Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 January 1884 — Ident fied by a Broken Toe. [ARTICLE]

Ident fied by a Broken Toe.

There came to Boston not lohg ago a gentleman from California, who w:as paying his native State of Massachusetts a visit, after an absence of nearly thirtyfour years. He was one of those who, in 1849, went out to the land of gold to seek his fortune. He was only 19 years of age at the time of his departure, and, like many other , youngsters who have gone O it inf o the world, soon got w. aned of home longings. His folks, after a

a time, ceased to get tidings from him, and for the past twenty years he had been thought to be dead by his relatives. ■He came to Boston, as stated, and sought out his relatives, and found some of them; but none of them recognized in the man of 53 years the youth of 19 who left home so many years ago. Among others who were not quite satisfied with his identity was an aunt who lives in the Highlands. When he went to see her and stated nize you, sir; but, if you are the one yori claim tdbe/you cau tell me the date ot your birth and where you were born.” These he gave to her correctly, but still she had a doubt. " "If you are,” she said, “my nephew. I think you have a mark on you that will convince me of your identity. When he was a boy he broke one of the toes of his right foot. I remember distinctly how it looked and which toe it was. If you can show me that broken toe, I will believe you are my nephew.” The gentleman at once pulled off the boot and stocking from his right foot, and there, sure enough, was the identical broken toe. It is needless to say that that broken toe cleared up all doubt.— Boston Herald,