The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1909-05-11
By THOS. j. n

BY THOS. j. PENCE.
Washington, D.. c., May S.-J0hn G.
Davis, the Wilmington. North Caro-
lima lawyer, who some fifteen years
ago swind!ed widows and other de-
serving people Of that city out of
thousands OF dollars. which he de-
voted in part to church purposes, has
"stung' people in Washington, many
OF whom are Women to the extent OF
probably two hundred thousand dol
lars.
For his offense in North Carolina,
Davis was adjudged insane and sent
to h Hospital at Raleigh where he
was confined for a number OF years.
After his discharge from that insti-
tuition Davis came to Washington and
has engaged in the practice Of Law.
He never mingled with Tar Heels here
and his identity had almost been lost.
While making a rantic effort to es-
cape the clutches Of the police, Davis
wa taken in Gust ody yesterday. To-
day his brother Martin T. Davis. was
arrested, though he says he is guilty
of no %offense.
At police headquarters today Davis
was confronted with a steady stream
of callers who exhibited papers show
ing that they had entrusted to him
various sums to invest.
The theory upon which the District
Attorneys office is working is that
John c.. Davis obtained the funds
from the investors. and tina he turn
ed over at least a portion Of them to
his brother, Marin T. Davis, for in
vestment. 1t is claimed that when the
investment lenders would demand
some showing for their investment
they would be shown Or given pass
books indicating that the money had
been deposited with the Potomac
Company, Of which his brother is
president.
Davis, it is said. not only operated
in Washington, but also got money
from persons living in other cities.
1t is doubtful whether he was able to
work any one in North Carolina by
reason Of his known record.
Despite the fact that Davis has
clients recently, he had only seven
cents upon his person when arrested.
Yes, l have plenty of money" said
Davis lightly, as he was being photo
graphed at police headquarters to-
day.
Give me a check book and I'll
write you a check for a Million"
"On what bank?" he was asked.
"On the Bank of Heaven, the
strongest financial institution in the
would give the police no lucid answer
to any question. He said that he
could tell. the police nothing until he
was provided with a Bible and hymn
books.
His action and his conversation did
not appear rational, but the police
were inclined to the belief that they
We're affected.
Here's $780, OO," he said to one
of the detectives, putting his hand in
his pocket. keep one-half and give
the other half to the widows. and or
phanS.'
Davis expressed surprise when he
did not find the wealth. He COM
T. 49, -
taken from him by the police.
Davis had a handsome suite Of Off
ces in the Columbian building, on
Fifth street. 1t is said that he had
a large number of clients, many of
whom were Women whose money he
invested although he vas not fire.
quentiy seen in court.
What Did He Do With 1t?
A peculiar feature Of the case is
the fact hat the police AVE been UNI
able to for the manner in
which Davis used the money which it
is claimed he did not invest as he rep
to his clients.
From what the detectives have been
able to learn, he. was not q man who
spent money extravagantly. His
clothing was almost shabby When he
was brought to headquarters.
Asked if he had ever been treated
in a sanatorium for mental trouble,
he said:
L WAS IN the state Hospital Tor the
Insane at Raleigh between six and
seven years, and was in a sanatOrium
in this city. But my mind is as bright
as a whistle"
And as for money he added, Il
have plenty of it. I'll give you a
check for $4,000 right now If you
will promise to give most of it to the
WIDOWS and orphans. And last night
was the happiest man in the world.
was with God all night, engaged in
prayer and can feel Him in nv hear