Mysterious Disappearance of Gus Friedman 1879

FRIEDMAN, ELLIS

Posted By: cheryl moonen (email)
Date: 10/17/2017 at 21:09:48

Friday, April 2, 1897, Daily Nonpareil (Council Bluffs, Iowa) Page: 2

BUCHANAN COUNTY MYSTERY

DISAPPEARANCE OF GUS FRIEDMAN WILL
BE INVESTIGATED

Special to the Daily Nonpareil
Independence, Iowa, April 1 - The mysterious disappearance of Gus Friedman on January 1st from the farm of Ben Ellis, living about twenty miles north of Independence, caused considerable comment at the time and was noticed by person throughout the county. Recent development have increased interest the case and it is now generally believed that he was foully dealt with. Herman Friedman of Chicago, a brother of the missing man, arrived in this city this morning and proceeded at once to the Ellis farm, where Friedman was employed. The story of the case is that Friedman came here from Chicago in the late fall with about $500 in money. He went to work at once with Ellis, in the meantime purchasing a horse. On the night of the disappearance there was a party at the Ellis residence, as Friedman was not acquainted with the young people of the neighborhood he remained in the kitchen all of the evening. Late at night, Mrs. Ellis saw him go out the doors without overshoes or overcoat. This was the last that has been seen of him. A search among the belongings revealed most of his money and all of his clothing. His horse was left in the stable. During the last two weeks suspicious sentences have been spoken by several parties in the neighborhood insinuating that it would unwise for anyone to inquire of the Friedman’s disappearance. Four days ago a pair of shoes were found in the woods about three miles from the Ellis place, which were covered with blood and were identified as those of the missing man. The brother will make a thorough investigation and will solve the mystery if it is possible. Friedman was of a quiet and unpretentious disposition, had made few acquaintances, and the motive, therefore, could not have been on account of any differences. He was supposed to have carried his money with him, and, as the part of the county is thickly settled with Polanders, of the extremely ignorant class, the anticipation of gain was undoubtedly the object.