Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1943-10-03
. Bankrupt Mayor
BY THEODORE ROSCOE

rived IN Bnghamton, y. Y. a monuments
~ dividual who can only be described as pc
age Weighing in at close 10 $50 pounds, he
six feet three in his socks and sportcd curly
beard that set the local damsels' hearts abe
and turned their SWANS green with envy.
His very name itself Colonel Walton DwiJ
cXUdcd glamour as did his taIlcoat, top hat FLOW
ard gold rttcftC cane rs matter or
he was an authentic colonel wounded at &c
uurF- decorated by a friendly general, and no
man 20 make the least OF il. For Dwight wa
original h.gh-pressure promoter
4 ne liked TO remind his friends, bore "
big auger."
And that he proceeded at once 10 do
by borrowing enough money to purchase
THE Orchard" an imposing residence
where he established himself In luxury
10 which retired colonies are supposed 10
become accustomed.
Binghamton was impressed. SO was
wealthy Miss Ann - Deusenberry whom
he literally nourshcd off her feet arr
into matrimony. But then, everything ho
did was with flourish, whether throw
ing "A coin to a stable boy, combing his
beard or signing his name in two-inch
letters 90 n check
With his large bit and brace well oiled
by his wifes money he settled down 70
business on the west side Of the Che
mango River he built up a suburb he
named DwightsviIle
He also Invested in Pennsylvania mines and
Chicago building construction. Lumber for
these projects came from vast timber tract
In Canada, 10 buy which ne had wangled
small loan Of 100000
How he found time 10 run for mayor in the
midst Of these other activities constitutes but
a minor mystery Yet in a blaze OF fireworks
md he
into office on the slogan: Il have prospered
in Bnghamton. Let Bnghamton prosper
with me-"
AS mayor, ne made things hum. Sewers
were projected the first pavcment-built Of
pine blocks laid down.
Bnghamton and the colonel boomed-then
suddenly went bang,
The colonel could hardly be blamed foDthe
panic OF 1873 except that his auger had made
a Large Swiss cheese of his Hife's bank balance.
His own was bored 20 nothing, and he had
filed so industrously that Dwightsville col
lpscd az first breeze The Pennsylvania mines
fcll in Chicago real estate went bloocy and
the colonel was left with mortEaged forest
IN Canada. In other words, he was up the
creek 20 the tune Of 100000
less hardy ego might have been Debated.
Creditors were clamoring from all sides but
llt ItSD4AltiN ItlLStl a llieli Ac -Al4io A'i'elA
loan from his in-laws.
Bankruptcy was the only answer, and the
colonel went through it. Then as Is Gus
tomary at such times he decided 70 take
brief holiday in the West
My dear" he told his wife, you may be
assured that all these trifling obligations will
be paid. I will return in due time and meet
them"
For several years thereafter, his carriage
was conspicuous by its absence from the pine
paved streets. Many resented his departure,
sourcd bank directors thought him gone for
good They misjudged the colonel, for we
find him back home with his auGcr in 1878,
as ne put it, for a rest.
He wasn't the man 20 rcclne In shady
hammock, however. BY day he was seen
striding through the hills, burning up his
energy. Indictment weather was nothing 20
tho colonel As Summer wore into FAN he
walked hatless through autumnal rains. opened
his coat 10 the early frost and ignored the
hazards Of getting his feet wet.
Ncighbors remarked this athletic mania