Iowa
Old Press
Correctionville News
Correctionville, Woodbury, Iowa
June 12, 1913
FORMER TEACHER TESTIFIES IN BEHALF OF RAINSBARGERS
Cedar Rapids, Ia., June 10 - Mrs. C.E. Clark, head of the Clark
Music company here, will play an important part in the movement
to secure a pardon for Frank and Nate Rainsbarger, figures in one
of Iowa's most famous murder cases, now serving life sentences in
the state prison. These men, who have now served 23 years behind
bars, were a short time before the time the murder was committed,
pupils in a school near Eldora, taught by Mrs. Clark, then Miss
Clara B. McClure. She was well acquainted with them and with the
incidents surrounding the murder of Enoch Johnson, alleged
counterfeiter, who was waylaid in the woods one night and beaten
to death, and for whose death the Rainsbargers are serving time.
She was a witness at the original trial of the Rainsbargers.
After many attempts to secure the freedom of the Rainsbargers
there now is under way a stronger movement than ever for their
pardon, backed up by many influential citizens of Hardin county.
Apparently, the national government is also interested in the
case, for a secret service man named Waterman now is here taking
Mrs. Clarke's depositions for use in behalf of the Rainsbargers.
Mrs. Clark says that all the incidents in connection with the
famous Hardin county murder mystery are firmly fixed in her
memory and that she believes that Frank and Nate Rainsbarger are
innocent of the crime for which they are deprived of their
liberty. She asserts that among her pupils there were no more
gentlemanly boys than these two. Her deposition evidently will be
of some length because Mr. Waterman now has been here two days.
[transcribed by C.J.L., May 2007]
The Sioux City Journal, Tuesday, June 24, 1913
CAPT. J.S. LOTHROP DYING.
WAR VETERAN AND LAWYER FIGHTING FOR LIFE.
PHYSICIANS HOLD NO HOPES
At Midnight He Rallied Slightly, but It Is Not Believed He Can Survive the Day—Family Is at the Bedside.
Capt. J. S. Lothrop, 817 Ninth street, at midnight showed a slight inclination to rally, according to a bulletin from his home. Dr. J.M. Knott, one of the attending physicians, stated that the patient would probably survive the day. He was reported to be resting easy at 10 o’clock.
Capt. Lothrop is 76 years old, a Civil War veteran, lawyer and past commander of the Loyal Legion of Honor of Iowa. He has been ill since Memorial Day, when he abandoned a speaking engagement.
About four weeks ago he suffered an attack of shingles. Exhaustion from this and his advanced age are responsible for his weakened condition. Dr. Knott said, Capt. Lothrop was forced to return to his bed two weeks ago.
He has been unable to take nourishment is gradually growing weaker.
Capt. Lothrop is one of the most widely known Civil War veterans in Sioux City. He also has been an active member of the Woodbury county bar, being particularly noted for his success in drainage cases.
[transcribed by LZ, Oct 2020]
The Sioux City Journal
Sunday, June 29, 1913
SICK AND INJURED.
The wonderful vitality of Capt. J. S. Lothrop, 817 Ninth street, is said by physicians to be the only thing that is keeping him alive. At midnight Capt. Lothrop was reported low.
[transcribed by LZ, Oct 2020]