Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 87, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 July 1909 — Jasper County Man Causes Stir at Lafayette. [ARTICLE]

Jasper County Man Causes Stir at Lafayette.

Lafayette Courier. When Jim Hall, as he is commonly known to residents of Jasper county, drifted over to the West Side Wednesday and registered at the board-, ing house conducted by Mrs. Fielder on Ellsworth street, little was thought of the incident until Hall flashed a draft for about $5,000 made out on a bank at Rensselaer. In a conversation with some of the citizens at the foot of the hill, Hall represented himself as one of the Thompson brothers, owners of extensive land interests and a bank at Rensselaer. He said that his visit to the West Side was for the purpose of purchasing some property. Frank Clemens, the wellknown real estate dealer, happened to be standing near when Hail made the remark and offered to show him some residences that were purchasable. The property belonging to Chris Kalberer on Vine street seemed to appeal to -Mr. Hall, who offered Clemens SIO,OOO to close the deal, promising to give his note for the balance. Arrangements were about completed for the transaction when Hall suddenly disappeared, leaving Mrs. Fielder with a week’s board and room bill to collect. In the meantime he had negotiated with Lem Ross and John Hanly for the purchase of property. In an attempt to obtain goods from the merchants at the foot of the hill on his own recognition, Hall was unsuccessful. It is supposed that he Is mentally deranged and the thought of Mr. Thompson’s wealth led him to these amusing exploits. Outside of beating his board bill Hall did nobody any harm. The joke is on Mr. Cfemena, whole the target for his friends’ joking for conducting such a successful lead.-