Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 June 1883 — A Tragedy. [ARTICLE]

A Tragedy.

1 had seen him frequently on Washington avenue, a fair-haired, laughing, handsome boy. Within five years he grew to manhood, and I often thought of him as the idol of his parents—manly, brave and true. The other day I saw his father’s tottering form walking slowly up State street hill. He looked haggard and worn, as though some great trouble had come upon him. I saw his sister’s blanched face and downcast eyes, and knew that a great calamity had befallen the family. I asked a mutual friend the reason. “The son,” he said, mournfully, and gulped down a sob. “How sad,” I said unto myself. He so young and full of promise, to be carried away. No wonder his people were crushed with grief, and then, in a sympathetic tone, I inquired: “When did he die?” “Die?” quoth my friend, in a tone of inquiry and sad surprise. “Die?” he repeated. “He’s not dead; worse than that; he’s become a dude.” —Albany Express.