The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-08-22
QUART" RUST KILLED
THE MAN WHO PROBABLY SHOT THE
REBEL GENERAL ZOLLICOFFER.
Rust and His Horse Both Found Dead
His Political Race with Joseph
Il. Mcdonald.

Quartius G.. Rust. a character well KNOW
in this city and throughout the State, and
who had quite a war record, was found
dead on the National road, two miles west
OF Plainfield, early yesterday morning. He
resided in C~artersburg. He left home Sum
day with his rig, presumably to visit this
city. 1t is not known If he came this far
east. 1t is evident that he started on his
return home Monday night. One theory is
that he was intoxicated and drove his horse
off a f~ifteen-foot embahkment The horse
was killed as well as Rust. whose head
was crushed in. Another theory is that
he was waylaid, robbed and then his team
driven off the ~embankment. A third theory
is that Rust was murdered with a heavy
instrument and his body thrown in the
ditch. The coroner of Hendricks county is
investigating.
Rust served in the Mexican and civil
wars. He was well known in Grand Army
circles throughout the State through his
claim that he killed the rebel general Zol-
licoffer in the battle of Perrysville, KY,
in 1862. General Zollicoffer was in plain
view of most of the federal troops as he
sat on his horse at the head of his lines.
Rust stated that by lodging through un-
derbrush and from tree TO tree he reached
a spot within close range of Zollicoffer.
He said that as the rebel general sat on
his horse. giving commands right and left,
he fired and Zollicoffer fell from his horse,
dead. Rust admitted that a number of
other shots rang out at the same time. but
he was positive that his bullet killed the
General. His claim was believed by many
Of the Grand Army members. Before the
war Rust was q Democrat. At one time
he was SO popular in his party that in run
ming for a congressional nomination against
thA IL tn InGnnh 1IaIlann11 ln vwna 1AfAnEA
by only one vote. He accompanied Ere
mont on his hazardous trip across the
plans; "A number OF years ago ne settled
lost him much, both socially and financial
ly. he drew a pension of $54 every three
months. 1t was customary for him, on
coming to this city on pension day, either
TO spend about $50 for leather, as he was a
shoemaker. or send that amount home and
Taffe. who has been turnkey at the police
station for a number of years, said last
Rust has been arrested at intervals for in,
toXication. Many times he was released
by the court. but on several occasions the
court attempted to teach him a lesson by
assessing a small fine. This never had a
beneficial effect. On one occasion he APP
peared before Mayor Caven on a charge
of drunkenness. The Mayor thought he
was doing a wise thing by assessing a
nominal fine. Rust did not seem in the
he had no money, but that he would go TO
his home in Cartersburg. get the money
ana return 10 the city ana pay MS me.
The Mayor consented and gave him y linn
tied fine. Rust did as he agreed. paying the
fine on the last day of the limit. He served
several short terms In the workhouse. Be
tween pension days he often came to the
city for a spree. SO accustomed was he to
being confined in the police station that he
formed an acquaintance with Turnkey
Taffe and thought he ought to call on the
turnkey whenever in town. He often did
this, but as he arose to go Turnkey Taffe
would tap him on the shoulder and say,
Here, Quart you are in no condition to
go on the street; SO come with me-" The
come with me- meant "a short stay in the
large room. Rust was confined until he
was sober. and, on being released, he
would always grasp Taffe's hand and say,
"Al, you've done me a good turn"