Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 May 1879 — An Humble Hero. [ARTICLE]

An Humble Hero.

There died in Cincinnati, a few days ago, a man who richly deserves the honors of martyrdom. His name was Peter Rapp. He drove a street car, was young—only 26 —and the sole support of an aged and infirm father and mother. The parents were unable to do anything. He provided them with shelter, clothing, food and fuel. His wages were so small that, after paying the bills of the household he had nothing left for himself. He could not buy either an overcoat or undergarments to protect him from rough weather. In order to go out with his car at 64 every morning, he was obliged to walk four and a half miles. The rules of the company forbidding the employes to ride without paying fare, when not on duty, forced him to walk back every night. Thus, in addition to his fifteen hours of hard work, he had a daily walk of nine miles. For two months he never spent a single cent of his earnings. All went home to his mother. Continued toil, exposure and privation broke down his health. He was attacked by quick consumption and died, literally that his father and mother might live.