davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1921-03-20

eyes of Master John. You never can tell
what may happen to him." were his
mothers instructions to them.
The kidnapping reports became SO per
sistent at one time that Mrs. Brown de.
clared she would take her boy to Europe
ana keep him there If they continued.
She actually took him away in 1907, but
brought him back the next year.
When he went abroad he was well taken
care of. He was accompanied by his
mother, one aunt, one cousin, two maids,
one maid servant and two men servants.
Although such immense sums were
spent on him he was not allowed to have
all the toys that are given to other boys
because he was likely to hurt himself with
some Of them. It was decided long ago
that he could not have firecrackers on the
Fourth Of July. Once he hurt himself
with a firecracker and after that such
playthings were considered out of the
question.
cipal plaything. He conceived the idea
Of having sleighbell on the pony's neck
to warn people he was coming, and this
was thought to denote mechanical genius.
When he was twelve years old he at
tained considerable proficiency in playing
the piano. and his relatives said that he
might become q professional musician
or almost one.
A special athletic trainer, a former all.
round champion, was engaged exclusively
to give little John Nicholas physical train
ing in his private gymnasium.
When he was still only q baby his
The Washington times., 1921-03-20

lam Watts Sherman, during most Of her
life, left her property in possession of the
Brown estate, so that while yielding her
great income It helped to increase the
little boys fortune.
Throughout his life John Nicholas
Brown has been protected with extraor.
dinary care and immense outlay from any.
thing which might threaten his health or
his safety. As baby he was quite deli
cate, and It was often said that his life
hung by the proverbial thread.
"No price is too great to pay for my
babys life." said Mrs Brown during one
crisis of his life. She then engaged a
special train to bring four New York doc
tors to attend him.
He had one doctor OF high standing al
ways in attendance on him, and whenever
anything out of the ordinary troubled him
the most famous specialists In the country
were summoned Immediately.
He had special private COW Of the
highest breeding to keep him, supplied with
pure cream. For a long time he was
ordered to drink a quart Of pure cream
daily.
His COW was pastured on an immensely
valuable piece OF property on Bellevue ave-
nue., in the heart Of the fashionable colony
at Newport. This piece OF land was COM
monty called "the COW lot" by the smart
set. The land was valued at about 800,
900. Baby Browns COW led a very happy
life there, eating the hest of grass and corn
and protected by special caretaker.
AS soon as the bov was old enough to
ride he had a pony of his own, but he was
always accompanied by two mounted at
tendants, one on each side.
During his whole life the boy was
guarded by a score of detectives on ac-
count Of the rumors that he might be kid
mapped and to protect him generally.
Whenever his mother heard of any new
cause of anxiety she increased the num-
ber OF his attendants.
81 would gladly pay, 100000 year."
she once said, "to keep him safe"
His outdoor playground in Newport was
turned into a barbed-wire corral to keep
him safe, and his attendants watched him
all the time he played
The Washington times., 1921-03-20

mother started to build for him q palace
that should be child's paradise. This
place was the villa now known as Harbor
Crest, situated on Halidon avenue. one Of
the most beautiful parts of Newport. Mrs.
Brown had to obtain special permission
from the court to spend all the money from
the boys estate necessary to build this
palace.
The site was exceedingly healthful as
well as picturesque. It was on knoll
overlooking the waters Of Narragansett
Bay. The water touched the edges of the
lawn where the little boy could play under
the care Of his attendants and drink in
the ozone. 1t was hoped that through this
life he would grow out of the poor health
that threatened him.
In this sheltered and salubrious spot
beautiful gardens and Fairgrounds were
laid out to make real outdoor paradise
for the little heir. \
But perhaps the most delightful features
OF the palace were the two great upper
floors. On the, second floor were two
nurseries-one for the day and one for
the night-a gorgeous bathroom and a
room for his principal trained nurse
The night nursery was eighteen feet
each way. Nobody was allowed to breathe
the air in It at the same time as John
Nicholas lest dangerous or unhealthy
germs should be introduced into the apart
ment. The day nursery was 22h feet by
16 feet 3 Inches.
Up on the third floor was the special
playroom of the golden boy. This apart
The Washington times., 1921-03-20

cured. A huge fresh-water pond upon the
grounds was stocked with fish and swans.
Upon this John Nicholas could sail his
miniature boats and mechanical yachts,
planned according to the designs OF his
neighoors, the Herreshoffs.
There were great stables, and whenever
he wished It the smooth concrete floor Of
the stable could be converted into a roller.
skating rink, while his miniature mechani.
cal band furnished music from one of the
stalls.
When he was eight years old John Mich
olas learned to run an electric runabout
himself, but, Of course, with a skilled at
tendant beside him to see that nothing
went wrong.
At one time Mrs Brown feared that he
was suffering from some mysterious sick
ness due to germ which had invaded his
quarters IN spite Of all precautions. II
was Winter, and in order that he might
be absolutely surrounded by doctors she
rushed the heir down to New York bundled
up In furs He recovered from the mys-
terious malady.
There have been signs that various per.
cons Of the fair sey we're making their
plans to take care of John Nicholas. A
few years ago Mrs. Rose Diestelhorst, Of
Kansas City, WHO was administering the
estate Of her daughter Elva, was asked by
the court II she we're educating her child
thoroughly.
"Elva is going to marry John Nicholas
Brown, the richest Toy in America" said
Mrs. Diestelhor,t "she doesn't need an
education for taat."
The Washington times., 1921-03-20

ment was 81 feet by 80 feet.
In this room was an alcovo
in the wall that could DO
turned into an improvised
stage or q miniature menag-
erie, as the whim might
happen to strike him. There
was also q huge storeroom
for toys and implements.
Here he could be perfect
ly happy, however cold, wet
and miserable the weather
might be outside. There
was room for q small army
Of playmates.
The alcove was provided
with movable scenery, set
pieces for children's plays,
mechanical apparatus of
various kinds for entertain
mcnts. big magic lantern
slides and moving picture
screens.
In the grounds of the
palace was a dock, to which
q fine motor launch was se.
The Washington times., 1921-03-20

TOHN NICHOLAS BROWN, "the richest
boy in America" became of age on
February % and entered into posses
sion of his vast fortune.
Young John Nicholas is the heir of the
browns Of Providence, R. l., and the last
bearer Of the name in his family. The
fortune of his grandfather, John Carter
Brown, amounted to s25,00O.000 when he
died In 1874. BY curious combination of
circumstances young John Nicholas has
inherited practically all OF this fortune,
which has been accunulating for years.
An accountant has calculated that that
fortune of $25,OOO,O00, If allowed to accu.
mulate since 1874 at the moderate interest
rate of 5 per cent annually and compound
cd semi-annually, would amount to 1884,
673,263.94 to-day.
Who will be the bride Of this phenom-
enally wealthy young man? When a fel.
low possesses su6h extraordinary riches
1t is inevitable that a great number of
girls should be thinking about marrying
him and that q great many mothers of
girls should be thinking along associated
lines.
Doubtless many charming young women
are already planning TO help him make up
his mind without delay, so that he may
not make a bad mistake. He is a nice
looking young man and he has probably
been reared with more care than any boy
in America on account Of his financial
value. Why shouldn't a girl be thinking
OF marrying him?
Doubtless he will be expected to make
his choice earlier than an ordinary young
man. VIII he yield 10 these amiable sug-
gestions, or will they transform him into
an obstinate bachelor, as has happened in
some similar cases?
Naturally a great many girls IN the fash.
lonable Newport set, with which he has
associated since birth, have an eye on
him. VIII he marry a Vanderbilt, an Astor,
q Goelet, q Havemeyer, Harriman-some
one nearly as rich as himself7
Or will he astonish the world by making
4 romantic match with poor girl? VIII
he, perhaps, succumb to some young
beauty of the stage. from which his rela-
tions have doubtless planned to protect
him7 VIII he go among the artists studios
for his bride? VIII he go abroad to find
a wife. as a number CT rich men have done
lately, because they say American society
girls are too Independent and difficult to
live with?
Young Brown is at present a student at
Harvprd. AS most people know, his
wealthy grandfather was the founder of
Brown University, that important institu-
tion OF learning at Providence, r. l. When
the young heirs mother decided to send
him to Harvard good deal Of chagrin
was felt at Brown over the thought that
the last bearer Of the founders name was
not going to be a student there.
But many friends Of the Brown family
sent their sons to old Harvard, and so the
golden youth had to go there.
A few words explaining how young John
Nicholas came to be so monstrously ricn
are necessary. Old John Carter Brown, who
made the original fortune out of textile
mills and founded Brown University, left
his $26.0o0.o0o in trust for his children in
The Washington times., 1921-03-20

On inquiry Mrs. Brown stated that she
had never heard OF little Elva Diestelhorst.
One Of young Browns greatest friends
at Newport was young William Henry
Vanderbilt, oldest son of the late Alfred
Vanderbilt, who was regarded as the chief
inheritor of the Vanderbilt millions.
The circumstances of the two boys had
many points in common. Both were heirs
OF immensely wealthy families. Little
Brown had lost his father before his birth.
Little Vanderbilt had lost his by divorce
when he was baby.
The boys were related by marriage, as
Mrs. Browns sister married George w.
Vanderbilt. They both lived on Hslidon
Hill, the most beautiful part of Newport.
When they were both lads young
Brown organized "The Brenton's Reef
Yacht Club He was commodore of the
Rub. which had one member besides him
self-vanderbilt
Young Browns first sailing boat was Z
fifteenfooter. called the Murmur. A spec
ial Instructor, Mr.. Hoffman,, taught hin
to handle his boat, which had q crew of
two men. The other member of the club,
Captain Vanderbilt, owned the hfteen-foot-
er Caprice, named after his mothers
thirty-footer Caprice.
The two boys went together to St.
Georges Preparatory School, Newport,
where their parents and attendants could
watch them. 1t would have caused their
mothers too much anxiety to send them
farther away.
The amount to which the Brown fortune
would have grown at five per cent has al
ready been mentioned. As a matter Of
fact there is no way Of finding out how
much the entire estate now amounts.
The growth Of certain parts OF II, how
ever, has been reported at hines In cou,t
proceedings and such parts have increased
much faster thar the Ave per cent rate
mentioned.
For. instance, 100000 saved BY his
father in 1900 had grown to $11.oo0,oo0 IN
1906.
While young Brown was in Europe spec
ial measures were taken to ensure him
against Kidnapping According to Lon
don reports, Llcyds was asked 70 insure
the child against total loss by kidnapping
at a premium Of IS per cent II was sug-
gested that half Of the amount should
cover any ransom in case of kidnapping
When John Nicholas outgrew his little
pony he learned to ride a big horse. Two
men still rode with him, one on q horse
and the other on q bicycle to catch him
in case he should fall.
The great care lavished upon John Mich.
GLASS health and training seems to have
been successful IN overcoming his early
delicacy and making him fairly normal IN
strength. He IL OF pleasing appearance,
with light hair and blue eyes.
The Washington times., 1921-03-20

Even his bedroom
had barred doors
and windows.
When he went
to EN- m a n u Q !
Church at New
port on Sunday he
was accompanied
by a nurse and
two men attend
ants-detectives.
Never take your
The Washington times., 1921-03-20

Ills son, u
Brow n, died
nine weeks af-
ter he married
Miss Nathalie
Bayard Dresser,
who became the
mother Of John
Nicholas, Jr. He
left his property
to his son. His
only b 70 t h e r,
Harold Brown,
died ten days af-
ter his brother,
and though mar.
ried left no
sons. 9 He be-
queathed all his
interests to his
nephew. ~ The
aunt, Mrs. WILL
The Washington times., 1921-03-20

John Nicholas Brown, Now Student at Harvard.
Although the Browns Were the Founders of Brown
University and the Child Laid the Foundation Of the
Brown Memorial Gates at the College, Yet the Young
pontment and Chagrn of Brown University Authorities.
The Washington times., 1921-03-20
Baby Brown and His Pet CAT
and
Earliest Known Photograph of
Multi-Millionaire Baby Brown.

1874. He had three children
John Nicholas Brown. Harold
Brown and Sophia Augusta
Brown who became Mrs.
William Watts Sherman.
His son, john Nicholas
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08
WOMEN FAINT IN PANIC
FOLLOWING COLLISION

BUFFALO, y. y. Aug. IA
panic in which several women faint
ed followed the collision Of the
Ossian Bedeu, a small steamer
bound for an amusem cpt beach
with the City of Buffalo, inbound
from Cleveland. in the h2rbor here
Sunday night.
The Ossian Bedell was trying 10
pass the big passenger boat which
was being towed in by two tugs,
when high winds caused the stern of
the City Of Buffalo TO veer over in
the path Of the smaller craft. En-
gines were reversed but the collision
was inevitable.
The bow Of the Bedell wedged
itself into the stern of the City of
Buffalo so firmly that it took tugs
half an hour ID pull her off
When the crash came there was
panic stricken rush for life pre-
servers on the Cssian BedelL no
one was injured.
The Bedell was badly damaged,
but proceeded under her own power
TO a dry dock for repairs. The City
Of Buffalo was able to start the re-
turn trip to Cleveland after the ac-
cident.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08
EUeryday Ad- Ventures

That's What You Gail Service
When your StenOgrapher is getting
ready 10 go away. for a two weeks
vacation and YOU don't know where
to look for a substitute and YOU be-
sin to entertain gloomy thoughts
about closing up your office till she
comes back
And she tells you what "a nice
cool resort she is going to. but all
you can think about is that thing
are going 10 he pretty w9im around
the office after she has gone
And you ask if any Of her friends
would like to take her place but
they're all either away or busy
And then che asks you why yoJ
don't put an ad for a substitute in
the Help Wanted columns of The
News -Times-and you say. "By
George. never thought of that
but III try one!"-
And the next day a quiet, efficien.
girl answers your ad and you give
her a trial and she does so we'll and
fits into the work so quickly that you
don't care if your regular steno-
grapher stays away for a month
oh. Man, That's What You Call Sec
vice,
Copyright 1927. by Basil L. smith,
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08

Japan began 20 meet a similar fate,
and thousands there are singing
the praises Of His name
I'm the year 1920 two hundred and
seventy-hve Methodist young people
and proportionate numbers from
other churches needed the great
missionary call and went 20 various
corners Of the earth 20 proclaim the
glad tidings that are embodied in
the name OF Jesus. This Is only the
beginning Of the greatest missionary
movement ever undertaken by the
church And the world is ripe for
this endeavor, begging as IL IS for
the bread that stills the pangs OF
physical hunger, IL is hungrier still
for the bread of life that Jesus
brought. II is beginning 10 realize
that the stone discarded by its build
ers is, after all, the true corner stone
and that there is salvation in none
other, save Jesus Christ. God speed
the day when the government shall
be upon His shoulder; and His name
shall be called Wonderful. Counsel
Tor, the mighty God, the everlasting
Father, the Prince of Peace"
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08
Reports Theft of Ford
Coupe From Barron Lake

The theft Of a Ford coupe from
the front Of the dance pavilion at
Barron Lake was reported 10 the
South Bend Police about Il o'clock
last night, by Darold Swindiman,
423 ". Lasalle av., this city. Mr..
Swindiman, accompanied by his wife
and several friends. went 10 the lake
early in the evening. Upon leaving
at 10 o'clock, they discovered that
the car was gone and notified the
police in that section. An obl.ging
motorist from South Bend took the
party back 10 South Bend with him
and the authorities were notified
here.
The car was a new Ford coupe,
1921 model bearing the Ind:ana
license, No. 21717O. Besides the car
itself. wearing apparel which was
left in the machine was taken in
Guiding a top coat. belonging TO Mr..
Swindiman and two hats belonging
TO ladies in the party. The coupe
was locked.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08
DQaths
RODENT Z. SUMPTION

Robert T. sumption. life-lorg
citizen of South Bend. died at MS
home, 726 W Calvert ST.. Sunday
morning at 10 o'clock after an i'll
ness Of two and a half years with
paralysis.
He was born in South Bend aud
was Il years old. He is survived by
six children, Addie. Henry, George
and Robert Sumption, Mrs Elmer
Peterson and Mrs. John SaddisOn,
all of South Send.
Funeral services will be held from
The residence of his son, Henry
sumption 204 T. Broadway ST.,
Tuesday afternoon at 8 o'clock. Bur
.al viii bc i'm Riverview cemetery.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08

officials throughout the entire coun-
try. Gambling and .ewd concessions
are believed 10 have caused the fail
Ure Of more fairs than any other one
thing and their elimination and the
substitution OF clean, wholesome at
fractions Is thought by many TO be
the panacea-
y committee Of business men from
South Bend and Mishawaka visited
the fair grounds at Springbrook park
Friday and after inspecting the new
Exposition building and having the
plans for the coming fair explained
thoroughly they pledged their hearty
support in making the event this
year a recoq1 breaker.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08
HOLD FOUR MEN FOR
PART IN THEFT PLOT

CHESTER, Pa, Aug. T. Four
men were held without bail after
hearing in police court here SUNDAY.
charged with being participants in
an alleged conspiracy TO hold up
and rob Saturday nights meeting of
the Iron Workers Building ami
Loan association. The IOlice de-
clared they frustrated the alleged
plot and saved the receipts of the
meeting which amounted 10 NOR"
than $4,000.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08
CARL WHTFONG

Carl Byron WiItfouE. son Of Mr..
and Mrs Wubert Wiltfong, died al
The parental home, 416 Hammer ST.
Sunday afternoon az 1920 o'clork
after a short illness Of SO hours with
lockiaw.
He was born Aug. Il. 1918 aud
was eight years old. He is survived
~ his parents. two brothers. Ken
meth and Don. and two sisters. DORIS
and Ida
Funeral services VIII be held from
tbe residence Tuesday afternoon al
$3.50 o'clock. Rev. c. c. Jordan Off.
ciating Burial VIII DE in Highland
cemetery.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08

Jean, infant daughter of Mr.. and
Mrs Edwin C.. Ely. died at the par
entail home. 534 T. Bowman St,
sunday morning at $50 o'clock Aft
er q 1--WE months fitness with indi-
session.
She was born Jan. Is, 1921 and
was six months old She is sur
vived by her parents and four bro
theirs. Robert. James, Rodger and
gichard
Funeral services will be held from
The residence Monday afternoon Of
$50 O'Clock. Rev G.. W. Rench Of
eciating Burial will be in High
land cemetery.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08
Studebaker Band
Concert Pleasing
TO Music Lovers
Large Crowd Hears Musical
Program at Howard Park
Woman SOlOist Sings.

An enormous crowd of music low
ers gathered at Howard park Sunday
evening to hear the second concert
Of the season by the Studebaker band
and they were highly entertained by
this splendid musical organization.
Nearly all OF the several thousand
people were held spellbound from
the time Conductor Il. a. Miller sig
nailed his baton for the start of the
opening march. "Cymbaline," until
the final note of the national anthem
faded out into the night.
It became necessary at the last
moment TO change the program
slightly but the alteration did not
detract from the merit. Ii must be
said that the concert came up to
every expectation as the band played
the classics in a very artistic man.
ner. attacking the difficult passages
with confidence and the phrasing
was Of a very high order. The
Ballet Egyptienne" was we'll ex-
ecuted, the solOists carrying their
parts well and much credit must be
given to the director, T. a. Miller
who had absolute control of his mu-
sicians.
Miss MCkenna Sings Well.
The lighter compositions We're al
so well played by the band and the
hearty applause accorded the mu
| sicians by the vast audience was
evidence that they were well receiv'
ed and appreciated. This necessitat
ed many encores which were cheer
fully given. Miss McKenna added
charmingly to the concert in her two
numbers, which fomented much en-
thusiasm. She confined her singing
entirely to popular numbers.
She sang Dear Little Boy OF
Mine" as her opening numbIr and
| IL went over biz" 1t uecessitateC
an encore 10 which she gracefully
responded in singing Let the Res
of The World Go BY" She has a
very loud and clear voice, which
penetrated the great arena very
pleasantly. For her second number
she sang Give Me All OF You
which also demanded an encore tC
which she responded with my
Nanny" This proved especially
/ pleasing to her auditors, compelling
/ her TO sing the chorus several times
South Bend is fortunate in having
/ such fine band and it is hopeC
there vi be many more appear,
/ anccs before the current season
| closes.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08
WANT REPRESENTATION

TOXIC, Aug. THE government
of the far eastern republic is des.r-
Gus OF being represented at the
Washington conference on arm3-
lens The Jill Shimpohas advices
from Vladivostok which declare tn
Chita government believes its inter
est thus would be protected and will
make Representations shortly TO gain
the privilege of participation in Tho
deliberations.
Read Wyman's Money Saving
nd 97-13.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08

One OF the free attractions that
will delight the thousands OF visit
ors 10 the 1921 fair which opens
Tuesday, September 18th. is Grigs-
by's Acrobatic Dogs. This aggrega-
t'cr OF CANNES is said 10 be the most
highly trained Of any on the road
and their almost human stunts have
delighted people throughout the en-
tire world.
While this ~ only one OF the at
fractions already listed, IL serves 10
Illustrate the nature and quality Of
amusements that are being secured.
The fair officials are determined 10
eliminate every form Of gambling or
concessions where the Goddess Of
Chance plays a part and the result
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-08
perS Ona1s

Miss Mildred Whitmer, 754 Leland
av., who has been the guest for the
last three weeks at the summer home
of Mr. and Mrs. c. O, Maus, Sout-
hampton, Ontario. Can, returned to
her home Saturday.
DR.. H. Z. Forster of Kansas City,
Mo, is the guest Of his mother, Mrs.
Henry Forster, 215 y. Lafayette St,
for a few days.
Mrs. Horace KiracOse of Hunting
ton, Ind, and Mrs. George Zurbuch
and daughter Dorothy Of Fort Wayne
Ind. arrived Sunday evening to be
guests at the home of John Baum
Gartner, 522 Leland av-