Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 103, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 August 1904 — Departure of W. S. Parks [ARTICLE]

Departure of W. S. Parks

Well Known Citizen Leaves Unotr C rcumstances that Create a Most Unfavorable Impression. Oar duty as h purveyor of the puolio news makes it necessary to relate the particulars so far as known, of a circumstance that have earned as great a sensation in its way. as any that ever happened in Rensselaer List Tuesday morning, August 16th. W, S. Parks left town. He is the owner of a largedray i ig and express line outfit, a man of considerable present wealth aud of great future prospects. Has been prominent in ohuroh and 1 temperanoe work, and recently concluded a term as a mem ter of the City Council. At the time he left his family was at Fountain Park Assembly, where they own a oottige. aod Mr. Parks was there himself on the Sunday before. On Monday night, about 11 o'clock, he came over town, carrying a new suit oase, whioh he deposited temporarily at the Makeevcr House. He then joined Night Watch Dillon, telling him that he was waiting for the early morning traia, and being too restless to sleep, he said he would walk about with Mr. Dilloa until train time. To Mr. Dilloa he stated that he was going back t j Fountain Park, by way of Fair Oaks and Goodland,"claiming he had some business with the Gilmau bank. But he took the 4:30 a. m. tnin north, whioh bath himself and Mr. Dillon knew never stops at Fair Oaks, and he got on the train without buying any tioket There were four other Renss-Jaer parties on the train going to Niagara Falls and to them he held out the impres-

eion that, he ivas going on the same trip But he got away from them and into the rear oar and when th j y got off at Hammond one of them went back and saw him, and he then said ha would go on to Cbioago, and follow to Niagara in a day or two. To other Rensselaer parties he said he was going to the world’s fair, and to hie brother Burley Parks, at Remiugton, he said he was goiug on a trip through the northwest. After he left he wrote back to Mrs Parks saying that he bad gone and that he had sold his draying business and outfit, to a party whose, name he vyho, so far, has not lnidr claim totheshme. and who has asked that his name be not yet published as the buyer of the outfit, He seems to have made some oonsiderable financial provisions, for a long stay, both for himself and for his family here. As to why this always highly respeoted and influential man, with his most estimable family, prosperous business and exoelleat prospeots should have taken this strange oourse. there are as yet only rumors. But while they are only rumors, they are persistent and definite, and seem io be supported by many circumstances. But while there is yet a slight possibility that these oircumstanoes may be explained away, it will be only proper to give him time to return and explain or deny them.