Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 June 1896 — RECORD OF THE WEEK [ARTICLE]

RECORD OF THE WEEK

INDIANA INCIDENTS TERSELY TOLD. An Did Battle Ground Bachelor Confesses His Mistake - Contemptible Blackmail at Shelbyville-Thieves Make It Lively for Toland. Composes His Own Epitaph. most eccentric characters ot the StXte is Allisotf Dewitt, of Battle Ground, an old bachelor who has lived alone in a little cabin for nearly half * century, apd is now an octogenarian, enfeebled by disease and near death’s door. Over one year ago he began digging his own grave, which progressed slowly because of his feebleness, and’ after reaching the required; depth he spent several weeks in walling it up, using brick and mortar. Then he contracted with a Logansport firm for a suitable monument, bearing his own epitaph, and this stone has just been placed in position. He prescribed what should be carved on the tombstone, stipulating that no capital letter must be used save in the word God. A literal copy is as follows: ’ a bachelor lies beneath this sod who disobeyed the laws of God — advice to others thus i give: don't live a batch as i did live —regret. Deacon Nicely in a Bad Fix. Zachariah Nicely, a wealthy resident and a deacon in the Methodist ’ Church, was arrested at Shelbyville on a gfand jury warrant. He gave bond in the sum of SI,OOO. Nicely came in 1860 from Lawrence County, Ohio, where he waa married in 1849. A few weeks after marriage his wife-abandoned him, going to Virginia. After coming to this county he was taken sick, and wrote for his wife, thinking she would come. Instead a letter came stating that she was dead. He recovered and ''married Sarah Bales, who proved a good and devoted wife, and who , assisted him in ' accumulating a nice fortune. ThTs facF seems to have reached Virginia parties, who, he says, recently wrote informing him that unless he would send them $1,200 they would expose him, stating that his first wife was living, which is true. Nicely refused to do this and his arrest is the result. Had to Fight for His Gems. Frank J. Toland, of La Crosse, Wis., on Sunday morning entered an Indianapolis restaurant and met John Sheridan, Mort Woods and Richard Taylor, alias “High-Card Dick.” Several drinks passed, and the party decided to break up. Then Toland’s $250 jeweled Masonic watch charm was missing. He demanded its return, and got it. Then a quarrel began, and Woods caned Toland across the face and head. Taylor interfered as a peacemaker. When things had quieted down Toland's S3OO diamond stud was gone from his shirt front. Toland went back to his hotel and notified the police. Woods, who is a gambler, was arrested at his home, and Was released under $2,000 bonds. Sheridan and; Taylor were captured at their lodgings. The diamond stud was recovered from a saldon porter named Steigelmeir. All Over the State. Adam Rasp suddenly disappeared from his hdme in’ South Bend Wednesday, and has not since been heard from. Elmer Willis, aged 19 and residing six miles north of Lebanon, committed suicide. About a year ago he was hypnotized by a traveling doctor, and since that time he has never been free from the hypnotic influence. Early in March he waa arrested, charged with arson, but was released a few days ago on a plea of insanity. Tuesday, about ■ noon, James McFar-

landj a prominent and wealthy farmer living four miles north of Union City, was swindled to the extent of S2OO by a tall, sleek-looking individual, representing himself as A United Stages marshal. McFarland had been to the city in the forenoon, and on returning home found a stranger at his house, who immediately placed him under arrest. Mr. McFarland was elected to the office of assessor last {fall and resigned, which the stranger claimed was illegal, and that he would have to accompany him to Indianapolis to stand {rial for the offense. He suggested, however, that the cheaper way for hL m out of the difficulty would be to settle the matter with him, naming the price at SSOO, to which Mr. McFarland objected. They finally compromised the matter by Mr. McFarland giving him his note for S2OO. After the stranger had left with the note Mr. McFarland and his son, who was present during the transaction, talked the matter over and came to the conclusion that he had been swindled. He notified all banks not to accept the note if presented. He can give no description of the fellow beyond that he was talk The neighborhood at Shelbyville in’ which Widow Wilson resides has been greatly annoyed of late by tramps. The other day two impudent fellows called and demanded something to eat. The watch dog was turned upon them and they left declaring vengeance. At 10 o’clock the family was awakened to find their fine barn on fire, and it was consumed, with eight head of horses and a large amount of implements, grain, etc. The loss will reach $4,000, with S7OO insurtnce.

Charles Sargent, a pauper, died at Anderson suddenly Thursday. Fifteen years ago Sargent was one of the wealthiest men in Cincinnati- He was known all along the Qhio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans as one’of the most lavish and generous men with his money that ever chartered sjiecial boats and took parties to New Orleans for three and four weeks as his guests. One. of., his closest friends and the last one to visit him was Captain Ewing of the Cincinnati ball team. When his money gave out he shut the door on the past, came to Anderson, then a country village, and lived a most obscure life. At Lafayette, Judge Taylor denied Jesse White a new trial and sentenced him to life imprisonment in the penitentiary. White fras convicted of the murder of Mrs. Hester Curtis. Arthur Hilliards, of Caseyville, waa taken from his home at that place Tuesday night by a large crowd of indignant citizens in the guise of white caps and unmercifully whipped, after which he was ordered out of the county. It is alleged that Hilliards abuses hM family, his wife washing for a living, that he deserts them, and only returns when she has saved up some money. The strike in the Indianapolis bituminous coal districts is leading to much destitution among the miners, and appeals for help are coming in from that debtion every day, some families being so reduced that they have not had a full meal for weeks and many being on the point of starvation. The labor unions have contributed liberally to the sufferers, but their needs are so great that the city authorities will be asked to authorise a general canvass in their behalf. The Board of Trade faaa been appealed to and will give something to the sufferers. Committees fronr the miners report that the situation is critical and the needs of the striking miners preening.