San Francisco's Knowledge of the
Alleged Whitechapel Fiend
An Offer From Chief Crowley Eagerly
Accepted by Scotland Yard - Persons
In This City Who Knew the Eccentric
Quack Many Years Ago.
When the news was received of the arrest of Dr. Tumblety a few days ago on suspicion of being the Whitechapel murderer, Chief Crowley instituted inquiries regarding his antecedents.
Tumblety arrived in this city in the spring of 1870 from Toronto Canada, and practiced medicine for a few months. He opened an account with the Hibernia Bank in the name of Francis Tumblety, and when he left a few months later there was a large balance to his credit. It had never been called for.
His handrwiting was found in the books of the bank and Chief Crowley telegraphed to Scotland Yard asking whether a sample of his handwriting or signature was required. Yesterday he received a reply requesting that the handwriting and all information regarding Tumblety be sent at once. Should the writing not be detachable, a photograph will be taken and sent to London.
Tumblety while here, occupied an office at 20 Montgomery Street, and was noted for his eccentricity and mysterious manners. He kept but little company, dressed in a peculiar fashion, and wandered about the purlieus of the city at all hours of the day and night. His morals were of the most degraded character and his reputation, generally speaking, was that of half crank half scoundrel. His practice was confined to the lower class of the community, but it is believed he made considerable money. In September 1870, he suddenly disappeared, and all trace of him up to his arrest was lost.
C.F. Smythe, an employee of the Hibernia Bank knew Tumblety in Toronto in the year 1858. At that time, Tumblety bore an unenviable reputation. He practiced medicine for a short time, but his habits did not inspire the confidence of his patients, and he was forced to turn to something else. At one time he would appear half-naked and the next would strut forth decked with medals.
It was stated in the eastern journals that Tumblety had a colored servant and was followed by a pack of greyhounds. This Chief Crowley states refers to Dr. Stanley, who had an office at 634 Washington Street about the same time and was also of an eccentric turn of mind.
