The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-06-29
CONNER's ROMANTIC LIFE.
A TraDexe Performer and After
ward studied Law.


ward studied Law.
From the Baltimore American
New York, June 2i.-Archie Hale Con-
ner. the SON Of the founder of the great
type foundry, Is suing for a proportion
Of his fathers estate. one OF the issues
which had been passed upon by the sur
rogate was to have come up upon ap-
peal before the general term Of the SUI
preme court yesterday, but the argu-
ment was postponed, and so the story
of young Corners exceedingly romantio
life was not made generally public.
Enough, however. was intimated to
show that young Conner was as the prod
igal son, though his return 20 his fatn-
ers house was not celebrated with song
ana Hastings and the staying of the fat
ted calt Conner was expected by his
father to grow up into a staid business
mai and 10 succeed him as one of the
pillars of the great business which he
had built up But the lad was the victim
of one OF those unaccOuntahle impulses
10 wander that is common TO the Aryan
stock, and, while Mr.. Conner was conn
dent that Archie had decided TO give up
his desires for an adventurous life, the
latter disappeared.
Young Conner was about 16 years old
when ne, with several companions visited
Barnum's circus, which was then playing
In the old American Institute building
in upped Third avenue. He was charm-
ed with the apparently butterfly life OF
the performers and struck up an ac-
quaintance with Charles Fish, who was
then known as the champion bareback
rider of the world. Conner tried TO induce
Fish to take him as an apprentice, out
the latter would not listen to his prop
osition unless the lad secured his par
ents' consent. This was entirely out Of
the question. Finally he made up mis-
mind that he would become a circus ptG-
former anyway. and ran away from
home.
He had accumulated enough money be-
fore taking this step toward his ambition
to enable him to reach BarnumS SHOW
which was then playing az Covington, ~.
He at once hunted up his old friend Fish,
and explained to him that there was no
longer any reason why he should not make
a circus man OF him. The circus performer
did not disappoint the lad.
In the company at the time or Con-
ner's arrival at Covington was another Lad
named Harry Leonard. He was hard at
work learning feats upon the trapeze ana
horizontal bar. The lads at once formed
friendship, and determined they would be-
come partners. They learned to do their
various tricks in concert, and soon be-
came wonderfully proficient. Finally, they
left the greatest show on earth, and, go
ing to Huntington, Va, found Robbins
circus, which they Joined. They speedily
became well known among persons OF their
calling as the two most daring performers
in the business. They were bid for by
managers and began to accumulate NOM
ey. Indications for the future were very
boys performed made II necessary for them
to be absolutely abstemlous, ana they
hourished morally as well as financially
But Conner found his fate IN Pixies
opera house, in Cincinnati, where he and
his friend were performing In midair on
a flying trapeze. He lost his balance, and
fell to the stage. It was at first believed
that he was dead, but at the Presbyterian
hospital in that city, 1t was discovered
that though the bones Of the arms and
legs were broken, he had sigularly escap-
ed internal injuries, and, with careful
nursing, he might survive. For many
weeks he remained in the hospital. He had
exhausted such forms of literature as he
fancied reading, and one day friend put
a copy Of Blackstone upon his bed.
Conner examined the work doubtfully,
but finally became fascinated with its
contents. He had discovered long before
that he could no longer hope to remain
a circus performer. Here, therefore, was
presented to him an opportunity for
livelihood. His economical habits had left
him a considerable sum, and when dis
missed from the hospital he went back
to Kentucky, and made up his mind to set
tie in Louisville. Through the influence OF
some friends he entered the office of r.
S. Watts, and prepared for the bar, sub
seouently taking a course in the Ken
tucky University. He was graduated, and
practiced in Louisville. While there he
happened to read in newspaper that
his father was dead, and that the type
foundry had been sold to the American
Type Founders Company, for 100000, that
amount being divided among the heirs
of the founder of the house.
He concluded that It was time to re-
turn to this city, and claim his portion
OF the inheritance. He did so. but in
stead of being welcomed by his family,
he was practically disowned His father,
he learned, had not dlsinherited him. but
had left his estate to be divided among
his mother. his four brothers and sisters
and himself He made an application for
a portion of tho estate, and this matter
has lain dormant for some time before
Referee Lewis Deiafield Of No. Ill Broad
way. Since Corners return to this city
he married a very handsome young so
ciety girl Of Brooklyn, and Is now liv-
ing at No 322 Columbus avenue, con-
fident of the success of his suit.