Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 102, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 September 1908 — A Blind Reporter. [ARTICLE]

A Blind Reporter.

The Rensselaer Republican will probahly.be the only newspaper in the world to have a blind reporter. “Ernie” Zea, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Zea, and well known not only in Rensselaer but by people who travel over the Monon railroad, as he has been a frequent visitor at the depot for many years. Intellectually Ernie is very, bright, but unfortunately he has never had any advantages of schooling. His father made aplicatlon for him to be admitted to tbe state institution for the blind, but as he was also crippled in the legs and unable to move from place to place except In his ca’t, there was no room for him at that institution. He has never had the ' advantage of private tutorship and ' has never learned to write. But had I these advantages been .afforded him ’ he would.have been a willing and apt] pupil, for he learns readily and has ■ a retentive memory. The dates of the death of prominent people he ! remembers tor years’ back, and he 1 has exhibited considerable talent along several lines. But time hangs wearily for Ernie and he needs something to occupy it, and the Republican has decided to have him attend the afternoon trains, when it is impossible for the regular reporter to be there, and Ernie will have a note book and any person who is going away or who ! has friends coming or visitors already here will confer a favor both on the Republican and its blind re- ! porter if they will take hid book and pencil and write the item. We believe it will not be necessary to ask for him the kindliest consideration, for we believe that will be accorded. Ernie will be very grateful for all favors shown him, and it is hoped he will be encouraged by every person who comes in contact with him.