No. 2 Missing Person Report (Julien H. Lafayette)

Filed 1917 by Laura Lafayette, wife of Julien H. Lafayette, theater organist and dramatic producer, missing for one month after divorce and notice of alimony and child support, and after marriage to second wife, Loraine Sweet, actress (a stage name). Suspect caught but escaped a chain line in 1919.

Three know aliases:

1. Jean Guilmont, mostly in Norfolk Virginia, see Sergeant Hughes who says there is also the same name as a French-Canadian composer of organ pieces. He may be publishing under this name or stealing it for kicks and laughs.

2. James M. Parker, but we suspect Julien H. Lafayette was using the same proper and surname but changing middle initial so that it would be in alphabetic order, the L-M-M-O-P, etc.

3. Henri Gautier was arrested in Fort Wayne in 1922. Here, discovered by multiple police detectives after pressure with Lafayette confessing, he used all names. Forged signatures masterfully for theater owner C. T. Sumner and others with ways to cash his checks and cover his gambling vice.

Henri Gautier, prisoner in for debts and forgery, served time in Columbus, Ohio into 1930. Listed occupation as a clerk, admits being married, says he has no children.

Henri Gautier died in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. His death certificate showing his date of birth and birthplace—Canada—and parents’ names reflect same information provided by plaintiff and first wife Laura Lafayette). Obituary references his wife and children of his most recent marriage (that we know of), and also mentions his work as an organist at a local church, leaving out his theatrical performances. Seems he was still going on up and up fancy like to the end, at the theater, which by that time had no use for organists of this style for the talkies.

Plaintiff notified on whereabouts of deceased 1939.

Copyright 2025 Christine Friesel