J. L. Hopkins

HOPKINS

Posted By: Shirley (email)
Date: 9/10/2008 at 23:28:51

As stated last week J.L. Hopkins has departed and his whereabouts is unknown. He was the assignment, his bondesmen being E. D. Anderson, M. Hakes, N. Parker, C.S. Allen and L. F. Lange, to the amount of $7,000 and the indications at present are that they will be held good for about $1500. As justice of the peace he is also short and his bondsman may have to make up about $150 to $200, though the amounts are not certain.He also had large amounts for collection, some which have not been turned over, and with a few personal debts, his shortage and loss to all concerned will not be less than $2000. His mind has been falling the past six months and the last sixty days it was noticeable to all who read his rambling letters to the great bootleggers champion the Record. For Mr. Hopkins' family we feel sorry, and Mrs. Hopkins and children have our deepest sympathy as well as that of every family in this corner of the county. She would have done all in her power to prevent the matter had she known the real condition of affairs.No man in Pocahontas county has done more for Hopkins to help him into position and influence that the writer, yet he turned right around and since last January was our bitterest malinger without cause or provocation. Had he remained here and retained a sound mind we, of course would have throuroughly exposed the whole matter, but now that he is gone we feel like dropping the mantle of charity ever the whole matter,and chalking up our cash to meet our responsibility on his bond and vowing never again to sign the bond of any man who drinks and carouses. - Sun

Source -Fonda Newspaper - 17 May 1894