Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1886-07-07
A CURIOUS MANIA.

"A
than Sixty Thousand Miles and Who Is
Still Tramping.
Several months ago, writes Hart
ford City, Ind, correspondent OF the
Cincinnati Enquirer, we chronicled an
account OF one John Owen Snider, who
at that time had been walking at least
eighteen hours a day for eighteen
months, and travelling at a rate of
five miles an hour, or eighty miles IN
twenty-four. Now it is over two years
since he commenced his tireless tramp,
and, instead of resting from his un-
paralleled walk, on he goes, and in
place of stacking his speed he has In
creased it, until he is as fleet of foot as
deer Over two years ago he was
seized with the hallucination that
three layers had suddenly and mys-
teriously formed on the soles Of his
feet, and he reasoned in his diseased
mind or imagination that no remedy
other than walking would remove
them. He at once took up the line of
march In the rear of his dwelling ION
his farm seven miles southeast of
this city,, walking in g. circle from right
to left. At first he walked with meas
ured tread and would converse with
neighbors and friends nationally upon
any topic, except the mania that had
taken possession Of him, and no ad-
vice, device or restraint could be
drought into execution to induce him
to forego his tramp. As time went on
his speed was accelerated, and the
hours OF tramping increased, until
eighteen hours of every twentyfour
found him walking about his beaten
track. His meals were handed to him,
and he ate as he walked. He never
removes his clothing. but about 2
O'Clock A. NJ, he occupies a chair near
his circle provided for him, and at
once falls asleep.
At 5 o'clock promptly he is again
on his tireless round. A room has
been provided for him for use in colder
weather, and he walks about his
apartment, or rather runs. It Is as
serted by his friends that he walks
about while sleeping SO soundly that
his snoring is audible in another
apartment of the dwelling. In summer
and fall, in all kinds of weather, how
ever lrclement, he may be found out
Of doors going about the circle long
since established, at q rate OF speed
that is marvellous. His mind is clear
upon all subjects but the strange hal
lucination that has warped and
dwarfed his better Judgment.
After having tramped about for q
year or more he conceived the idea
that fifty thousand miles travel were
necessary IN order to relieve him OF
the peculiar malady that afflicted him
but nov he has Travelled nearly sixty
thousand miles and his speed is quick
ened, his pace accelerated and hours
OF walking increased. His disposition
is melancholy ia character, yet, at
times, ne enjoys the Jokes and jests OF
friends who call upon him. He was
sent to the asylum a year ago, walked
to the train seven miles, walked ali
the time while on the cars, continued
his tramp during his stay at the
asylum, and when returned home as
harmless, made the same Journey as
going. During his stay in this city
waiting for the train, he walked about
the court house yard. Hundreds of
citizens were attracted to the scene to
witness the strange procedure. When
restrained from walking his feet alter
nately were lifted from the ground.
He AYERS that if he would stop walking
his limbs and body would fly into a
thousand fragments. He never SEEM
ingly grows hungry, never asks for food
or drink, and eats and drinks what
ever is given him uncomplainingly, all
the time continuing his endless round.
His limbs are as firm as iron and
the tendons like whip-cord. He is a
man OF more than ordinary Intelligence.
His domestic relations are such as to
L. L., H. Il
ating from domestic difficulties, and
no assignable cause is known for the
strange and unaccountabIe freak that
has come over him. He seems to be
gifted with the powers OF divination,
and can accurately foretell coming
events with a precision and correct
ness that bring to him many who wish
to be more fully informed as to their
future s'weal or VICE." and just now q
score or more Of candidates are seek
ing his knowledge of their future sue
cess or defeat. The rapidity OF his
movements is such as to warrant the
assertion that ne can make more
miles IN twenty-four hours than the
best trained equine Of the world. His
powers OF endurance and rate OF speed
are past comprehension, almost be-
yond conception, and lead those who
are not conversant with the facts to
suspect the statements about him to
be greatly exaggerated.
Just when his journeys end will be
reached none can divine. His physique
is good--digestion perfect. Every
physical condition points to long life.
The case is without a parallel, and
no record Of anyone similar may be
found.
Hundreds of curious and incredulous
people have visited Mr.. Snider, and
for hours watched his peregrinations,
coming away mystifed. yet satisfied
of the truthfulness OF the wonderful
stories concerning him. 1t is said by
those who have witnessed his best ef-