Jasper County Democrat, Volume 3, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 July 1900 — IN THE PUBLIC EYE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

IN THE PUBLIC EYE

lowa people are talking much of Minister Conger these days, and recall with pride the fact that he gained his start

in public life while a resident of that State. The Des Moines Capital says that when Mr. Conger returned to lowa after his second term as minister to Brazil, his fellow-citizena, in view of his distinction, had planned a demonstration i n his honor. The minister was met at the train and wel-

corned his family and friends gladly. But when he heard of the reception plans he immediately showed his modesty and said: “If you do what will please me, you’ll not have anything of the kind. I have simply done my duty as any other American citizen in like position would do, and am no hero. I do not think that any public demonstration would be proper, and I know I do not want it.” The demonstration never occurred. Minister Conger met and wooed and won his wife at Lombard University, Galesburg, 111. It was a college match, as both bride and groom were attending school together there. The bride was Miss Sarah J. Pike, and the match was a romantic one. Both were attracted to the other by their brightness in classes and by the good spirit which pervaded every action and word. This was in ante-bellum days, and the firing on Fort Sumter put a temporary end to their love making, as cruel war intervened. Mr. Conger went away to war, serving with gallantry and distinction, rising to the rank of major. During his absence Miss Pike was true to him and kept in touch by constant watch and continued correspondence. The yeari spent apart only intensified their affection, and they were married when the war was over, the school days’ courtship resulting in thirtyfour years of happy weeded life. They were married at Galesburg in 1860, and there Maj. Conger practiced law for a time, then moved to the farm near Dexter. The story is told of a Chinese Mandarin who early learned that Mr. Conger was not to be balked or bluffed. A missionary of the American Bible Society, provided with passports and credentials, was stopped by the officials and held in the military quarters on some paltry trumped-up charge. The missionary sent word to Minister Conger, and the minister went in person to see about it. When he learned the trivial nature of the trouble he demanded the release of the missionary, saying he was an American citizen, and as such bis rights must be respected. “But my orders are to hold him here,” said the officer. “And my orders from the United States are to demand his release.” “He must stay here until it suits his majesty to release him.” “The United States of America demands his immediate release,” quietly rejoined Minister Conger, “and we’re used to setting what we want.” The missionary was given his freedom at once.

MINISTER CONGER.