Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 302, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 December 1917 — SUPPOSED DEAD WRITES HOME [ARTICLE]

SUPPOSED DEAD WRITES HOME

RENSSELAER ’ MOTHER RECEIVED LETTER FROM SON MOURNED AS DEAD. There is a hatfpy mother in Rensselaer today. Mrs. John Hordeman. who in the past few years has had her heart broken by the entrance of the angel of death into her home, taking from her a daughter and a husband. Her son, Leo, had started out in the world some five years ago to make his own way and for some reason had not kept in touch with the folks at home. When, on April 30, 1913, a daughter, Cecelia Hordemail, was called to the great beyond, the only son, Leo, could not be located. Later, on Dec. 10, 1914, the father joined the sister and left the widow and daughters, still the son, Leo, had not been heard front, nor were his whereabouts known. Some long time had passed and no word came from Leo and he was counted :<rnong those who had enter-" ed that which never outward swing Today when the sad mother received a letter from that long lost son and a splendid portrait of him. It brought real holiday happiness and cheer into a family who felt that the hand of affliction had been laid heavily upon. Leo had* done the one thing that is the most manly that any man can do. He has enlisted in the army and in an ambulance corps in California. He is twenty-three’ years old. It is hoped that he may be furloughed home before going tq the battlefield in Europe.