CHAPTER VI. (CONT'D)

STORY OF CASPER SCHAIN.

During the early days of the county, when the constant stream of travelers on their way to the Far West was passing through the county "overland." Long before the building of the Rock Island road, people living along the trail were often called upon to shelter those passing through. Among those who entertained strangers in this way was Casper Schain. In order to keep a tavern or inn for public accommodation at that time, it was necessary to have a license, and without this no charge could be made. So Casper kept a great many wayfarers over night at different times, and provided a great number with meals, never receiving any compensation except what his guests choose to leave on the table when departing. Among those who thus shared of his hospitality was a young man who said he was going west to seek his fortune, having come from the old country for that purpose. He was sick, and was taken care of and nursed for over a week, until he announced himself, as ready to resume his journey. No charge whatever was made, and no pay taken for the expense or trouble he had been to the host and family. Mr. Schain was going to Council Bluffs about the time of the young man's recovery, and announced to him that he would take him as far as that town in his wagon. This proposition was readily accepted, and the journey to Council Bluffs began, Mr. Schain driving, while his passenger reclined of some sacks of grain, the marketing of which was the object of the trip. As they proceeded on their way the young man acted in rather a queer manner, seemingly trying to provoke a quarrel. Just before the hill was reached which shut out the view of Council Bluffs, Mr. Schain, on looking around was surprised to see , in the hands of the stranger whom he had befriended, a cocked revolver, leveled directly at this head! Just at that instant, — and Mr. Schain has always regarded the occurence as Providential - the stage-coach coming eastward appeared above the crest of the hill, causing the would-be assassin to immediately lower his weapon, and conceal it in the valise from which he had taken it. As the stage came lumbering by, the driver shouted, "Halloa, Casper," and slackened the speed of his horses. If Mr. Schain had chosen to inform the driver of the treatment he had received the young man would have received severe treatment, as the stage people were his fast friends. But as the top of the hill had been reached, the city was in plain view; and as there was now no danger to be feared, Mr. Schain simply told his assailant to pick up his traps and get out of the wagon. Of course it was the man's scheme to make away with Mr. Schain, and probably dispose of the team and wagon when Council Bluffs was reached. But it was not often that the kindness of the settlers was repaid with such base ingratitude, and the favors extended to travelers were generally as kindly received as they were extended.

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Transcribed by Deb Lightcap-Wagner, March, 2014 from:"History of Cass County, Together with Sketches of Its Towns, Villages and Townships, Educational, Civil, Military and Political History: Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Citizens", published in 1884, Springfield, Ill: Continental Historical Co., pp. 278-279.