Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 September 1898 — WHERE IS GERALD LAPINER? [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

WHERE IS GERALD LAPINER?

An Abducted Chicago Boy for Whose Return $12,500 la Offered. Chicago is deeply interested In a strange abduction case that rivals the kidnaping of Charley Ross. Three months ago Gerald Lapiner, 2% years old, disappeared from the home of his parents, 4835 Prairie avenue, and in spi|e of the most diligent search no clew of him has yet been found. A reward of $12,500 has been offered for any trace of the boy and this large sum has led the police and others X o make strenuous efforts to locate him, but they have proved futile, The child was playing in front of the lather’s home when a strange woman came along and

invitedJhim to go with her. He took her hand trustingly, trotted away and has njt since been seen. ' The abduction was witnessed by but one person, a little girl playmate of Gerald’s living across the street. She saw the missing lad go away with the woman, but thought nothing of it until it became known that the child was stolen. Two other people saw the woman and child together, but did not know it was a case of abduction. The motive for the kidnaping has proven a puzzle to the police. The whole city has been scoured by searching parties, also the surrounding territory, and the police of other cities and towns have been notified to be on the lookout for the lad. The shock has so unnerved Mrs. Lapiner that it is thought she will not survive long.

GERALD LAPINER.