Community Corner

Week in History: Willie Hendrickson's Adventure on Capt. Skidmore's Cash

A look through Red Bank Register archives at what happened this week in Monmouth history.

When you take in a runaway, you may want to hide your money. Capt. John Skidmore learned this lesson the hard way.

The Feb. 21, 1900 issue of the Red Bank Register chronicles Willie Hendrickson's adventure on Skidmore's $170.

Fresh off a "runaway trip to Georgia," the 19-year-old Navesink man found himself homeless with no money. Skidmore, who the Red Bank Register described as being "noted for his bigheartedness," took in Hendrickson and spent $21 on new clothes for the man.

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The good deed did not go unpunished. Hendrickson discovered Skidmore's stash of $170 and went on a spending spree, buying a sailboat in Locust Point, a gold watch in Atlantic Highlands, and opera tickets in Red Bank for him and his friends. 

When a constable caught up with Hendrickson, Skidmore got back the $100 that was left but declined to press charges. "He is through, however, with Willie," the Red Bank Register reported.

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And as for young Hendrickson? According to the article, "Wlllie tells his friends that he expects to go to Brazil in the spring."

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More Week in History:

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