The St. Johns herald., 1893-02-02
MADE BY A WHIPPING.
An Unpublished Incident in the
 Life of Gov. Carlin.
The Severe But Beneficial Treatment Re- ceived by the Old-Time Illinois Statesman for Playing the
 Part of Bully.

A few days ago an incident in the life
 of Gov. Carlin came to light which has
 never yet found its way into print
 which is undoubtedly true, and which
 illustrates most forcibly the greatness
 of the man. John C. Reeves, the re-
 ceiver of the land office at Shawnee town, was sent to Edwardsville to take temporary charge of the office there. Reeves, says the Chicago Tribune, was a powerfully muscular man, over six feet tall, an athlete and ''sure shot. '
 A college graduate, he had been sent
 west to take charge of the Shawnee town land office, but spent much of his time in supervising other offices and disentangling the affairs when compli- cations caused by inefficient officers arose. He was quiet and reserved, yet withal a genial companion when once he became well acquainted. He board ed at the tavern" but spent nearly all of his time when not eating or sleeping in the office, so that he made few ac- quaintances in the town. One evening he went to supper, and upon entering the office (barroom it was then called) he noticed sitting in chair small-sized man, who would not weigh more than one hun dred and twenty-five pounds, and who apparently was sick. In a few moments the door opened and in staIlsed man fully as large and mus cular as Reeves. He looked around the room moment, then went up to the sick man, who was a stranger to him, made some remark and closed by slap ping him in the face with his open hand, but in such violent manner as to knock him off of the chair. As the in- valid arose. Mir. Reeves expostulated with the assailant, who at once in- formed him that if he did not like it he ''could have some of the same medi- cine" The words were scarcely out of his mouth when Reeves, with one bound, jumped from his chair and dealt the man a blow in the face that sent him sprawling over chair and on to the floor; he followed up the blow by jumping on the prostrate form of the man and raining blows upon his face with almost lightning-like rapidity. The noise brought the landlord and one or two others to the scene, who, by main strength, pulled Reeves from his victim. The latter arose, looked around, and staggered out. Then there was such consternation as had not been known in Edwardsville for a long time. Mir. Reeves was informed that the man he had assaulted was none other than Tom Carlin, the recognized bully of ali that county, a man of whom all per sons were afraid, though all admitted that when sober he was good citizen. Mir. Reeves did not seem to be at all alarmed, but went about his business as usual.
 The evening of the third day, while he was alone in his office, in walked a man with a bruised and bandaged face, who looked very much as though he had been in cyclone. Are you Mr. Reeves?" he asked. "Yes, that is my name; what can do for you?" My names Tom Carlin. I'm the fellow you whipped at the tavern the other night, and l came in to say that you done right; l was coward to knock that sick man over, and deserved all got.'' ''I am very glad that you feel that way about it, replied Reeves, "Well. do end I'm in earnest. Now, say, I've been bully just as long as I want to be; want to learn to read and write and cipher and try to make Q man of myself, and l want you to help me if you will" Mir. Reeves expressed not only his willingness, but also the pleas ure it would give him. to teach Carlin while he remained in Edwards vile. Every night Carlin was on hand, and he was most apt pupil. Reeves, however, did not remain long, but soon after he left Carlin mar ried woman who was quite well edu- cated, and he pursued his studies under her tuition. It was no easy matter for him to break away from the compan- ions with whom he had so long associ- ated, but he he'd the moral courage to do so, and removed to Greene county. He was the first sheriff of that county, and located its present county seat and donated considerable land for public purposes. He was twice elected to the state senate, and 1858 was elected as the sixth governor. of the state. It is said he always regarded Reeves as one of his best friends, and, as sheriff, sen ator and governor, frequently consulted him as to private and public affairs.
 ,,-Its,