. At.
amassed 500 1000 and with that he
started back home. On reaching
Ketchikan he was taken sick with the
scurvy, and for one year he lay sick in
the hospital, and when he came out he
said he did not have dollar Of his
small fortune left. There was nothing
for him to do but to make the start
all over again, and he met with better
results. He secured several mines that
were profitable and he sold out a por-
ton Of them for 100000. =.
Returns Home. i
Two years ago, prompted by the love
he, still bore his family, he decided to
return to his old home He reached.
Seattle and there learned of the fact
that his wife had secured divorce and
bad re re- e Again Mr.: Lathrop
After two years his wealth had in
creased to a larger sum and again the
longing came over him to see his rela-
tives, and two weeks ago he reached
his former home at Appleton.
After his meeting with his children
he took them to Appleton, which visit,
however, was saddened by the fact that
his mother and his sister had died. He
brought home with him golden gifts
and was saddened that they were not
there to receive them. He has made
many gifts to his home town, besides
expanding large sum in decorating the
graves Of his mother and sister,
Gives Aid to Churches.
Mr.. Lathrop is now thoroly re-
formed man. and leads a Christian life
At Seattle and in Alaska he has given
large sums of money to aid in church
work In talking to his daughterc
| them never to marry man who had the
slightest desire for drink, as, he in
sisted, it would grow upon them. Mr..
Lathrop will settle an annuity on his
children to provide for them as long as
they live. a."
Wife Divorced.
Three years after Mr.. Lathrop; went
away his wife secured a divorce on the
ground of desertion and at that time
moved out to Ashton, s. D., and made
her home with relatives. Nine years
ago she was married to I. w. Seaman,
Of this city, wealthy ranch and stock
owner, who owns handsome residence
near the business district. The two
daughters will continue to make their
residence with him. Both are ac-
complished young ladies, Miss Hazel
being an exceptionally fine musician.
Mr.. Lathrop expressed himself to his
daughters as being satisfied with his
lot and does not blame any member of
his family for all that has taken place.
AS soon as he finishes his business in
this. country, which is for the, purpose
Of buying an immense quantity of ma
chinery for his mining plants, he will
return to the Klondike country, there to
pick up the thread of his; life. -