News Items from The Kansas City Journal ~ Old News That's New to You from Vintage Kansas City.com

December 25, 1909

MOTHER COULDN'T MEET HIM.

Claud Bullus, 15 Years Old, Learns

She Is Dead.

One year ago Claud Bullus, now 15 years old, was sent by W. G. Leeman, probation officer of Dallas, Tex., to the boys' industrial school at Nashville, Tenn. A few days ago the officials of the school received a letter from Mr. Leeman containing a ticket and a request that Bullus be allowed to go to Kansas City to spend Christmas with his mother. When the boy arrived in Kansas City night before last he found that his mother had died of tuberculosis at the old general hospital a month ago.

Claud tells a pitiful story. Six years ago he lived in Chicago with his father and mother and two other brothers. The father and mother separated and that is the last he has heard of his father. His oldest brother, Thomas, joined the navy while the mother and other two boys went to Fort Worth, Tex., where her sister resided. They lived with her four months and then went to Dallas where the boys worked at different jobs to support the mother.

About a year ago the mother and her son, Robert, now 18 years old, went to Denver, Col. Claud remained in Dallas and was sent with twelve other boys to the industrial school in Nashville, Tenn. He received a letter once a week from his mother while she was in Denver. About four months ago she and Robert came to Kansas City, where the mother worked as a domestic until she became ill and was taken to the hospital.

Instead of spending a happy Christmas with the mother and brother, Claud will spend the day as he did yesterday, looking for his brother Robert, whom he thinks is still in Kansas City. The boy is being cared for at the old general hospital, where he will remain until he finds his brother or secures a position.

Labels: Chicago, children, general hospital, orphans, Texas

December 13, 1909

ORPHANS TO BE AT MATINEE.

Benefactor Ill, Boys Will Depend on

Charity for Christmas.

The boys of the Kansas City Orphans' home will be the guests of Oscar Sachs at the matinee at the Orpheum tomorrow afternoon. The boys will be chaperoned by Mrs. Lee Lyson, Mrs. Ferdinand Heim, Mrs. Oscar Sachs, Mrs. J. W. Wagner, Mrs. S. Harzfeld and Mrs. A. D. Cottingham. Mrs. John C. Tarsney, the benefactor of the home, has been ill for some time and so the boys expect that good people will take an interest in them and remember them on Christmas. About 130 orphans are cared for at the home, which is in the charge of sisters of the order of St. Vincent de Paul.

Labels: charity, holidays, nuns, orphans, theater

December 11, 1909

WISHED FOR KANSAS SNOWS.

Orphan Boy, Traveling Alone, Had

No Other Cares.

"I am Raymond Joy, an orphan, and I am on my way to Reuben Joy, Reserve, Kas. Conductors please look after me."

This inscription was printed on a card pinned to the coat of Raymond Joy, 6 years old, who is on his way to his uncle, where he is to make his home. Raymond has lived with an uncle, Jack Joy, at Houston, Tex., since his parents died five years ago. Recently his uncle in Kansas asked that he be permitted to live with him, and the arrangements for the trip were made.

"Will there be lots of snow in Kansas?" he anxiously inquired of everyone who would stop for a moment and talk with him at the Union depot last night. Half an hour before train time he bought two postal cards. He could not write, so he dictated a note to Miss Mildred Swanson at Houston.

"Dear Mildred," it read, "please write to me often at Reserve, Kas. Lovingly, Raymond."

Labels: orphans, Union depot, visitors, weather

December 6, 1909

MURDER AND SUICIDE

IN HOME OF POVERTY.

BOY 2 YEARS OLD AND DOG

KEEP VIGIL OVER BODIES.

Kansas City, Kas., Baker Kills Wife

and Himself as a Result, It's

Thought, of Jealousy Caused

by Use of Morphine.

MRS. MYRA CAMPBELL.

Neighbors entering the home of Joseph Campbell, 2952 North Seventeenth street, Kansas City, Kas., at 9 o'clock yesterday morning found the dead bodies of Mr. Campbell and his wife on the floor of the stuffy little room which served the double purpose of sleeping and living room. Clasped in the right hand of the man was a revolver. He evidently had murdered his wife, then committed suicide. Crouching down against the bed in one corner or the room, benumbed with cold and fear, was the little white robed figure of a boy, 2 years old, whose crying through the night and early morning attracted the attention of the neighbors and led to the investigation which resulted in the finding of the bodies.

GUN IN MAN'S HAND.

Charles Phillips, 18 years old, who lives next door to the Campbells, and C. R. Lumsdon, another neighbor, were the first persons to make the discovery. The sobs of the baby induced the two men to knock at the door. Receiving no response after repeated knocking they broke the lock and opened the door enough to obtain a view of the interior of the room. The body of the woman was almost against the door. She had remained in a kneeling posture, the head to one side. A bullet had entered below the left breast, passing entirely through the body and lodged under the skin on the right side. The man lay in almost the same position against the south walls of the room and behind the woman. His arms were folded across his breast and the revolver was held tightly against his body. The bullet had passed through the heart. Campbell was a baker. He was 32 years old.

WIFE SOUTH MISSOURI WOMAN.

He was married about three years ago in southern Missouri, where he became acquainted with the girl, Miss Myra Matthews, who became his wife. She was 20 years old. Although worn and haggard she bore the traces of having been beautiful. Insane jealousy on the part of the husband is the reason attributed for the murder. The bodies were viewed by the coroner and taken to the undertaking rooms of Fairweather & Barker.

JOSEPH CAMPBELL.

The killing of the innocent wife and the subsequent suicide of the murderer was but the logical climax of the events which mark the life of Joseph Campbell. Although for weeks Campbell has spoken of domestic troubles, even going so far as to consult Chief of Police W. W. Cook, and on numerous occasions threatening to buy a revolver and "end it all," it is believed by those who knew him best that these troubles and the consequences had their inception in a drug filled brain.

KNOWN AS "MORPHINE JOE."

That the murderer had been addicted to the use of morphine for many years is known, in fact so common was this knowledge that for at least fifteen years he has been known to hundreds of persons in Kansas City, Kas., as "Morphine Joe." A bottle half filled with the drug was found on a chair near the bed.

The police are at a loss to determine at what time the tragedy occurred. The family of William T. Kier, 2950 North Seventeenth street, say that the Campbells were heard pumping water from the cistern as late as 9:30 o'clock last night, but they heard no shots. The family of William Brocket, whose rooms are over those of the Campbells, did not return until about 11 o'clock at night, and no shots were heard by them. Daniel Galvin, a carpenter, living a few doors north, said that he heard a shot around 10:30 o'clock but thought nothing of it.

CHILD AND DOG WITH DEAD.

A scene of utter desolation was witnessed by the men first entering the room. On every side was the evidence of extreme poverty. The ragged covers of the bed, which had not been slept on, were folded neatly back. A few little, cheap pictures adorned the unplastered walls. Despite the cheapness and the poverty there was the touch of a woman's hand, which transformed the scantily furnished room into a home.

The little boy, Earl, crying by the bed where he had stood in the cold during the entire night, and a large dog which stood guard over the dead body of his mistress, were the only living beings in the place of death. The child was hurried to the home of Mrs. C. R. Lumsdon and placed in ht blankets, but the dog growled savagely at the intruders and would not submit to being moved until petted by a neighbor whom he knew.

THE CAMPBELL HOME, KANSAS CITY, KAS.

The news of the murder and suicide spread rapidly over the neighborhood and hundreds of persons gathered about the house. The police were notified and after the bodies had been taken away a guard was set about the house to prevent persons from entering.

The orphan boy will be cared for by his father's mother, Mrs. James B. Grame of 2984 Hutchings street, Kansas City, Kas.

"The news of this awful deed came as a shock to all of us," said Mr. Grame last night. "The fear that something like this would happen has been in our minds for years." The awful condition of Campbell, crazed by drugs, has added twenty years to the age of his mother, who has clung to him through all his troubles.

"It is a matter I cannot discuss, but harsh as it may sound, it is better for the world and better for himself that his life is ended. The thing that hurts me the most is the thought of that poor innocent girl a sacrifice to his drug crazed brain."

Persons living in the neighborhood say that Campbell has made numerous threats against his wife. Mrs. M. J. Cleveland, 2984 Hutchings street, said yesterday that Campbell came to her home Saturday morning and told her that he was going to get a gun and kill the whole outfit, meaning his wife. Practically every person living near them were afraid of the man and it was said that he constantly carried with him a gun and a butcher knife. He had recently secured work at the Armour packing plant.

Labels: animals, Armour plant, children, Kansas City Kas, marriage, murder, narcotics, orphans, Suicide

November 19, 1909

HER FRIENDS LOYAL IN DEATH.

Mrs. Healy to Be Interred in a Man-

ner Befitting Her Worth.

"I always had friends," Mrs. Margaret Healy used to say, "Sure, haven't I always been friendly?"

Death as a charity patient in St. Joseph's hospital did not rob Mrs. Healy of friends. Yesterday a funeral was arranged for her that would have satisfied her most exacting wish. The "lay sister" of the West bottoms, whose personal services and sacrifices among her poor neighbors made her of note, is to be laid to rest today by the side of little George Traynor, an orphan whom she took into her care when his parents died, in St. Mary's cemetery.

Father Dalton is to celebrate high mass at the Church of the Annunciation, Linwood and Benton boulevards, at 9 o'clock. Many persons who lived near Mrs. Healy and who since have seen better fortune than she, will attend the services as a mark of respect for her useful life.

Men who knew her and her endless charities will act as pallbearers. Mrs. Ellen Hughes, who cared for Mrs. Healy the last six years of her life, and several men who were adopted as boys by her, will be the mourners. The pallbearers will be: John Kelly, Robert E. Donnely, John Doherty, Bryan Cunningham, John Coffey, Patrick O'Rourke.

Labels: Benton boulevard, cemetery, charity, churches, Funeral, Linwood boulevard, ministers, orphans, West bottoms

October 25, 1909

NO TRACE OF BABE'S MOTHER.

Infant Left With Stranger at Sta-

tion Sent to St. Anthony.

Walter Almos of Rock Island, Ill., apparently not at all wearied by his long vigil in the Union depot Saturday night taking care of a month's-old baby and waiting for the mother that never returned, went to police headquarters bright and early yesterday morning to visit the infant preparatory to leaving town.

"I have only an hour before train time," he told the police matron, "but I felt that I could not leave town without visiting the youngster."

The matron left Walter dandling the baby on his knee and when she returned an hour and a half later he was sitting with the little one asleep in his arms.

"I guess I have missed my train," he explained, "but I hated to put the kid down for fear I would wake him up."

No clue to the identity of the young woman who deserted the baby has been found. Employes of the depot lunch counter say that she was in the company of an elderly woman and that they purchased some milk for the child at the counter.

They gave the baby to Almos and then the elder woman left hurriedly and the other followed shortly after. The child was taken to St. Anthony's home yesterday afternoon.

Labels: children, orphans, police headquarters, police matron, St Anthonys Home, Union depot

October 7, 1909

SWOPE PROVIDED FOR

AGED, POOR AND NEEDY.

ORPHAN'S HOME AND CHILD-

REN'S OUTINGS REMEMBERED.

Will Gives $25,000 to Provident As-

sociation and Contains Other

Charitable Bequests,

PUBLIC BEQUESTS BY COLONEL SWOPE:

To the Humane Society of Kansas City, Mo., I give, grant, devise and bequeath in trust forever lots 1 and 2 in clock 43 of Turner & Co.'s addition to Kansas City, Mo., the proceeds of the rental thereof to be used by said Humane Society in the entertainment of children in Swope park, near Kansas City, annually, forever.

To Park College, situated in Platte county, Missouri, I give lots 15 and 16 in block 3, West Kansas addition No 2 to Kansas city, Mo.

To the Women's Christian association I give the sum of $10,000.

To the Young Women's Christian Association of Kansas City, Mo., I give the sum of $10,000.

To the Young Men's Christian Association of Kansas City, Mo., I give $10,000.

To the Provident Association of Kansas City, Mo., I give the sum of $25,000 to be known as the "Swope Fund," and to be used for the benefit of the poor and needy of Kansas City, Mo.

Before the body of Colonel Thomas H. Swope was removed from the family home in Independence, Mo., yesterday afternoon to be brought to this city to lie in state in the rotunda of the public library building, J. G. Paxton, an attorney who had possession of the philanthropist's will, gave out the public bequests mentioned therein. They are enumerated above.

"It was thought befitting," he said, "that bequests made to public institutions and to charity should be published before the funeral. The complete will, enumerating private as well as public bequests, will be filed for probate Saturday."

The lots left to the Humane society are situated at the southeast corner of Union avenue and Mulberry street in the West Bottoms. The corner lot is occupied by the Union Avenue Bank of Commerce. Good rentals are secured from the two buildings of the property.

"The bequest of Colonel Swope to the Humane Society is not a surprise to me," said E. R. Weeks, president of the society last night. "Colonel Swope had a life membership in the society and for several years has been its first vice president. He has been identified with the work for more than twenty-five years and was our closest friend.

WROTE PORTION OF WILL.

"Several years ago Colonel Swope sent for me to come to his office. When I arrived he told me that he intended to remember the society in his will which he intended writing himself. At his suggestion I wrote that portion of his will which he later copied. That is why it is no surprise. There is a provision regarding this bequest to the effect that the society may sell this property at any time it deem necessary or advisable."

The property left to Park college, Parkville, Mo., also is situated in the West Bottoms and is said to pay a good annual rental.

The Women's Christian Association, to which Colonel Swope left $10,000, has charge of hte management and maintenance of the Gillis Orphan's Home and the Armour Memorial Home for Aged Couples, Twenty-third street and Tracy avenue. Colonel Swope gave the land on which the orphanage is built. It is a large tract and later Mrs. F. B. Armour built the home for aged couples which bears her name. Sometimes it is known as the Margaret Klock home, named for Mrs. Armour's sister.

"We had hoped that we might be remembered in a small way," said Mrs. P. D. Ridenhour, acting president of the Women's Christian Association, when informed of the $10,000 bequest. "But this comes to us as a most pleasant surprise, and I might say that it comes at a time when we need it most. We had not expected anything so handsome as our benefactor has given us and to express our thanks would be the smallest way in which we can show our gratitude. In honor of his memory we will endeavor to do the greatest good with what he has left us.

Y. W. C. A. GIRLS REJOICE.

"Have you heard of the $10,000 left the Y. W. C. A. by Colonel Swope?" a young woman at the association rooms was asked over the telephone last night.

"Humph," she replied quickly, "he gave us $50,000."

"But this is over and above the $50,000," she was informed. "This is a bequest in his will."

"Oh, goody, gracious, goodness, isn't that just scrumptiously grand," she cried, dropping the telephone to fairly scream the glad news to other young women present. "Won't we have a dandy home, now, God bless him."

At that moment someone began a song of praise in honor of the welcome news. The telephone was forgotten.

"This certainly comes to us as a glad surprise," said Miss Nettie E. Trimble, secretary for the Y. W. C. A.

"Colonel Swope was so good to us when we were struggling for our new building that we had no idea of getting a bequest from his will. Years ago when the building of a home for the Y. W. C. A. was mentioned, he said he wanted to have a part in it. While committees were out working he sent us $25,000 unsolicited. Toward the close, when it looked as if we would not reach the $300,000 mark by the time set, he sent for me and asked how much we lacked. When told that we needed $22,000 to complete the figure he promptly gave us $25,000, making a total of $50,000 which he gave toward our new home.

AN ENDOWMENT FUND.

"As we have plenty of money to complete our home it is possible that Colonel Swope's bequest of $10,000 will be made a nucleus for an endowment fund to carry on industrial and Bible work. The industrial department never has been self sustaining and teachers for both have to be hired and paid. That the name of Colonel Swope will forever remain dear to the members of the Y. W. C. A. goes without saying."

Henry M. Beardsley, president of the Y. M. C. A. was out of the city and James. B. Welsh, a member of the board of directors, was notified of the bequest of $10,000 to that association.

"Good, good," he cried, "that comes to us at a time when we need it most. We have been in pretty hard straits to complete our new building and this most gracious gift will put us on our feet under full sail. The association, no doubt, will take appropriate action when notified officially of the bequest. I will sleep better tonight and so will many others."

Labels: attorney, charity, Humane Society, orphans, Parkville, probate, real estate, Thomas Swope, West bottoms, YMCA, YWCA

September 28, 1909

JOB FOR THE KAUTZ BOY.

Meanwhile Probation Officer In-

vestigates His Story.

Dr. E. L. Mathias, probation officer, has written to St. Louis, Mo., and Coffeyville, Kas., to investigate the tale related by Theodore Kautz, 14 years old, who fell into the hands of the police Sunday.

Kautz sticks to his story that he ran away from the Christian Orphan's home, 2949 Euclid avenue, St. Louis, and came here in search of his insane mother, who, he says, was left here six years ago when he and his brother, Arthur, two years older, were taken on to the orphanage. He also insists that his mother's insanity was caused by the fact that a nurse girl, left at home alone, placed his 3-months-old sister, Violet, in the stove oven.

Kautz is an unusually bright boy, and well behaved. Yesterday afternoon a call was received at the Detention home that a boy was wanted at the Frisco freight offices to act as office boy at $15 a month. George M. Holt, who looks after that end of the work, took young Kautz to the factory inspector, got him a permit, and escorted him to the freight office.

He will board at the Boys' hotel, 710 Woodland avenue.

Labels: boys hotel, children, Dr Mathias, mental health, orphans, St Louis, Woodland avenue

June 25, 1909

KILLED BY A GUN HE

SAID WAS UNLOADED.

WILLIAM CLARK, 18, SHOT DEAD

IN DOORYARD.

Pistol in Hands of Younger Com-

paion, Whom He Told It Con-

tained No Cartridges, Just

Before Discharge.

William Clark, 18 years old of 2610 Lister avenue, was accidentally shot through the right eye by a playmate, and almost instantly killed, in the dooryard of Mrs. J. A. Avery at 2617 Lawn avenue at 8 o'clock last night.

"I did not know it was loaded," said Clem Burns, 14 years old, to his mother, Mrs. D. R. Webb, a moment later, as he threw the smoking revolver from him and burst into tears.

Clem lives with his mother and stepfather at 2625 Lawn, right next door to where the shooting occurred.

According to young Burns, the two boys, who were the best of friends, were sent by his mother to the grocery store of the Worries Bros. at Twenty-fourth street and Elmwood avenue for a box of matches. Before leaving the house Clark drew aside his coat and showed his companion that he had a cheap 38-caliber revolver in each hip pocket.

"He told me one of them was empty but that the other had one load in it," Clem told the police last night. "I asked him why he had the guns and he said he had been trying to kill a cat which had been killing chickens belonging to Mrs. Avery.

"As he turned to lead the way to the grocery I reached under his coat tails and got a revolver.

SAID WEAPON WASN'T LOADED.

" 'Oh, now I've got your revolver and I am as big a man as you are,' I said, but he laughed at me and replied:

" 'You're not so big as you think you are; that gun isn't loaded.'

"I began snapping the revolver at him at that. He didn't wince and I snapped three times. Suddenly there was an explosion from the weapon.

"William sank down on the lawn. I knew at once what I had done and called to my mother:

" 'Oh, mother,' I cried, 'I've killed Willie.' Then I threw away the gun. I don't know why I did this, but I wanted to get the nasty thing away and out of my hands as quick as I could."

The boy's cries and protestations of innocence of any intent to commit murder as he was taken to No. 6 police station after the accident brought tears of sympathy to the eyes of neighbors, many of whom had known both boys for several years.

Ray Hodgson of 2608 Lawn, who was the only person besides Clem who saw the shooting, says he saw the two boys playing about Mrs. Avery's yard.

"They were always good boys, but full of pranks," said Mr. Hodgson. "However, Clark had a mania for carrying guns. He was seldom seen without one or more. Ususally the weapons were the kind which policemen call 'pot metal.' "

The story of the shooting told by Mr. Hodgson agrees in every particular with that given by the boy himself.

Young Clark was an orphan and lived at the house on Lister avenue with G. M. and J. P. Farnswowrth, brothers, for four years past. As the Farnsworths are unmarried and have work to do in the daytime, and Clark was out of a job, he was allowed to keep up the home in the way of a general housekeeper.

Labels: accident, children, Elmwood avenue, grocers, guns, Lawn avenue, Lister avenue, No 6 police station, orphans, Twenty-fourth street

June 13, 1909

GIRL WANDERER HELD.

Humane Society Investigation Story

of Rose Slocovitch.

Agents for the Humane Society are holding in the matron's room Rose Slocovitch, 11 years old, until they can investigate the story she told the police last night after Sergeant Robert Greeley had found her wandering on the streets. When found by the sergeant the girl said her foster mother mistreated her and that evening when trouble arose she was left on the street corner.

The story as told by rose is that five months ago a Mrs. Anna McDonald visited Houston, Tex., and claiming to be interested in orphans sold motto cards the the charitably inclined Texans. She was in Houston two weeks ago and when she left she was accompanied by Rose, whose father agreed to the girl's leaving home. Rose said she sold the cards for Mrs. McDonald. Now she desires to return to her home where her mother is supposed to be dying.

Frank E. McCrary, humane agent, visited Mrs. McDonald last night at her home, 1442 Jefferson street, and the girl's story in the main part was corroborated. Mrs. McDonald said she traveled around the country selling post cards and used the proceeds in helping orphan children.

Labels: children, Humane Society, Jefferson street, orphans, police matron, Texas

June 10, 1909

ORPHANS GET AN OUTING.

Kansas City Automobile Club Gives

300 Children Rides in Big

Touring Cars.

Over the boulevards of Kansas City, in forty-five big touring cars, sped 300 little orphans yesterday afternoon. They were being given their third annual outing by the Kansas City Automobile Club, and enjoyed the ride to the utmost. Every car was laden with children carrying flags and each one wearing a shiny, happy face.

The cars, filled with children, met at Baltimore avenue, on Armour boulevard. From there they proceeded in line through the Northeast drives, thence south to Swope park. The line of cars was so long that after the pilot car had left the park the last of the procession was just entering the park driveway. From Swope park the machines took the Rockhill park road back to the starting point on Armour, and then to the different homes.

The third annual outing was under the management of Harry Fowler, chairman of the committee in charge of the event. From the Perry home there were 120 children taken on the ride, from the St. Joseph's home 125, and fifty from the Gillis home.

It was 6 o'clock before the children had been returned to the homes.

Labels: Armour boulevard, Baltimore avenue, children, orphans, Rockhill, Swope park

May 9, 1909

MANY WOULD MARRY

GARVIN FOR $80,000.

GIRLS OFFER TO HELP HIM

EARN UNCLE'S BEQUEST.

From Town and Country Letters

Come In, and He Answers

All -- Some He Goes

to See.

PAUL GARVIN.
Who Must Marry in Order to Obtain $80,000 Left Him by a Rich Uncle in Colorado.

Cupid is working over time in the case of Paul Garvin, the young man who is to inherit $80,000 upon his marriage. Far and near his darts have sped, and touched the hearts of kind young woman who hate to see him lose that inheritance simply because he has never been so fortunate as to fall in love. Affinity feelers have been turned loose and the daily mails bring scores of letters to Mr. Garvin from those who would help him out of his predicament.

And Mr. Garvin is not sitting idly by. He is answering all of the letters which he receives, and has made calls upon many of those Kansas City girls whose sympathy for him has been awakened by the bright shining light of $80,000. Withal, Mr. Garvin has not yet left the grand passion and is still heart, if not fancy, free.

HAPPY IF HE'D CALL.

"I am more determined than ever to get married," said Mr. Garvin last night in his room on the northwest corner of Fourteenth and Oak streets. "I appreciate the interest which some of the girls have taken in the matter, and now my chances for matrimony and money look much bigger to me."

Mr. Garvin guards all of his letters carefully, and will not disclose the identity of the writers. Some of them, with names and addresses omitted, he has given to The Journal and of the lot, the following are representative.

This is one from a young lady who is very enthusiastic:

GIVEN CHOICE OF TWO.

"Dear Friend: I have been thinking of you for some time, and it would be the happiest time of my life if you would call me up. My phone number is Main ---. Just tell me who you are, and then if you don't remember me, I will explain everything. Yours lovingly, A TRUE FRIEND. P. S. Please call me tomorrow about 10:30."

Mr. Garvin did call and found the stenographer a charming personage.

Here is one from two girls evidencing a desire to "split the pot:"

"Our dear Mr. Garvin: My cousin and I are two charming young ladies, and are looking for a husband -- you can have your choice. If interested write to --------."

Mr. Garvin is struck by the tone of the letter, and its peculiar humor. He thinks that a wife with a sense of humor is probably the best kind to have. He will answer the letter.

From Excelsior Springs comes a work of art. It is the most comprehensive of all the letters received by Mr. Garvin and one which he highly appreciates. It says:

WHY NOT TRY EXCELSIOR?

"Sir: I read in the paper this morning that an uncle had left you an amount of money on condition you married. You say, or were quoted as having said, that you didn't know of anyone who would have you. Really, if no one in Kansas City will have you, and if you are as good looking as the paper said, it might be a good idea for you to try Excelsior Springs.

"Unlike you, I have seen several who would have me, but non whom I especially liked.

"Now, let me tell you that I am not beautiful, but I think that I am not so ugly as some I have seen. I am not very old, only 19; have a good education. I have blue eyes, light hair (brown) and am not very tall (a little over five feet). This is my first attempt, so will not describe myself in full. Neither will I give my correct name. If you wish to answer, all right. I think it will break the monotony of the times and perhaps afford a chance to help you secure your $80,000. Maybe it will give you a chance to visit Excelsior, anyway. Hoping to hear from you in the near future. I am, sincerely yours---"

GIVES NAME AND NUMBER.

The writer of the following letter is perfectly frank and gives her correct name and address. As a result, Mr. Garvin has become somewhat enamoured of her, having seen her two or three times. The writer is said to be a daughter of a real estate man, and lives in the South Side.

"Kind Sir: Mr. Garvin, I would like very much for you to come out and call and join our crowd.

"I don't want you to think queer of me by writing you without prior introduction, but hope that I shall meet you personally some time in the near future. I live out south and my telephone number is South ---- at ----- Thirty-ninth street. Closing, I remain, yours truly -----.

Here is one from a girl on the anxious seat who lives in Mendon, Mo."

"Mr. Paul Garvin: I seen in The Kansas City Journal that you would wish to marry, and if you would like to start correspondence, I would wish to correspond with you, and my description is Blue eyes & light hair, my height is 5 feet 3 inches, age 17. Answer real soon."

THE GOOD SAMARITAN.

It would hardly be possible for the incident to pass without the appearance of some good Samaritan, who, from the kindness of his heart, desires to aid Cupid in all his undertakings, the born matchmaker. Here follows a letter form one of this kind, from a physician in Kansas City:

"Dear Sir: I am not conducting a matrimonial bureau, nor was I ever connected with such. I am a doctor of medicine with a fairly lucrative practice in this city, and seeing the article in the Kansas City Journal, I desire to proffer my assistance to you without any monetary recompense whatever.

"I am doing this without the knowledge of the young lady in question and am doing it solely because I think she will suit you as a life partner.

"This young lady is from one of the foremost families in the state and has mad her way in the world alone, being left an orphan at an early age, she had advanced from an ordinary clerk to a position of stenographer in one of the oldest and most reliable abstract firms in Kansas City.

"She is petite and a brunette, without any of the false charms so common to the girl of today. She is modest, of a quiet disposition, having a first class education and a pretty, innate beauty as distinguished from the artificial.

"This letter is written you in her behalf and she is entirely unaware of it. If you take kindly to the suggestion, address me at the enclosed address and I will introduce you to her, not permitting her to know of the strange circumstances under which she met you. Trusting to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I remain, yours very sincerely, --. --. -----, M. D."

Labels: orphans, romance

February 23, 1909

TRYING TO WALK TO OMAHA.

Orphan Boy Nearly Starved, Wanted

to See Aunt.

A three weeks' existence in Kansas City with no food except what he was able to beg, was the experience of Henry Weatherby, 13 years old, who started last Monday to walk to Omaha, where an aunt is living. The boy was found near Wolcott, Kas., and was brought to Kansas City yesterday afternoon by John Merrett, foreman of a construction company. He was sent to the Detention home.

"My father died three weeks ago," the little fellow said. "He was a stationary engineer, and we had been in Kansas City about six weeks, when he took sick with pneumonia. We were living at Sixth street and Forest avenue, and had come from Omaha, where my mother died eight years ago. I started to attend the Woodland school, but had to stop when my father got sick.

"After his death there wasn't any money left, and I've been trying to live without letting the boys know I was in so much trouble. I tried to get work, but couldn't and at last I decided to start for Omaha. Two or three times I went over a day without anything to eat.

"Yesterday morning I started out on my journey, and was able to get as far as Wolcott, when it got dark. I was glad when I found the construction gang's boat on the river, and they took me on board and gave me something to eat."

The boy was in tears during the recital of his troubles, and no one doubted his story. Dr. E. L. Mathias of the Detention home will communicate with the boy's aunt today.

Labels: children, detention home, Dr Mathias, Forest avenue, Omaha, orphans, Sixth street

November 27, 1908

NOT A HUNGRY PERSON LEFT.
If There Was, It Wasn't the Fault

of Givers of Dinners.

Amid the general rejoicing and feeling of goodfellowship incident to a perfect Thanksgiving day, the less fortunate inhabitants of the city were not forgotten. At every charitable institution in the city a dinner was provided for the inmates. The Salvation Army, Franklin institute, Union mission and other organizations of like character fed hundreds of poor persons, and sent many baskets of provisions to deserving families who were unable to attend the dinners.

The Union mission, at Eighteenth and McGee streets, provided a dinner and fed over 400 persons. Special invitations had been sent out and persons from Rosedale, Argentine, Kansas City, Kas., and country districts attended the dinner. Everything in the way of eatables was provided, and if any person in Kansas City went without a Thanksgiving dinner yesterday it was not because of a lack of opportunity.

"It was certainly good to see those poor persons eat," said the Rev. Mrs. Rose Cockriel, the pastor of the mission. "Those who came to the dinner ranged in age from 7 weeks to 33 years, and they all appeared to enjoy themselves. Six little boys, the oldest one 10 years of age, walked in from beyond the Blue river. We gave them their dinner and a basket of provisions to take to their home."

At the Old Folks and Orphans' home the day was celebrated with an old-fashioned dinner, turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pies and everything that should be eaten on that day. At the Perry Orphan Boys' home 130 boys partook of the good things that had been provided for them.

At the Working Girls' hotel there was really a day of thanksgiving, not alone because of the excellent dinner, for in addition to that some unknown friend donated a high grade piano to the institution. From the standpoint of charity and general cause for thankfulness, the day was very much a success.

At the county jail Marshal Al Heslip provided a dinner for the prisoners, of whom there now are fewer than 200. All the trimmings went with the spread. Eatables out of the ordinary also were served at the Detention home, where juvenile prisoners are confined.

Labels: Argentine, Blue river, charity, children, County Marshal Heslip, detention home, Eighteenth street, food, holidays, Kansas City Kas, McGee street, orphans, Rosedale, Salvation Army, thanksgiving

August 14, 1908

BOYS HAD A GREAT DAY.

Orphans From Perry Memorial Home

at Fairmount Park.

One hundred children form the Perry Memorial home were given an outing at Fairmount park yesterday afternoon. they were in charge of Mrs. J. C. Tarsney, patroness of the home, and several Sisters. The children were taken to the park in a special Metropolitan street car, and immediately after their arrival there they were served a luncheon. The concessions were free to the youngsters and they had the time of their lives.

Labels: charity, children, fairmount park, nuns, orphans, streetcar

June 11, 1908

HE'S A TEMPORARY ORPHAN.

Lee Rogers, 6 Years Old, Separated

From His Parents in the Flood.

Lee Rogers, 6 years old, is the first boy to lose both his parents in the present flood, and he is being cared for at the detention home until such time as his father and mother can be found. The Rogers lived in Armourdale until Monday. On that day when the flood threatened their home, Mrs. Rogers came to Kansas City, Mo., to find a new home, and the father went away to help buil dikes. The boy was left in the care of Mrs. Mary Dunbar, 567 North Fourth street, Armourdale, and she, too, had to make a hasty retreat to the Missouri side of the river as the waters began to rise. She brought the Rogers boy with her, and being unable to find his mother turned him over to the superintendent of the detention home last evening.

Labels: Armourdale, children, detention home, flood, orphans

March 13, 1908

CHARGE HIDEOUS

DEEDS TO FRAKER

BOYS ACCUSE DOCTOR OF MOST

REVOLTING CRIMES.

HE IS ARRESTED BY POLICE.

CASE WILL BE PLACED BEFORE

GRAND JURY AT ONCE.

One Lad Escapes From a Boys' Refuge

in St. Louis and Comes Here

to Tell His Terrible

Story.

At 10 o'clock yesterday morning three boys walked into the emergency hospital. They were runaways from the House of Refuge, an Industrial home at Osage and Virginia avenues, St. Louis. At Olivette, Mo., they were chased by a bull dog and ran through a bed of lime. Their legs were badly burned.

The boys gave the name of Albert Hopper, 14; Charles Reynolds, 17, and Cyrne Enge, 16 years old. After Dr. Julius Frischer had bound up the lads' burned limbs Hopper told a story which alarmed the doctor. The three boys were taken before Captain Whitsett, where Hopper said that he had come all the way from St. Louis to tell his story to the police. He told it again

Based on the boy's statement Dr. George W. Fraker, who formerly had offices at 1209 Grand avenue, but is now located at 703 Central avenue, Kansas City, Kas., was immediately arrested by Detective James M. Orford. He is being held for investigation. Last night John W. Hogan, an assistant prosecutor, took the statements of Hopper and other boys here who have lived with Fraker. Hogan said that this morning an information charging a nameless crime would be filed against Dr. Fraker in the criminal court if the case did not go to the grand jury direct.

Twenty-five months ago Hopper, who is an orphan, said he was in an orphans' home run by the Children's Home Finding Society at Margaretta and Newstead avenues, St. Louis. From there he was sent to Dr. Fraker at 1209 Grand avenue. He remained here with the doctor three months and one month in Excelsior Springs, Mo., the doctor's old home. Hopper's statement, which is horrible in details, tells of frequent instances when he was made to submit to most unnatural abuses. He said he was often beaten with a rubber hose when he refused to submit.

CAME TO TELL POLICE.

"I came all the way here," said Hopper, "to put Dr Fraker where he belongs. After I had been with Dr. Fraker four months, we were in Excelsior Springs. One day I threatened to tell on him. I was badly beaten and the next day sent to the House of Refuge in St. Louis. I went alone and was glad to go. I told the assistant superintendent my story, but he paid no attention to me. After being there a year and nine months, I determined to run away and come here, and tell it to the police. The other boys only came along as my friends. We escaped through a coal hole last Sunday morning."

Following the arrest of Dr. Fraker, Harry Elleman, 14 years old, was taken from Dr. Fraker's office at 703 Central avenue by Detective Mansel of Kansas City, Kas., and questioned. Mansell telephoned Detective Orford and he went and got young Elleman. This boy also made a statement to Hogan accusing Fraker. His statement was almost exactly the same as that made by Hopper.

Elleman has lived with Fraker since August, 1906, with the exception of the last five months, when he was living with his mother, Mrs. Ora Nordquist, at 1903 North Tenth street, Kansas City, Kas. Five days ago his relatives moved to the country and Harry returned to the doctor. While living on this side with the doctor, Elleman went by the name of Harry Fraker at the Humboldt school.

ONE YOUNG MAN DIED.

While living with Dr. Fraker at 1209 Grand avenue Cyril O'Neal, a young Englishman, 19 years old, died in September under suspicious circumstances. Dr. Fraker signed the death certificate as "acute Bright's disease," with typhoid fever as a contributory cause. An autopsy held by Coroner Thompson proved that O'Neal died of septic poisoning. The dead boy's brother, Claud O'Neal, is said to be still living with Fraker.

Frakers apparent philanthropy in caring for O'Neal, whom he met up with as a stranger in Put-in-Bay, O., caused much comment. He cared for him constantly all the time he was ill and paid for cablegrams to his people in England. When O'Neal went to live with the doctor Elleman was sent home.

Robert McBride, 17 years old, another boy now living with Dr. Fraker at 703 Central avenue, Kansas City, Kas., called at police headquarters last night to see the doctor Just at that time the other boys were making their statements concerning Fraker's treatment of them. McBride was not allowed to see Fraker, but was detained and caused to make a statement. Little was gained from him.

ALWAYS HAS A BOY.

There has not been a time in the last twenty years, it is said, that Dr. Fraker has not had from one to two young boys living with him. Fraker created a big sensation fourteen years ago by mysteriously disappearing. He had something less than $100,000 life insurance at the time. He, a boy who was living with him, and an old negro went fishing on the Missouri river. An embankment apparently fell and the doctor with it. There was a deep eddy at that point where the water had undermined the bank. The negro and the boy told of hearing the "big splash" and later, when they ran to the scene, seeing only Dr. Fraker's hat floating away in the stiff current.

Several months afterwards detectives located Dr. Fraker living in an isolated lumber camp in the pine forests of the Northwest. He was arrested and returned home, where attempts were made by some of the insurance companies which had paid death claims on his life, to prosecute him. As it could not be proved that Fraker had in any way benefited by the ruse or received any of the money, nothing came of it.

Hopper and Elleman were detained at police headquarters last night. Assistant Prosecutor Hogan said that they, with other witnesses, would be taken before the grand jury today.

Labels: abuse, Central avenue, children, crime, detectives, doctors, emergency hospital, Excelsior Springs, Grand avenue, immigrants, Kansas City Kas, Missouri river, orphans, St Louis

December 11, 1907

YOUNG SEERESS IN TROUBLE.

Blanche Brewer Takes Up Fortune

Telling and Is Arrested.

Blanche Brewer, 22 years of age, who was arrested on the complaint of a Miss Piper, who lives at 432 North Montgall avenue, yesterday morning, told a pitiful tale of poverty and desolation to the police officers at police headquarters.

Blanche had been going about from house to house trying to make a living for herself and her invalid sister by telling fortunes. The two young girls are orphans and have no relatives who can be found. They came here from Topeka, Kas., about two weeks ago and neither of them has been able to obtain employment. They had no money and no way of making a livelihood.

Becoming desperate, Blanche, the younger of the two girls, hit upon the scheme of fortune telling, though she really knew nothing whatever about the tricks of that trade. She succeeded in bring an average of 50 cents a day home of the sustenance of her sister and herself.

Three days ago, she told Miss Piper's fortune and took as a pledge for payment a shirtwaist suit. Miss Piper says that the garments were loaned to the girl for two days in payment for the seance. Accordingly she telephoned to the police and told them that the girl, Blanche, had stolen the articles. Upon investigation the suit was found in the girls' room at 416 West Thirteenth street. Blanche was arrested and taken to the matron's room, where her sister called last night and substantiated her story.

The police will probably turn the matter over to the Humane Society.

Labels: Humane Society, Montgall avenue, orphans, police headquarters, Thirteenth street, Topeka

March 23, 1907

STATE MAKES HER AN ORPHAN.

"I've No Father," Says This Girl --

"He's in Texas."

A little girl was before Judge McCune of the juvenile court yesterday. She was there as a neglected child and she looked forlorn enough.

"Are either of your parents here?" asked Judge McCune.

"No, sir," replied the girl, timidly, "I'm an orphan."

"Haven't any father, either?"

"No sir," went on the child, "he's in Texas."

Labels: children, Judge McCune, juvenile court, orphans, Texas

February 4, 1907

HIS STORY A FAKE.

W. DALTON, "OF NEW YORK,"

REALLY OF ARMOURDALE.

MOVED A JUDGE TO TEARS.

YOUNG ROMANCER WHO MANY

WANTED TO ADOPT.

After Court Officers Had Found Him a Good Home His Mother Tells Them They Were Taken In by a Juvenile Munchausen.

There seems to be a joke on somebody.

Walter Dalton, the "friendless orphan" boy who told Judge McCune in the juvenile court last Friday of his many and superlative vicissitudes after the death of his father and mother in New York and his abuse by a stepfather, how he slept in doorways there and finally beat his way to Kansas City on 9-cents because he wanted to come West where he could make a good man of himself, really lives in Armourdale and has never even seen New York. His mother, who lives there also, called at the Detention home yesterday to see this young Munchausen.

When he told his tear-stained story to Judge McCune Friday the judge and the spectators wiped their streaming eyes and sent out their hearts to give poor motherless Walter comfort.

"You look like a good boy," said Judge McCune out of the fullness of his heart (as he blew his nose suspiciously, as is proper under such stress), "but you haven't had much of a chance. We'll find you a good home and a good job where you won't have anything to do but work and nothing to eat but food and no place to sleep but in a feather bed."

"Thank you kindly, sir," sobbed Walter. "I will indeed be grateful. That's all I've been looking for and your generosity moves me. I shall do all in my power to show you how I appreciate it."

A court official led Walter away weeping and the court dried its judicial eyes and blowing its judicial nose again, called the next case.

Then the newspaper reporters wrote the story and splashed it liberally with salty tears and the next day twenty yearning philanthropists, looking for a husky boy who in turn was yearning to do a man's work for his board and clothes and a few kind words, besieged the office of the probation officer where Walter was wallowing in the fat of the county, and one of them took him triumphantly away in the face of the deep throated clamorings of the others.

When Dalton left the Detention building for his new home he was fitted out by loving hands with new clothing throughout, including a nice warm overcoat.

So much for the first installment.

Yesterday a frail, thinly clad dim-eyed woman accompanied by an ill-clothed boy of 7 appeared at the Detention home.

"Have you got a boy here named Water Dalton?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am," replied one of the officers, "but I am sorry to say, you are too late, much as we appreciate your sympathy in favor of the friendless orphan. We have already found him a good home."

"Home," replied the woman. "Home? He already had a home and I'm his mother."

"But my dear madam," returned the astonished officer, "his mother is dead."

"I don't look very dead, do I? Well I'm his mother all right and he lives with me in Armourdale -- that is, when he isn't running away. I ought to know whether I'm his mother or not, oughtn't I?"

"Y-yes. But he said he came here from New York."

"New York, fiddlesticks. I've known him pretty well for sixteen years, which is as old as he is, and if he was ever farther East than Sheffield I never heard of it."

"But his father --"

"Father, nuthin'. Dalton skinned out years ago and left me to support this boy and that 'waif' you picked up from New York and found a good home for. But he won't be there long. As soon as he gets enough to eat and the weather gets warmer he'll be gone again. I know him.. He's no good."

"But, Judge ----" "Yes, I know what the judge said. The truth of the matter is that boy can outlie a press agent. I'm his mother and I know. New York! The only other town that boy ever lived in was Omaha, and he was in jail there three times for stealing that I know of -- and maybe more. Did he keep his eyes on the floor sort of solemn like while he was telling the judge the magazine story?"

The officer remembered that he did.

"That was Walter, all right," said the woman. "He always keeps his eyes on the floor and talks low when he's drilling for tears."

"But his stepfather beat--"

"Stepfather! He never had a stepfather. I know when I've had enough. The only person I've ever expected to help me along since Dalton left was Walter, and instead of that I've had to support him. Oh, yes, he would work occasionally, but it didn't do me much good.

"The last time I saw him was Friday morning a week ago. I put up his lunch for him and started him to work. The next I heard of him I read in the papers what a good boy he was and what a good man he was going to make and --and the rest of it. It was news to me.

"Well," she added in leaving, "I'm glad Walter is a good boy and has a good home and is going to be a good and great man. It relieves me of a good deal."

Walter Dalton is 16 years old. He was arrested by the police one night last week begging on the streets. He told a pitiful story of having been left an orphan in New York city and told it in such a plausible way that he made more friends in ten minutes than an honest boy could get together in a lifetime of uprightness. His new home is on a farm a few miles from Kansas City.

Labels: Armourdale, con artist, detention home, Judge McCune, juvenile court, Omaha, orphans, sheffield