The San Francisco call., 1907-06-10
BACK FROM
ISLANDS OF HAWA||A
IN HAhDCUFFs
Rev. w. D. Clark Admits
That He Eloped With
His Wife's Sister
ACCUSED OF FORGERY
Companion in Flight Said to
Be Destitute in
Honolulu
ACCUSED OF FORGERY

Rev. w. D. Clark facing the charges
of forgery and of having eloped with
his wife's sister. was brought back
from Honolulu on the steamship Sierra
yesterday in custody of Sheriff Fur
ness of Barre county. Michigan.
sClark, up to 1905, was a resident Of
Hastings, Mich, where he had been the
leading clergyman in the Congrega-
tional church for Is years.
When he disappeared he left his wife
and two children behind him, and no
explanation was offered for his action
until several weeks had elapsed Then
came the double charge that he had
forged check for 5000 and that he
was accompanied III mis- flight by hts
sister in law, Miss Nettie Gettard, OF
Dayton, Ohio.
Information that the erring preacher
and his companion were philandering
among the palms of the islands reached
Michigan recently and Sheriff F'urness
was ordered to Honolulu to apprehend
Clark and bring him back to Barre
county
Clark was found without difficulty
and offered no resistance when told
that he must accompany the sheriff
home. 1t was his intention to have re
turned of his own accord next Janu-
ary, he declared, as he was anxious to
face what was before him as quickly
as possible.
Clark talked readily of the charges
against him upon his arrival here yes
terday. He is tall, striking looking
man, with gray shot hair, black eyes
and heavy. dark eyebrows He has a
very dignified bearing and pro-
nounced pulpit manner in his speech.
Domestic trouble, he hfnted, was in
the main responsible for his escapades.
II have been preaching and con-
Quoting a private school in Honolulu
since leaving Hastings. he explained.
My sister In law was with me most
of the time in Honolulu. Several
months ago she returned to San Fran
cisco and went to work in Oakland.
I thought she would remain there but
much to my surprise, she returned to
Honolulu about month ago. She is
dress maker and has supported her
self for years at that work. She is
about my own age-41.
Yes. I grew. up with her and my
wife from childhood. was always
fond of her and she came to visit our
family In Hastings frequently. I have
two children. My wife and her folks
are well known in Dayton, Ohio NV
wife was born there.
How did I find Honolulu? I was
exceedingly happy there. I had the
support of the missionary church and
the help Of the Young Mems Christian
association. There is something about
the tropics which appeals to me very
keenly. Yes, was very happy, but I
intended to return to Hastings and
adjust my affairs They were in a bad
tangle, and was set upon returning,
but my sister wrote to me last Janu-
ary that I had better stay where I
was. She said I would be better off in
the islands. Probably she was right,
but I was determined to return
Il lived in Honolulu under my own
name. but changed my initials from
w. D. to M. L..
yes, I am aware that I am accused
Of forging a check for $500, but you
will excuse me from discussing that
matter now. 1t might affect me when
I get back to Hastings. 1t Is not true
that I got away with 500 belonging
to other people. You have been mis-
informed on that
Anxious to have It over? Yes. I
am. Til be glad when whatever pen
atty is coming to me will be doled out.
I am fully conscious Of my transgres-
sions."
When Clark left the Sierra he was
handcuffed to the sheriff, who con-
Quoted him to Oakland and placed him
in Jail there pending their start for
the east tonight.
Miss Gettard. who ran away with