Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Maurice H. Hare, 45, the president of Idaho Placer Mining, closed up his desk and left his office in Spokane on June 22, 1914.

No one had seen or heard from him in the ensuing three weeks.

His family and business partners searched his office for clues. There they found a railroad folder with the cities of Spokane and Seattle circled, and another circle around a steamer leaving from Seattle for San Diego.

His brother went to San Diego to search for him but found nothing.

The mystery was heightened by the fact that Hare had previously suffered from several bouts of aphasia, which caused “a lapse of memory and a temporary eclipse of personality.”

His desk also contained a letter to his wife in which he advised her on what to do in case of his absence. He reassured her that he was not contemplating “doing anything rash” and “felt no tendency in that direction at all.” However, he wrote the letter in case he had another attack of aphasia.

They also found a power of attorney made out to his brother, with documents allowing his business to be conducted for a considerable time in case of his absence.

He and his wife had five children and were well-known members of the community.

Telegrams had been sent out widely to cities throughout the West, seeking clues.