Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 65, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 April 1908 — NOVEL CAMPAIGN WON BY WOMAN [ARTICLE]

NOVEL CAMPAIGN WON BY WOMAN

Former Rensselaer Girl Wins Election for Her Naimed Husband in Illinois Town. Ed Greenwalt will be the next collector of taxes at Taylorvllle, IIL» and his election Just accomplished wa* the result of thd diligent work and splendid campaigning of his wife, who was fqrmerly Florence Wood, and who was raised in and resided in Rensselaer until her marriage. It will be remembered that shortly after her marriage, about four years ago, her husband, who was a railroad man, had the great xnisfoiv tune to lose both of his legs by being run down by a train as he was going to his home. Since that be has been unable to do any kind of work and the family have been in extremely poor circumstances. Last year his plucky wife decided that she would get him the republican nomination for tax collector and she put in day after day and night after night In writing letters to the voters of that township. She stated her husband’s unfortunate condition in each letter and when she had them all written she started but tb deliver them in person to the voter* of the township. There were 1400 letters and the delivery was made on foot; there was no money with which to hire livery rigs; and through mud and snow and cold and dlsagrmable weather she trudged around until every republican fyad her appeal. Nothing dannted the brave young wlf* did not relax her efforts until she had completed her task. When nomination day came he was made the party nominee and then began a stilt greater task. She must make the appeal to the voters of all parties. Again the letter writing was begun and this time almost 3,000 letters were required to go the rounds. No envelopes were used, the letters being simply folded tablet sheets. Inspired by her success in getting the nomination for her husband she worked with the feeling that success In the election would also follow and she waS not disappointed. The election was held the first Tuesday of this month and the nameof Ed Greenwalt was famin flr to every voter and he was elected by a. majority vote of 183. The salary is 11,900 a year and Ur a two .years’ office. Out of the first money that Mr. Greenwalt draws ha expects to supply himself with new artificial limbs, as the ones he first purchased have always bruised the muscles of the legs and caused much pain. The plucky determination of thl* former Rensselaer girl was reaponsibto tor, the Victory and |[ otfaer llh**t»Holi of What ttio nmth, r spirit of this county can accomplish In other fields.