The Balloonist Who Vanished Over France
Fred A. Gower disappeared during a balloon ascension from Cherbourg eight years ago. His brother returned to Tacoma from a trip around the world with no news—and Gower’s opera-singer wife still could not prove him dead.
TACOMA, April 21.—[Special.]—George Bell Gower, brother of Fred A. Gower, who disappeared eight years ago while making a balloon ascension from Cherbourg, France, returned tonight from a trip around the world. He brings no word of the whereabouts of his brother, who is believed to have perished at sea. His disappearance was brought into prominence by an effort made by his wife, Lillian Morton Gower, an opera singer, to secure a separation and alimony, and later to be made his administratrix. This could not be done, as she could not prove her husband dead. It has been said that he is not dead, but had secluded himself in Europe.
“It has been said that he is not dead, but had secluded himself in Europe.”
In an era before formal missing-person systems, families had to go to court to have someone declared dead—exactly the legal limbo Lillian Morton Gower faced. The story also shows how a single disappearance could become a long-running public mystery, blending grief, gossip and speculation about a man who might still be alive abroad.
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