Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 May 1909 — THOUGHT BOY HAD BEEN KIDNAPED. [ARTICLE]

THOUGHT BOY HAD BEEN KIDNAPED.

Clayton Ward, the 12-year-old son of John Ward living "in the north part of town, has developed a case of wanderlust, and Wednesday noon, without apprising his parents of his destination, hired to John Poole of Benton county as a cattle driver, and started with him to his home. When evening came and the boy failed to put in an appearance the parents instituted a careful search. Several of the boys’ companions reported that they had seen him astride a pony and that he had told them he was going to drive a herd of cattle to Everett Halstead’s farm in Newton township and that he would be back the same night. Early the next morning the boy’s continued absence worried the parents in calling the sheriff to go out to Halstead’s and bring the boy home. Everett had not seen , him and knew nothing of any cattle driving to be done. When this- was (learned the neighbors organized themselves a searching party and their combined efforts located the boy headed southward on the Remington road. The father at once started after nlm, overtaking the pair near Remington. The boy was returned safely home and Poole proceeded on his way to his home near Swanington. The latter owns a farm In Union township also, and had been up there doing some work. The boy evidently went with him willingly, as Moses Slgo from near Remington who was coming to Rensselaer, met them and Poole stopped and talked to Mr. Sigo. Finding the latter was coming to Rensselaer he asked the boy if he wanted to come back to Rensselaer or go on with him, and the boy replied that he wanted to go on with Poole.