Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 March 1902 — STORY OF A MYSTERY. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

STORY OF A MYSTERY.

The Ely-Rogers Diaappearance Bafllea Police of the Whole Country. For a person to suddenly vanish as if earth had swallowed him up is a most difficult feat. This is the opinion of po-

liee and expert detectives. Yet, despite this dictum, hundreds of persona drop out of sight every year. What becomes of these people is a mystery few detectives will attempt to explain. The most notable and inexplicable case of mysterious disappearance during the past year

was that of Frank Ely Rogers, a boy of 14, who disappeared from his home in Evanston, Hl. He was accompanied by his aunt, Miss Florence Ely. Since their disappearance last July all efforts to find them have been futile. Until last July Miss Ely had been a piano teacher in Evanston. She is 40 years old, slender and of delicate physique. Her hair is dark brown. Her large dark eyes are expressive. Altogether she is a handsome gentlewoman bf more than usual intelligence and devoted to music. For twenty years she made her home with her sister, the wife of James O. Rogers, as did also her mother, who is heartbroken over the peculiar action of her daughter. Mr. Rogers is connected with the mercantile firm of Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co., in Chicago. When Frank was born, fourteen years ago, Miss Ely idolized the baby. She loved him as if she were his mother, and it was her delight to care for and amuse him. As he grew into boyhood her affection kept pace with his growth. The care ot the boy took precedence of all else in her mind. As the boy grew older and her, absorption in him increased she gave up nearly nil her social duties. She wished to devote her entire time to h*r' nephew. On the morning of July 13 Frank left home ostensibly to attend n picnic in the

woods near town. He said good-by cheerfully to his mother and his grandmother, the aged Mrs. Ely, and slighted his aunt, as it is now remembered. By persistent search their movements for an hour or so after they left the house have been traced.

Finally they took a north-bound electric car which runs from Chicago to Milwaukee, and that was the last time they were seen in Evanston. Since then dozens of clews have been followed, but not one has led to a reliable trace of the couple. Mr. Rogers has spared neither time nor money in the search. He has employed private detectives, and the police force of every city and town in the country has been warned to keep on the alert. As a last resource the parents have resorted to the chain letter system to find the absent ones. Here is their plea for help: Dear Friend—Will you kindly help a heartbroken father and two mothers In an effort to find their loved ones by writing three copies of this letter and sending them, over your own signature, to three friends, making the same request of them, and so on, forming an endless chain. Miss Florence A. Ely and nephew. Frank Ely Rogers, disappeared from their home, 713 Hinman avenue, Evanston, 111., July 13, 1901. Nothing has been heard of them since. Miss Ely is 40 years of age, about 5 feet 3 inches in height, very thin and weighs from 90 to 100 pounds; face rather long and very expressive; dark-brown hair; large dark-brown eyes, with an intense expression, are her most noticeable features; good music teacher; attractive to children. Frank E. Rogers Is 14 years of age, height about & feet 2 Inches; weight about 80 pounds; medium brown hair, gray-blue eyes, long, slender hands, is left handed, writes with either right or left; draws well, always using left hand. Only love and a glad welcome await them both. A large reward will be cheerfully given for Information leading directly to the restoration of either or both. Printed letters with pictures will be sent upon request. Send all information to JAMES C. ROGERS. 713 Hinman avenue, Evanston, 111.

MISS ELY.

FRANK ROGERS.