The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-08-05
CONVICT TUTOR
FIGURES IN THE
TOMPK|NS STRIFE
Former San Quentin Prisoner
Was ParOIed After Service
to Warden's Son
New Light Thrown on the Part
That Gordon Played in
Couples Separation

That there may be another side TO
the troubles which led to the separs-
tion Of Major John W. Tompkins. for
mer warden of san Quentin prison. and
his wife. the story Of which was told
exclusively I'm The Call yesterday
morning. developed yesterday when it
was learned that the family life of
the couple had been unhappy for many
months prior to the open break which
occurred 10 days ago. While the
friends of the family were not gener-
ally Informed on the trend of the do
mestic tragedy. neighbors have noticed
for some time the growing antipathies
in the family. The part that former
Convict Gordon played in the difficulty
was not generally known
II is thought that the chance for q
reconciliation is scant.
FIRES SHOTS IN NIGHT
1t is reported that Tompkins would
frequently get up at midnight and IRE
Off a revolver to the accompaniment of
loud yells. an activity calculated by
him to brighten away thieves and rob
beers.
Ten days ago Mrs. Tompkins locked
her husband and son out Of the prem
sses and put up the place for sale.
Then she disappeared. leaving word
that mail or communications of any
SORT, should be addressed 10 her
through the general delivery of the
Oakland postoffice. BY that means she
where her husband could neither fol-
low nor ind her. After leaving Fruit
o vale she took lodgings in San Fran
cisco, but is thought TO be in Santa
Cruz. IL was reported yesterday that q
mutual friend OF Major Tompkins and
his wife was in Santa Cruz endeavor-
Ing 10 effect reconciliation, but with
out avail.
SECURES GORDoN'S PAROLE
The whereabouts of Mrs. Tompkins
friend Gordon, the former convict, was
not known Captain of Detectives
Peterson Of Oakland said that he
thought the fellow was in San Diego.
Peterson said that Tompkins secured
the parole Of Gordon, who acted as
tutor for Harold Tompkins. the son.
while the family lived al the peni-
Tertiary. 1t was during this period of
tutorship that Mrs. Tompkins became
kins' term as warden expired he re-
turned 10 Oakland 10 live, and Gordon.
then discharged from the prison. was
frequent visitor at the Tompkins
home.
One report is that he betrayed the
trust imposed in him first by stealing
from the place.
New light on the temperamental diff
ferences between Tompkins and his
n "
Pratt nephew of the family. Pratt
said. Until ] read in The Call this
morning that the feeling of sympathy,
or friendship. which Mrs Tompkins
had for Gordon led to an estrangement
In the family I was unaware of that
complication, although I knew that
Gordon had acted as tutor for Harold
TOmpkins at San Quentin. But I have
known Tor some time that the Temp
kinses have been drifting apart Mrs
TOmpkins is about 49 years of age. and
has always delighted IN social life In
that she differed from her husband.
who was OF more quiet and serious
turn OF mind.
GORDON FASCINATING
Gordon was sent to the penitentiary
on charge involving the misappro-
priatiOn Of funds of an estate. Before
his disgrace he had been a teacher in
university and was q man Of bril-
liant attachments and fascinating man
ner."
The details Of the accident in which
Mrs. Tompkins was injured were told
yesterday by friends Of the family
About Is years ago Mrs. Tompkins and
her son were staying in Cazadero. A
stage in which they were driving ran
away, and Mrs Tompkins and the boy
were thrown out. The woman grabbed
tho child as they both fell and saved
him from injury a the expense of her
own safety Her hip was severely in
iured. George Montgomery, the mil
lionaire Salvationist was the owner of
the stage line. and Mrs. Tompkins sued
him for $4,000 damages and won the
case.
Major Tompkins has been well known
ln public life in Oakland. AT one time
ne was chief Of police He also served
rs city clerk, and held other positions
both prior and subsequent to his term
re warden at San Quentin