The Topeka State Journal

Pathetic Letter From Man Who Claims to Be G. A. Kimmel.

SAYS HE HAS SCARS

Pleads That Some One Be Sent to Meet Him.

Schoolmate of Kimmel Defends Alleged Imposter.

Niles, Mich., Sept. 12.—Just one question—a fraternal one—given in a whisper, is to solve the identity of the man who represents himself to be George A. Kimmel, former Niles bank clerk, later a banker of Arkansas City, Kan., whose disappearance thirteen years ago and his sudden turning up in prison at Auburn, N. Y., has made his case a celebrated mystery.

Writing from the prison, Kimmel says the word he will whisper to some of his early friends will prove his identity. The letter, written to Henry Kephart of Berrien Springs, ten miles north of here, is pathetic, as follows:

"Your welcome letter I received last night. It put me in gloom, almost despair. You say when I get out of here to write and tell you where I am. What does that mean? Has Mr. Noel and other friends forsaken me? Is no one to be here to meet me? If there is not I may as well give up hope of ever coming to Niles. Mr. Noel was very kind, offering to send people here to meet me. Has he changed his mind?

Is Harry Fox coming to meet me? I have never been in any trouble here. Do you and others realize what an awful position I am in: mother wanting me dead? I awake nights with the thought. Mother wants me dead. There is not enough money in the universe to tempt me to wish for her death, or anyone else's. If I am the imposter they say I am why don't they aid, that I may come to Niles where all could see me and judge for themselves? Is it honest for them to put obstacles in the way to prevent my coming and then tell the people it's all my fault, my not coming?

Says He Is Ill.

"Henry, I am ill; have the hay fever or asthma. I have it every fall. I have not been able to lie down for three nights. This great disappointment has not helped me any. It's good of you sending me the magazines. I enjoy them and appreciate your kindness. If any should say it's not necessary to send anyone to meet me, put them down as an enemy, no matter who it is. Will you have your son write a note to W. P. Lardner, 207 First National Bank Building, Duluth, Minn.? Thank him for his noble, kind letter. It does me much good to know I have one friend who has the courage to openly defend me. I will write him as soon as I can. It has always been a sorrow to me that Teddy and Messrs. Wood and Graham have taken the stand they have. Some say if they could ask me one question they would know if I am George Kimmel. If it's a fraternal question that must be whispered I will gladly answer it.

"I have the marks on my arm that Billy Lardner put on. They are dim, but there. Also the scar in my eye I will gladly show to friends. There is also another scar, made when I was a boy, I think only mother would recall—a souvenir of a cherry tree in our yard at home.

"I hope your eyes are improving.

"Please answer this quickly, with all facts, good or bad. My love to Aunt Stevens, Minne and Lillie. Will write them as soon as I can. My love to Harry and Francis. With best wishes and love,

"GEO. A. KIMMEL."

An Old Schoolmate Defends Him.

Since the above was first printed the following letter appeared in the Niles Star:

"Editor Star:—In the event of the coming of George A. Kimmel among us again, I feel that a few words in his behalf may not come amiss.

"Pictures of him are being shown at every opportunity which might mislead.

"The man who will soon be here does not look like the George Kimmel who used to be in the bank, and those who expect to find that will be disappointed.

"In the years that have passed he has grown to look very much more like both sides of his family than he used to. Both the Johnson and Kimmel looks are very striking. He does not have the manners of the criminal he is said to be, but just such manners as the son of his mother would have.

"He speaks and acts like a gentleman, and, although he occasionally uses a word incorrectly, I would say that was also a family peculiarity, more than a proof of ignorance on his part. His personality is very strong and anyone who knew George Kimmel and who wants to know him now, can't be mistaken. His demeanor was courteous and gentleness itself, although it is not strange, all things considered, that impatience and even anger may be close to the surface.

"His cause is growing stronger every day in this town, and because silence has been the rule, it does not mean indifference.

"When he comes he can speak for himself, and we should all long for that day—not only his friends, but his persecutors as well. Very truly,

"JESSIE WICKHAM PIERSON."

The woman whose name is affixed to the above was a schoolmate of Geo. A. Kimmel. She has visited him in prison and says she positively knows it is George. Jessica Wickham Pierson is a Christian Science healer and first reader of the Christian Science society in this city.

Kimmel disappeared from the old Midland hotel in Kansas City and has been declared dead. A man in the asylum at Auburn, N. Y., says he is the missing man. He is expected in Niles this week in an effort to establish his identity.