The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-19
JAMES BERRY'S DEATH
END OF. A LIFE OF PROFLIGACY
THAT HAS SELDOM BEEN EQUALED.
Hobo Who Became Known as the
''MiIIiOnaire Tramp and Trav-
eled 1.-THE Pace That Kills"

PADUCAH, KY, Jan. 18.-The death here
yesterday of James Berry, the millionaire
tramp" ended a life of profigacy that has
scarcely been equaled in modern times. Ber-
ry was as reckless with money as Coal
Oil Johnny, but his career was less brill
liant. With only one friend at his bedside
of the many who prohted by his reckless
ness in money matters, Berry breathed his
last at the hospital yesterday. The imme-
date cause of his death was badly
crushed ankle, superinduced by life OF
debauchery seldom if ever before equaled,
and further aggravated by the fact that he
absolutely refused proper surgical or med
ical treatment.
James Berry came here shortly before
New Years day. He gained great notOriety
by his lavish scattering OF money TO the
deckhands on the boat when ne arrived at
the wharf The peonle of this city had
heard of the millionaire tramp, and When
he registered at the hotel many curious
eyes watched to see what new freak of
generosity or reckleSsneSs he would display.
The man carefully avoided such people. lie
commenced drinking heavily, and only those
of the poorer class with whom he came in
contact received the benefit of his prohigacy.
He was supplied with huge roll OF money;
handsome diamonds adorned his shirt front
and hands. he threw money over bars or
the various saloons in town with an extrav-
agance which astounded the beEenclarles.
Everybody within call was welcome TO step
UP TO the par anu uTlilk Win Oul4hS
his first night here he went out on the street
and rounded up passers-by as cowboys
round up cattle on the prairie. These ne
drove into the nearest saloon, and throwing
& handful of money on the bar insisted all
should stay and drink it up
HIS CAREER CUT SHORT.
The next morning he discovered a num-
Der of tranps near this city He brought
them all into town, where he fed them with
a champagne dinner Then he drove them
out again to continue their wanderings. but
not until he had supplied each with sub
stantial sum of money. His career of dissi-
patton was cut short on the following day.
Early on the morning of Dec. 81 he was
found lying on the frozen ground alongside
a small bridge. His left leg, near the
ankle, was terribly crushed, and he was
almost frozen. He was taken to the hospi-
tai but he refused to allow the surgeons TO
remove his c-othing TO properly diagnose ms
injuries. With his trousers rolled up TO the
knee he submitted to a painful operation,
refusing any other opiate imam copious
draughts of whisky He had revolver In
his pocket and threatened to kill any one
who should attempt to remove his clothing.
None dared to oppose him until two of his
friends-William Laichinger, of Centralia,
and l.. l. FrantZ, of Onarga, ll.--came TO
see him Laichinger PEI suaded MIN TO I'M
told wealth in his pockets We're dlsappolnt-
ed. He had less than $500 with him.
The manner in which Berry received MS
injuries has never been learned. The police
hint at foul play, and have been working
along on that line to discover If possible
who his asSailants were. Berry would not
talk OF his wanderings on that night, and
little Roadway could be made by the police:
A few DAYS ago Berry became Impressed
with the idea that he was soon To die. He
ceased his almost continual calls for whis-
Ky 4 seriousness oVercame him. which
seemed to change his entire nature. lie be-
anne repentant He sent for two ministers