crotonhistory.org
William E. Harmon's Death Reveals His Secret
William E. Harmon, a retired real estate operator, passed away on July 16, 1928. His obituary initially presented him as a philanthropist. However, three days later, the New York Times revealed a remarkable secret: Harmon had been living a double life as "Jedediah Tingle," a mysterious benefactor who distributed generous gifts to writers, poets, and de…