Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-04-10
CHILD TAKEN BY
ACTOR FATHER
T. JEFF WHITE AGAIN IN THE
LIMELIGHT
BABY GIRL AT eRANDMoTHER's
HOME
Dying Wish of Deserted Wife Is un-
needed and Former Theatrical
Manager Now Has Possess
sion of Little One

Little 5-year-old Alma White was
taken by her father, L. JEFF White,
Yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock from
the, corner of Ninth and Georgia
streets. say witnesses of the event, ana
hurried to the home of Whites mother,
Mrs. ]. w. Jauch, 400 South Grano
avenue. where the child is said to be
held a prisoner.
More than a year ago, 1t, is alleged,
White eloped with chorus girl and
VI ent to San Diego, leaving MS wire
and child in Los Angeles penniless. lie
was arrested on charge of desertion
and brought back to Los Angeles last
August. Then, it is said, he promised
TO provide for his wife and child, but
failed to do so.
Mrs. White went to live with Mrs.
Jennie Gooch, 910 West Ninth street.
Mrs. Gooch had raised and educated
Mrs. White and looked upon her as
daughter.
White, it is claimed. at this time left
for Oakland in company with the
chorus girl.
10 Just before she died she gave the
child to Mrs. Gooch with instructions
to raise the little one and not allow
it's father to have her.
wednesday night White arrived in
Los Angeles and yesterday hung around
Mrs. Gooch's residence, watching for
an opportunity to take the child. About
5 o'clock Mrs. Gooch allowed the girl
to GO across the street to neighbor'
to play with some children. That was
the last she saw of her.
Falls to Return
When the child failed to return Mrs.
Cooch went to look for the little one.
She met the grocer at Ninth and
Georgia streets. He told her White
bad taken the child away. She imme-
diately notified the police. but they
could do nothing, owing to her not
being the legal guardian of the child.
Mrs. White died because of worry
caused by being deserted" said Mrs,
Gooch last night white was for
merly connected with the Casino the
ater in this city. He met a chorus girl
and eloped with her. He was arrested
in San Diego ON a desertion charge
and brought back to Los Angeles. He
made all kinds of promises and SAID
he would support Mrs. White and
Alma. but not one cent did he ever
give her after making all those prom
ises.
"TIis mother Mrs. Mary A. Hotch-
kiss. since married to DR.. j. W. Jauch'
az one time gave the deserted woman q
S25. I took care of Mrs. White and
Alma. Mrs. White began to decline
and / did all in my power to bring her
back to health. Her husbands actions
broke her heart and she gradually
pined away The physicians say she
died of pulmonary tuberculosis, but !
am positive she died of broken heart.
Promises Dying Mother
ION her death bed she told me to
keep Alma and take care of her. She
said her husband was not a mt person
to raise the child.
II consulted Attorney Isidore Dock
weller and he is preparing papers to
introduce in court SO / will be appoint
ed guardian of the child.
"rhe little one knows her father ran
off with the chorus girl is afraid
OF him. Alma will never be contented
away from me- and I shall do all that
/ can to have the court give her to me.
Il hardly ever let Alma go far from
the house, but yesterday afternoon she