The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-02-11

Mystery of Her Disappear
anCe at Last Solved.
SHE FLED FROM SWEENEY
In New Orleans and Seeks
Refuge in Repentance.

The mystery Of the disappearance of
Gertrude Rainey, a 14-year-old Wichita
girl, has been solved at last. She has
been located in a Memorial Home in
New Orleans. The girl disappeared from
the home Of her uncle in Great Bend,
where she and her mother were visiting,
early last July. The only trace of her
ever discovered was in Newton, where it
was ascertafned that she stopped at the
City hotel with a man. More than that
could not be learned. although Mrs.
Rainey spent much time looking up the
case.
The girl left the home of her uncle in
Great Bend about noon one day, saying
that she was going to visit girl friend.
The depot master noticed her get on the
train with a man. but could not give a
very accurate description of the man.
Several parties were suspected of being
the one, among them James Sweeney,
who proved to be the party.
In spite Of the most earnest endeavors
nothing could be unearthed which would
tend to show where the girl and the par
ty she eloped with went to. Not until
yesterday, when two letters were lreceiv-
ed from the treasurer Of the Memorial
Home" in New Orleans, one by Mayor
Ross and one by Mrs. Rainey, was any
thing learned
Mrs. Rainey has not yet determined
whether to go to New Orleans after her
daughter, or simply have her sent here.
If Sweeney is apprehended, Mrs. Rainey
will prosecute him for abduction and
rape to the fullest extent of the law.
Mrs. Rainey is determined to bring
Sweeney to justice, if possible, for ruin
ing her 14-year-old child. The letters fol-
low:
Mrs. A. J. Rainey. Wichita, Kansas.
MY Dear Madam: yesterday, Feb
ruary ;, a young girl was brought to the
''Home" by the Rev. B. NJ Palmer, a
Presbyterian clergyman. This young girl
is Gertrude Ethel Rainey, your daugh-
ter She has been living with one by the
name of James A Sweeney. Yesterday
she ran away from this party, seeking
help from some Presbyterian clergyman
She was led by the divine hand to dear
old DR.. Palmer, who listened to her pitt
full story and brought her to our home.
You daughter is in safe hands now and
we will do our best to help her both spir-
ItuaIly and physically, and we hope to
restore her to you. Although Gertrude
has been living a life of sin, I feel it has
been forced upon her Your little girl
has had a very weary path to tread and
graves for her mothers love- Kindly let
me know at once what your wishes are.
We feel we are her guardians and viii
NOT give her up unless proper creden-
tails are presented. Please let us hear
from you at once. Believe me to be very
sincerely yours,
MRS. GEO. c. LOGAN,
-" Treasurer Memorial Home"
- Hon. Finlay Ross, Wichita, Kansas.
Dear Sir: "WiI you kindly let me
know at your earliest. convenience the So
cial standing and character of Mrs. Mary
A. Rainey. Yesterday, February 5,
young girl was brought to the Home"
by the Rev B. NJ. Palmer, a Presbyterian
clergyman, and she claims to be Ger
trude Rainey the daughter of Mrs. Mary
A. Rainey, Of Wichita. Kansas, but it is
just possible Mrs. Rainey may have found
employment (dressmaking) in Great Bend,
Kansas Gertrude has since Saturday,
Of James a. Sweeney, alias Evans, alias
Stewart, alias James Wood This is the
name he assumed here. Yesterday she
ran away from this party, seeking help
from some Presbyterian minister. She
was providentially led to dear old DR..
Palmer's residence, where she told a pit
liable story of suffering. DR.. Palmer
brought her to US and we will do our
best to help her spiritually and physi-
cally. Although this poor child has been
living a life OF sin, I feel 1t has been
forced upon her, for she Is most penitent
for her conduct. VIII il be best to return
her to her mother? kindly help US in
this matter We feel we are her guar
dams and will not give her up unless
proper credentials are presented. James
Woods case is in the hands of the pub
lie authorities. but as yet he has not been
arrested. Detective Caster says every eff
fort will be made to secure James Wood.
I viii esteem it quite favor if you will
see that Mrs Mary A. Rainey receives
the enclosed letter. The enclosed cir
culsr will explain the nature of our work
which has proven the haven of salvation
Tor many weary soul. Thanking you in
anticipation and trusting a speedy reply,
I am. MEMORIAL HOME