Rice - Fred - big trouble - Putnam

Fred Rice, postmaster at Roachdale, has left Roachdale, leaving behind a large deficit in postal funds, according to William B. Vestal, postmaster at Greencastle, who was in Roachdale today to investigate the disappearance of Rice. It is said that Rice ran away with a married woman who was employed in the postoffice. Mrs. Rice, a former Greencastle girl, Miss Mary Howard and deputy post master is now in charge of the office.  Postmastre (sic) Vestal has reported the conditions to the government postal department and to the post inspector from this district.  Mr. Rice, it is said, gave Mr. Vestal a check for $3,500 for postage stamps when he had … (this is all messed up in the newspaper so typed as is but makes little sense) – Postmaster Vestal has reported the investigation by the inspectors will develop the true conditions regarding the funds. Rice, it is said, has been gone for about four days. The woman who worked in the post office, whose husband has gone to war, also disappeared about the time Rice left. - kbz