Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 92, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 July 1898 — Disappearance of a Wheatfield Man. [ARTICLE]

Disappearance of a Wheatfield Man.

S. H. Petrie, a Much Respected Cilizen Can Not Be Located. Lowell Tribune. The. whereabouts of Samuel H. Petrie, who resides at Wheatfield, Ind., are a profound mystery to his family and friends. He was in the employ of the Columbian Relief Fund Association, of Indianapolis, Ind., and was working this territory when he was called home on the account of a sick child about July Ist. His wife’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Smith reside about 4 miles southwest of Lowell, and not liking to leave his wife alone while he was away, he brought her and the children to her father’s July 6th. Wednesday morning, July 6th, he left his wife at her parents, telling her that he would be back Saturday night following. He came to Lowell and took the milk train; telling several of his friends here that he was going to St. John and Dyer to look after his business. It seems however that he changed his mind, as our townsman, Ben Nichols, met him on Clark street, Chicago, and they went to a restaurant and took dinner. Mr. Nichols says lie saw nothing unusual in his actions, and Sam told him that he was going to his father’s, who lives in the city. He did not go to his father’s at all, as shown by letters from his father. Beu thought nothing about the matter untill it was announced that Petrie could not be found. On account of the change of cow’s milk, with which Mrs. Petrie was rearing the babe, the doctor advised her to return to her home. The child became worse the latter part of last week. It was at that time that the search for the father began. The child died and was buried at the Sanders grave yard last Sunday. The telegraph and telephone have been brought into requisition but up to this time the search has been unavailing. When last seen in Lowell, he was dressed in a brown suit with white linen or straw hat. He is a manabout 5 feet 8 or 9 inches, of light build, light hair and mustache and would weigh about 150 pounds. He resided here for a number of years and has a host of friends in Lowell and vicinity who are very anxious to hear of his safe return to his family. It is feared that there has been foul play. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias. If these orders will lend a hand in clearing up the mystery they will confer a great favor on the stricken family and the hosts of friends here and at Wheatfield, of the missing man.