Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 62, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 March 1913 — B. J. GIFFORD IS FAILING RAPIDLY [ARTICLE]

B. J. GIFFORD IS FAILING RAPIDLY

Indications Point to Aged Land Owner and Railroad Builder * Living Only Short Tima

The life of Benjamin J. Gifford, the aged railroad builder and reclaimer of swamp lands in Jasper county, is fast nearing its close and indications are that he will last but a short time, possibly not more than a few days. In fact, his local physician and the relatives and friends who have seen him daily since his stroke of apoplexy several weeks ago, will not be surprised if he expires at almost any time. He has declined rapidly within the past week and is now being kept alive by means of narcotics. His half-brother, George E. Gifford, of Plano, 111., came a day or two ago And his sister, Mrs. Elmira Goody kuntz, of North -Carolina, came this morning. His half-sister, Miss May Gifford, of Chicago, has been at his bedside for the past week and frequently with him since the stroke. In anticipation of the expected demise of the remarkable old gentleman, the business at his office is at a standstill.

Band Will Give Musical Entertainment at M. E. Church—Deserves Liberal Patronage.