The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-06-30

Haousekccpcr of the Humorlst Gets
Blg Lot of His Money and Fices TO
Europe-May Have Forged His
Name.

Va the irreLularity of the conduct OF
19rs. Ralph w. Ashcroft In the man.
agement Of the household affairs of
Aark Twain and the subsequent serv-
NJ Of writ Of attachment at her
Tome through the efforts of the lat
der received cfficial verification from
the humorist today at his home in
nsdding. Conn.
Nr. Clepens was lying down when
q reporter visited the house today and
ssat down word that Sunday being a
4y Of rest he was about to take a
1apL That ne feels strongly upon the
osbject was proved when ne sent
1cwn his private secretary with au-
shortly to speak freely on all phases
~ the ms>ter. Later the secretary
~ss joined by Miss Clara Clemens, the
Oldest daughter of Mark Twain. who
nns gained some repute as concert
e1ngor and was the original cause of
ne whole matter being brought to
utsht.
TO really understand the case one
hus to 60 way back" said Mr.. Glenn
sus' secretary. Mrs. Ashcroft had
BEEN Mr.. Clemens secretary for sew
en years. having come to him upon
Ne recommendation OF mis- business
aeent In Hartford.
"At that: time she was plain Miss
Lyon. When she made her appear
aucs upon the scene Miss Clara Glenn
sns was away on concert tour. and
Miss Jane. Mr. Clemens 9TH
or daughter. was Ina sani-
ea1ium so she had clear
feld for whatever she wanted to do.
mp was q very quiet and eficient
voting lady and very soon secured Mr..
clsnsens' absolute confidence and be-
zane the head Of the household. di-
'rtctins all his AFFAIRS.
when MI. Clemens began to build
Ne new pilce at Redding she super
v1ssd the work and furnishings and
~ carte blanche 90 far az making
Wosnditurss was concerned. It must
y admitted that she performed these
efnces verl' we'll and a. an scknowl-
edgmsnt Of her services Mr.. Clemens
Usedsd her piece Of property here.
The place :onsisted of about twenty
neres and had on II an old fashioned
4rm house. whlth Miss Lyon pro-
posed to repair az residence for her
ssosher.
~At this time she was. receiving a
'n1ary OF $50 month besides her
1sep. travelling expenses and such
eehsr expenses. Also she had been
= Mr. Clemens employ 90 long that
- had not the slightest suspicion Of
anything she chose GO do or tell him.
1T was lr 1907 that she began the
rsconstruction Of the old house. about
. year before Mr.. Clemens place.
1osmield. was completed. During
0< course OF these operations she In
forr,ed Mr.. Clemens that II would be
nsc<<ary for her to mort
onst the property he had CIV
m her In order to raise
NE amount requisite for the repairs.
Re told her not 70 do any such thing,
Int to use his money and make an
orcountins when the work should be
epmpieted.
AIRS. Ashcroft accepted this pro-
Dosltion and the repairs and
ooostrnction on her house con-
'Jnusd until the fall of 1908
~hea she reported that she
1ad used s1.5oe of Mr.. Clemens
noney He never examined his bank
occount nor his check book: every
thinis was absolutely in Miss Lyons
hants and he never questioned her
word
} II was not until February or March
of this year that any complications
nrose. Some friends Of Mr.. Clemens
Who were familiar with the facts told
him thnt Miss Lyon was not living by
my means In fashion In accordance
wiihtber income. she had furnished
her house most lavishly. all sorts %
luxurious fixings had been installed
and. II one could Judge by appear
ance. the amount she had claimed for
repairs. coupled with her salary for
year. could not buy half the things
she had provided herself with.
Both of Mr.. Clemens daughters
urged their father to have an investi-
cation made"
And that" broke In Miss Clara
Clemens. Increased Miss Lyons dis
like for the rest OF us. had an aw.
ful time getting father to take the