Miscellaneous, Madison County Widow Victimized, 1884

A Madison County Widow Victimized

Chenango Union, Feb. 14, 1884

 

For many years in the quiet hamlet of Poolville [Madison Co., NY] there has dwelt an industrious and respected widow, who, besides a genial smile and pleasant manner, had a snug little home in fee simple absolute.  About two months ago a stranger, bearing the plebeian name of John  Hopkins, arrived, and at the little wayside inn made known the story of his life.  After long wanderings in distant lands he had amassed a fortune and now lived at San Jose, Cal., where beside several silver mines and ranches, miles in extent, he had a spacious mansion filled with gold and treasure, but one precious jewel, a wife he lacked.  He came east to visit a friend, one Americus Holmes, whom he had met in his travels.  On his arrival he learned that Mr. Holmes had died at Poolville some years ago.  In his sorrow he sought the unsuspecting widow and related his woes, also the stories of the California palace.  He finally persuaded the widow that she was just the person to fill the vacant place in his heart, and palace.  The wedding occurred in a few days.  Diamond ear and finger rings, a gold watch and a check for $15,000 on a bank at San Jose indorsed by D.O. Mills, were presents from the generous groom.  The widow's real estate was soon converted into cash, her goods packed and shipped, and John Hopkins, his wife, her son and son's wife started for San Jose, not a little envied by the astonished villagers.  For safe keeping the diamonds were placed in the charge of Mr. Hopkins.  At Utica, not having any small drafts he besought his bride for the loan of a trifle--a thousand dollars or so, for convenience in purchasing the four tickets to San Jose.  The bride's wit not having entirely deserted her, she suggested that he get one of his drafts cashed, and her money was not handy.  Upon this hint he acted, and leaving the party at Bagg's hotel he went in search of a broker.  This was ten days ago, and it is supposed that none of the Utica banks could cash his large drafts, as nothing has been heard of him since.  The ex-widow returned to Poolville with her children, a sadder, wiser, and poorer woman.  Efforts to stop her goods at St. Louis were made, but were unavailing, and ere this it is supposed they fill some snug garret in the mansion at San Jose.  A telegram from D.O. Mills announces that the check is worthless, and his signature a forgery.  The gold watch proves to be plated, and Hopkins a fraud and humbug.  He is about fifty years of age, medium size, with gray hair and whiskers, and his exploit has given a winter's supply of gossip to Poolville.