Skeen, Frank – d. 1910

COOPER, ERDMAN, SKEEN

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 8/15/2016 at 15:07:05

Skeen, The Man of Mystery Dies at County Home
Death of Tourist Playwright Occurred Shortly After Dinner Today – Victim of Dropsy – Case has Baffled Local Officers
Frank Skeen, the man of mystery, whose case the local officials have vainly tried to unravel for many weeks past, died at the County Home this afternoon, a victim of dropsy.
Skeen was taken ill at the Victoria hotel in Colfax and on the night of August 12, upon notification from the landlord of that hostelry he was brought to Newton by Sheriff Russell and lodged in the county jail until further disposition of his case could be made.
A short time later he was removed to the county farm, where he has since been. During the entire time of his illness he steadfastly refused to disclose his identity or tell the whereabouts of a single one of his relatives, and his case has been most baffling.
However, a few weeks ago a letter was received from Mrs. Erdman of Pottsville, Pa., who stated that she was the sick man’s aunt and that the family had not heard from him for more than twenty years, and but a few days ago, the local officers received a letter from his sister, Mrs. Emily Cooper of East Hartford, Conn. Stating that she had just learned of his whereabouts and had not heard from him during the last quarter of a century. It is probable that the body will be sent east for burial.
Skeen gave evidence of being an educated man, and from papers found in his pockets, it is though he was touring the country staging plays of his own writing.
Source: Newton Daily News; Sept. 24, 1910, page 1, col. 3

Buried By Strangers in Potters Field
Frank P. Skeen, 58 years old, whose relatives live at Pottsville, Pa., died of dropsy at the County Home Saturday afternoon and was buried in Hixson rove cemetery Sunday about 3 p.m. in good order. Died a stranger among strangers, a man well educated reported as a world-wide traveler.
He had been in London and other cities of England, also France, Germany, and all over Europe and the Old World, the United and other countries. He became financially stranded; had been sick in Newton and cared for by his good wife, also the steward of the County Home. Not a relative to stand around his grave to drop a tear. Around his grave stood sympathizing strangers with humane hearts to see, and lend a helping hand to have him buried decently and in order.
Who that is a parent may not have a son or daughter who may die among and be buried by strangers? “Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these, my brethren, ye did it unto me.”
Short religious services were conducted at the grave by the Rev. Mr. Furniss of the Presbyterian church of Newton.
Source: The Newton Daily News, September 27, 1910, page 2, col. 3