Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 July 1896 — JOHN R. M’LEAN. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

JOHN R. M’LEAN.

Man Who Came Near Beinjr a Vice Presidential Candidate. John R. McLean, who was second in the race for the Vice Presidential nomination iu Chicago, is plucky in everything he undertakes. He was a baseball catcher one time, and a more determined one never faced a pitcher. Harry Wright was one of the men he caught for, and that was before the days of masks and stomach pads. After hie base-ball enthusiasm was partially knocked out by a foul tip, which took aim to a dark room for two months to repair an impaired eye, his next ambition was to print the best newspaper in Ohio. He inherited the Cincinnati Enquire: from his father, and while there may be some question as to the realization of his efforts he has certainly succeeded in building up an extremely inuential and profitable newspaper. Then he fell a victim to the wiles of Cupid and married Miss Mary T. Beale, daughter of General Edward F. Beale, of Washington. The bride was about 25 years old at that time and the groom ten years her senior. He has one of the swellest of the swell houses in Wash ington, entertains handsomely and has

among his guests the biggest men of both the Republican and Democratic parties. Two or three years ago he said he would not accept any political position, but preferred the life of a private citizen. Mr. McLean is very wealthy. Some people estimate he is worth $20,000,00Q.'; He is a large holder of real estate in Cincinnati, a heavy owner of street railway stock in Washington and the chief stockholder in the principal gas plant of that city. He Is about 45 years of age, handsome, practical and far-seeing in- a business sense.

JOHN R. M'LEAN.