A few months ago, we reported about the Worth County Lumber Yard, run by Clarence R. Dowlin; we showed their ad from one of the issues of the Worth County Times. However, Dowlin was arrested in 1906 on a charge of Forgery. The October 4th, 1906 Worth County Times tells the story:
Like a clap of thunder from a clear sky came the arrest late last Thursday night of Clarence R. Dowlin, who had been in charge of the Worth County Lumber Yard of this city for the past 27 months. The warrant was sworn to by N.J. Stichen, auditor for Wm. H. Day of Dubuque (IA), proprietor of the lumber yard at this place and charges Dowlin with the crime of Embezzlement and Forgery. The forgery is evidenced by a note purporting to have been signed by Dr. O.P.M. Mills of this city in the sum of $279.53. The embezzlement is evidenced by a written confession purporting to have been signed by Mr. Dowlin, wherein he acknowledges to having appropriated the sum of $2,051.74. Nearly all day Friday, Sheriff Ferguson had Mr. Dowlin in charge in the hope that he would furnish a bond, but being unable to do so, he was placed in jail, where he now languishes.
From what we can learn, it appears that when a customer bought a bill of lumber, the same was charged on the books. When the customer paid the bill, a receipt was given but the account on the book was not credited, but was left open. The alleged forged note was given July 6th of the present year, ostensibly to cover up an apparent shortage.
Why Mr. Dowlin should commit the offenses charged against him is simply inexplicable. He is a jovial fellow, was prominent in church and fraternal circles, and had no pronounced bad habits. Indeed, we have it from members of the green cloth that he never indulged in the festive game of draw poker.
Neither he nor his wife dressed extravagantly, nor did they live in extra grand style. Presumably, he received a salary of about $65 per month. In the 27 months of his employment here, that would amount to $1,755. Now add to the sum the amount of his self-confessed embezzlement of $2,051.74 and you have a total of $3,806.74, or a monthly expenditure of over $141. Where did the money go?
In justice to Mr. Dowlin, we will state that he insists that he is not guilty of the charges laid at his door, notwithstanding that the forged note and his signed confession are in the hands of the prosecuting attorney, Bert Miller. Amazement at his act is the only comment we have to add at this time.
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