The Disappearance of Hillman F. Jones
A former Justice of the Peace vanishes from Kitsap County following accusations of financial impropriety.
The story, cleaned up
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Hillman F. Jones, formerly a Justice of the Peace in Seattle, has disappeared from his home in Sidney. Jones, who was defeated in his bid for prosecuting attorney last fall, faced allegations from the daughters of the late August Bittner that he had misappropriated estate funds. After a failed attempt to raise money in Seattle to cover the deficiency, Jones returned to Sidney, packed his papers, and sent them to his wife with a letter suggesting he might be found at the bottom of the bay. He has not been seen since April 23. Authorities suspect suicide or flight to Buenos Aires, as he had previously talked of leaving the country during fits of despondency.
“He packed up all his papers and sent them to his wife with a letter intimating that he would probably be heard from next at the bottom of the bay.”
Disgraced public officials vanishing amidst financial scandals remains a recurring trope in regional history. Jones's path from a respected justice to a desperate fugitive highlights the volatile nature of local political and legal careers in the 1890s.
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