The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-10-24
George L./Haymond, Short
$4,000, Held Victim of
Friends.
BY GEORGE SCOFIELD
Times staff Correspondent

MUNCIE, Ind, Oct. PA 60
year-old man, until two days ago
one of this city's most respected
citizens, lies critically i'll at his
home here, crushed and broken.
the victim of his friends, evidence
so far barred indicates.
A climb taking years to an envi'
able height of achievement, a
career of honesty and integrity.
have been wrenched at one stroke.
The man is George L. Raymond,
resigned treasurer of the Muncle
school board, in whose accounts a
shortage of approximately $4,000
has been discovered.
Friends-they had been one of
the most important factors in Hay
mond's climb to success. His
friends were-and are-legion.
And yet friends-a few false
ones-have wrought his undoing, III
the opinion. of virtually every Mum
Gle man of affairs.
Worthless Notes for $1,000
Two worthless notes point the
way to the downfall Of the trusted
public servant. They total $11, 900.
They were given Haywood by
friends who either could not or
would not repay.
While the manner in which the
balance of the funds were disposed
of must remain a secret until Hay
mon, who is suffering from nerv-
ous breakdown, is physically able
to testify. Hundreds believe the
entire sum vent in this way.
Muncie, the city Raymond has
served Loyalty and tirelessly for the
last twenty-five years, at first was
astounded, then shocked by the an
nouncement of the shortage dis
covered that burst like bombshell
Monday afternoon.
1t mourns the fab of public idol,
for Raymond was that-he was
counsellor and friend to hundreds
and hopes against hope it is all a
mistake.
Hope for VindicatiOn
The towns citizenry hopes that
when the cloud of mystery that
cloaks the shortage discovery is
penetrated, Raymond will be held
blameless.
While Raymond lies i'll, the
shadow of the penitentiary forming
a background for his bed, the drama
of his sudden downfall and'the' long
and honorable career that preceded
it is being discussed on every street
corner-in virtually every business
establishment.
Born in Muncie, educated here
and in public life here since 1903
he assembled the ladder of success
rung by rung without a stain or
his name. His entire life was ir
every way exemplary, according tC
all who know him.
He began his career as deputy
county treasurer. Then was elected
treasurer. He married and a sor
was born.
On he climbed-through the
office of assistant postmaster, post.
master, then into the banking bust.
ness, the while serving the city il
some capacity.
For the last nine years he hat
been treasurer of the school boart
and had served faithfully and well
The son, an only child, grew t,
manhood, married and started il
business for himself.
Living a frugal, quiet life Hay
mond saved money and was ratet
well to do.
Friends in distress never wer
turned from his door He aide
, all with loans and advice. His friend
worshiped him.
, His married life was happy. H
, was a pillar in the Methods
church, and active in Y. M. c. A
! work.
His modest home on Yves
} Charles street bears mute testi
| mony to the inexpensive manner il
! which he lived.
And then the crash-a blasted lif
r at the time of its most complete full
fillment.