The Republican journal., 1922-10-26
STOCKTON SPRINGS

Mr.. and Mrs. W. Lambert are feeilnt
justly pleased at the final outcome o
their efforts to. restore to Mr.. and Mrs
Clarence A. Smith of Dighton, Mass
their son Russell, after Al months oi
captivity, the child having been stoler
from their home April 18th, 1919. Mrs
Smith is a sister of the husband of one oi
Mr.. Lambert's daughters, having his
special interest in the child, although he
had never seen the mother until she
met him and wife at Bangor in answer
to their telegram. Conversant with the
particulars at the time of kidnapping and
being father himself, Mr.. Lambert had
always been on the lookout for stray
boys Visiting his daughter in Lagrange
recently he learned of boy who had
been left by a strange man and woman
with Mr.. L. c. Lancaster, q neighborng
farmer. immediately he thought OF the
missing boy, learning from Mr.. Lancaster
that man, woman and two children had
arrived at his home the Saturday preced
ing Labor Day. Their 'calico horse"
gave out completely, SO they were forced
to remain with Mr.. Lancaster until Mon
day. In the meantime the man had been
SO abusive to the boy Mr.. Lancaster had
interfered, telling him he could not per-
nit such treatment, and when the man
departed for Millinocket he said in words
that will not bear repeating that MIR.
Lane aster could keep the boy. Later the
man returned-about two weeks ago
but did not care to take the boy. All
this Mr.. Lambert knew, and upon re-
turning home and talking with his wife
she became impressed and wrote to their
daughter living in Providence near Mrs.
Smith, telling of the possibility of its
being the long 'ost son, she informing the
mother. Mrs. Lambert had only recently
returned from visit to her daughter in
Providence, where she met Mrs. Smith,
who told her of their unceasing search
for the boy, but so far unsuccessful Not
satisfied with this writing Mr. and Mrs
Lambert motored to Lagrange, taking
their camera along and photographing
the lad in several positions. These pic
lures they sent TO the mother and father,
who felt hopeful it might be their son.
In answer to a telegram from Mr.. Lam
bert the mother came to Bangor, where
she was met by Mr.. and Mrs. Lambert
with their car and taken to Lagrange to
see the boy. The mother heart at once
felt it was her boy, but not wishing to be
hasty they came to Bangor where special
officials examined him; also physician
his eyes, which had been operated on for
being crossed previous to his being kid
mapped. Finally scar in the forehead
caused when little fellow by falling
from his wagon, was discovered and this
seemed to be conclusive proof, at least
the officers were satisfied, permitting her
to leave with the child to see If the father
too felt it was their child. Both were
convinced the child is their own son and
are rejoicing accordingly. He by himself
can remember nothing, as yet, of his
former life, but has evidently been very
harshly treated during his captivity and
had no rearing more than little animal.
He seems strong and active and ready to
work-in TACT, judging from his calloused
hands he mus have had to work very
hard. The parents are rejoicing over the
good fortune and duly grateful TO Mr.. and
Mrs. Lambert for havin made this pos
sible.