Rensselaer Republican, Volume 26, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 November 1893 — Ferris Caged in Benton County. [ARTICLE]

Ferris Caged in Benton County.

The many times mentioned Ferris, the invention crank, got over to his old stamping ground m Newton county last week, and was arrested while pointing for Ben Constable’s place, southwest of Goodland, from whom he formerly stole the horse, to pay his royalty on some of Constable’s farm machinery. He was tried in Goodland, found “insane and dangerous” and sent to Kentland. The Kentland authorities, turned him loose the next day, and he then went to Fowler to consult Judge Wiley about his royalties, was followed by Mr. Constable who got the Judge to lock him up, preliminary tu uno' be? attempt to get him into the insane asylum, 'lhe following passage from Ferris’s former history is given by the Goodland Herald:

About two years ago Ferris worked on the farm for Boj. Constable, 3.| miles southwest of town. He appeared to be honest and industrious and showed no- evidence of insanity. However,. when he left the country he took one of B*n'a horses with him. He stopped ,at Woodford, 111., and wrote back to Constable that he bad his horse and had taken it to get his royalty from Ben for his inventions used on farm machinery. The horse was recovered and Ferris sent to Watseka for trial. There he was held for eight months and finally discharged as a harmless lunatic. In a short time be again returned t>> Constable’s and attempted to steal the horse. He had in bis possession a revalverand boldly-announced his intention to confiscate the property. S. H. Dickinson happened to be present and quietly argued tire case with him while an officer was sent for. He was tried in the circuit court, adjudged insane and sent to the Rensselaer jail, where he has been for the past ten months. A few days ago he was taken before the court and released by habeas corpus proceedings. The undersigned has purchased of Th os. Burns the new livery stable,' on Vanßensselaer street, west of the public square, and proposes to conduct the same in a manner to give the amplest satisfaction to all patrons. Nothing but good rigs sent out. Prices very reasonable. Give me a trial. Robt. Randle.