The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-17
THE ROMANCE OF A LIFE.
A Nameless Young Man Who Wants to Find
Mother and Solve Mystery.

The following letter, which will be read with
interest. was received yesterday by the editor o:
the Journal The story told by the writer is
certainly romantic enough to satisfy the most
fanciful The letter is dated at small town on
the Western frontier, and the writer is evidently
person of at least ordinary education and in
telligence. In case any one reading the letter
should have any information throwing any light
on the subject, he may obtain his address at
this office The letter is as follows:
II am lost boy. and wish you to help me
find myself. | will give you my history as
briefly as possible: l was born at Carlisle, Sui
livan county, Indiana Aug 20, 1860. The cir
cumstances of my birth are unknown to any,
one, further than that was born in a country
tavern and that my mother refused to disclose
her name. My father was never known to any
one except my mother. She came to Carlisle
two Or three days before my birth, and from
what she said 1T was generally believed that she
came from Indianapolis. She had but little to
say, and when asked her name gave a different
answer to each person asking it. Her coming
was mystery, and her identity was never dis
closed although there was vague impression In
the minds of the Villagers that her name
was Johnson and that her home was at Indian
apolis; but it is only impression. and there is
nothing tangible ~ support It, She was accom-
panied by girl of fifteen, said to be her daugh-
ter and she, too, was importuned to reveal her
mothers name but to no purpose They offered
her jewelry gold watches and even diamonds to
disclose her mothers identity, but she would not
yield. If my mothers coming was mysterious,
her going was more SO, for she disappeared when
was but few days DID, and since that time
have heard of no trace of her. A friendless
waif, was adopted by the family of a farmer
named Miller, by which name l know myself.
Such, SIR is the story of my life. / want to find
my mother Although she deserted me at birth,
and even expressed willingness to leave my
sister at the same time, my feelings for her are
the same as those entertained by 9TH
er sons for their mothers l am
not willing to believe i'll Of her, but prefer to
think that there is reasonable explanation for
her conduct. l want to find her, and If l
but do so will ask no questions and cast no re-
proaches. If her life has been bitter one, I
shall endeavor to do sons part to make the
happiness of her declining days in some measure
compensate her for the trbulations of the past.
Who am IL What name is rightfully mine; and
why should be cast adrift upon the world,
fatherless, motheress, friendless homeless
without even name to call my ownf What
mystery surrounds my existence2 l would give
my life to And my mother, and / write to
you, whom ! know by reputation only,
to accomplish that result. trust, sir, that you
will take sufficient interest in my case to bestow
your advice do not desire publicity but if
the publication of the foregoing facts would, in
your opinion, be of any benefit to me in my eff
fort to find myself, you are at liberty to use
them as you see fit. Should the story come to
the attention of my mother / most fervently
hope that she will put herself in communication
with me. Will you be my friend, and lend me
helping handY Yours in search Of a mother