Back in the 1950s when I was growing up in Washington, DC, there was a beggar who was a familiar sight to everyone in the city. He was missing his legs from above the knee, and scooted around on a small platform on wheels. He lurked around major department stores looking for handouts. He appeared to be a WWI veteran who had lost his legs in the war, but I don't recall any signs. After he died, over a million dollars (1955 value) was found in the cubbyhole where he slept. Mother never gave him any money, and I was glad she hadn't after I read about him in the newspaper.