Rensselaer Standard, Volume 1, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 October 1879 — Prayer and Pistc 1. [ARTICLE]

Prayer and Pistc 1.

]From the Pittsburg Commercial.] About one year ago a tramp of no mean-looking appearance appeared at Cochran, Indiana, and from his conversation and actions it was at once seen that he was a l -young man possessing much more shrewdness and intelligence than the ordinary tramp. He stated that he was a painter by trade and was looking for work, but his story was discredited, and he failed to aecure anything to do for some time. Finally he made great rel’gious pretensions, and on one occasion arose in the meeting and made a most feeling and touching address. The Master Car Builder of the Ohio aud Mississippi Railroad was present, and he, believing in the sincerity .of the tramp, at once gave him a position as painter

fat the car-shops at Cochran. He gave his name aa George Whittaker. and ■aW he waa from Boston. He proved to be an excellent workman, and gave complete satisfaction to his employ®. He became an exorter at religious meetings, a Superintendent of Sunday school, a class-leader, and seemingly an earnest Christian worker, but all this time it was known to at least a few that he was a hard drinker. Presently he was seen drunk in public, and a few days since made an exhinition of himself by gettiug on a spree and attempting to outwalk Wilson, the pedestrian on the streets of Aurora. He had been waiting on Miss Fannie Clause for some time, a verv estimable young lady of Cochran, and the family supposing him to be a Christiau young man, his attentions to her were received with favor. Wednesday evening he called at the residence of Mr. Clause, and after some conversation with the family he asked Mr. Clause if he would not pray for hiru. Mr. Clause consented, and Whittaker kneeled down in prayer with the family, the young lady, Miss Fannie kneeling with the rest. The prayer was just closing and the ameu was just on the lips of Mr. Clause, when the sharp report of a pistol rang out, and Whittaker rolled over on the floor dead, almost at the feet of him who had so earnestly prayed for him. He had drawn a revolver, placed the muzzle to his head and fired, the ball entering his right eye and killing him instautly. He died without speaking. No cause Is known for the act, but he was undoubtedly insane. He is not known to have any relatives.