Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-05-25
ROBARTS MYSTERY
Cleared Up,By Finding of Body
 at Lakewood Park.

-------- After several days of constant worry the friends of George H. Robarts who disappeared from his room at the Turkish lbath establishment about $ kO'clock a week ago last night receiv- led a great shock last evening when 1t Twas reported that the body of the miss $ing man had been discovered in the water Ut Lakewood park. The body *was seen of the northeastern shore of {the upper lake and when 1t was pulled Bout by Officers Madden and Cronin it #was in a state of decomposition evil <dently showing that nobarts must have found his watery grave not long #After he left his room. It is thought Robarts entered the water up near tile bridge.
 Robarts of late had been in. poor health and for several days before ne was missed had been unusually mel ancholy. When found the body was attired in the gray suit familiar to all who knew the dead man, a soft flannel shirt and black bow tic. On his left hand were his diamond rings but his gold watch and chain were missing. A strange thing in connec- ton with the body was that the hands were tightly embedded in his pock- cts and 1t was some time before they could be pulled out. It was by acci- dent that the body was discovered So soon. Yesterday afternoon Dawson Jerklns of Birch street and Thomas Flannigan of Division street were fishing at the upper lake when they saw the body about ten feet from the shore. The boys did not go home i'm mediately and consequently no one heard of the affair until the Flanlligan boy related it to his father ct the supper table. The father did not re- gard the story with much seriousness at first but at length became convinced that his on might have actually seen the body. He and his hoy started out and found Officer Madden who was on duty on North Main street. They informed him of the case. Officers Madden and Cronin set out for the lake with young Flannigan leading, after going over many rocks and through some very thick brush they landed on the shore whence they could see the body There it was just as the youth had stated. The officers succeeded in bringing it to shore and the former instantly recognized it as that of George Robarts.
 Word was sent to headquarters and Dr Frederick Graves who was acting medical examiner in the absence of ~Dr Crane was informed of the finding. He took the next car for the lake and with E. L. Maloney who also heard of the discovery, proceeded with the officers who were awaiting them to the spot where the body lay. Dr Graves on examining the coat found note book with the name George II. Robarts and discovered the diamond rings on the left hand. The doctor found no other articles with the exception of a large stiletto stuck in the ground di- rectly In front of where the body Lad been sighted. Dr Graves placed the body in charge of F.. l.. Maloney who after ,telephoning from Zweibel's tu other Elks waited at the lake with Detective Kennaugh who arrived on the scene shortly after the body was found, until Exalted Ruler Castle with several other members of the local lodge arrived with the undertak- CT to take charge of the body. IL was kept In Bergin's morgue during the night.
 The news of the finding of Robarts' body spread rapidly and until mid- night there were many persons on their way to the lake to learn what they could about the affair.
 George H. Robarts was one of the best known men of the town and dur ing his twenty years stay in this city he built up friendship that strangers are seldom able 10 accomplish. Ho came to Waterbury about twenty years ago to enter the employ of the Sing CT Sewing Machine company for which concern he worked for about eight years. About twelve years ago he was offered a position by the He'll mann Brewing company which he ac- cepted md which he held ,yuntil a couple of months ago when he was forced to resign because of i'll health. The past two years his health / has been anything but good and several times the deceased had to take q vaca- ton in order to regain his lost strength. About a year and half ago he figured in a runaway from the injuries of which he never fully recovered.
 A week before he disappeared he bought the Turkish Baths on Leaven- worth street and that week was the last tune he saw his mother. Thurs day of that week she was in this city to aid him in closing the deal and the following morning left for her home in Bogota. \. ].
 The local lodge of Elks fearful of the worst when Robarts did not return after few days absence notified his father who arrived in town Thursday afternoon. As he could do nothing he returned home again Thursday night
 Robarts was about 45 years ct age. He leaves besides his parents. Mir and Mrs Thomas ]. Robarts, one sister, Mrs F. l.. FIske of New York city.
 Thomas Robarts brother of the de. ceased lost his life by being drowned a few years ago. He was in boat not far from his home when 1t eap- sized and he was unable to save him. self.
 NJ. I. Bowler manager of the West ern Union Telegraph system In thii city had a dream Thursday evening which turned out to be all too true yazfcrsIav Mr Rowicr was telling his