FLED FROM MONEY

Evening Star, Issue 22454, 26 September 1936, Page 27

FLED FROM MONEY

BUND ROAMING, HUNGRY AND PENNILESS s. This, the strange story of Edward Merrill, the homeless down-and-out, who vanished after hearing that he had inherited a fortune of more than £2,000. The other day he was found in London—wandering hungry and penniless in Kensington Gardens. The money was left by his uncle, James Linkinson, who died in the street at Islington last November after living the life of a hermit. Search for Merrill was begun immediately after his uncle’s death. For years his family had not seen him. All they knew was that he was living a hand-to-mouth existence and sleeping on the Thames Embankment. Then one day a relative found him in Birdcage Walk, and cared for him until the will was proved. Merrill should have visited the solicitors on June 12, when arrangements were made for the money to. be handed over to him! On that day he left his relative’s home —and had never been seen since. The other day a park-keeper recognised him. Half an hour later Merrill was at the solicitor’s office to collect the fortune from which he had fled. “ SEEMED PERFECTLY HAPPY.” “He seemed perfectly . happy,” a member of the firm of solicitors said. “ He asked for a little money on account, with which he could have a, brush up, a meal, and a night’s lodging. ... “He said he had not yet decided what he proposed doing with the money left him by his uncle. He seemed to be in an independent state of mind, and did not propose to take away his fortune in one lump sum. “ Arrangements have been made for him to visit us in a few days, so that he can decide exactly what he intends to do.” Merrill, who is 47, was at one time a crossing sweeper, and used to work with his uncle on the roads at Mmgton. . Linkinson hoarded his money for more than 20 years. He was 69 when ho died, and at his humble lodgings in Islington bundles of notes and small articles of jewellery wore found irside Ills mattress and in the pockets of his coats.