Courtney, John - insane
Source: Crawfordsville Review 6 Jan 1894 p4
On Monday a commission of lunacy was held in the case of John R. Courtney, the attorney. He was declared of unsound mind and on Thursday, Sheriff Davis removed him to the asylum at Indianapolis. Courtney seemed to be perfectly rational at time and the time of his going was kept form him until the eve of his departure. A few days ago erysipelas broke out on his face, which not only disfigured him but also proved a source of annoyance. On Wednesday he was downtown and was taken with a fit of insanity on the street. Although it has been known by the family and intimate friends that for months past he has been subject to temporary aberration of the mind, his true condition has only been known by the general public but a short time. It is the opinion of those most cognizant of his real condition that physical, as well as mental death has set in and that he will not live long. John R. Courtney is about 42 years of age; in some respects he has been a very remarkable character. After graduating from Wabash College, he was admitted to the Montgomery County bar at the age of 21 years. His sparkling wit and adeptness at instantaneous repartee soon brought him to public notice and had his life been diverted into different channels from what he took, he would no doubt at this time have been in the zenith of his glory and with a law practice that would have made him independent for life. However, he chose otherwise and with what results his present condition is sufficient answer. Strong drink and gambling were his worst foes and it is feared they have gained the victory. ‘Tis a great pity, to say the least of it.
Source: Terre Haute Daily Wabash Express 30 Dec 1887 p 4
Mr. John R. Courtney of Crawfordsville, who defended Charley Roberts, was paid $125 by order of the court after Robert’s conviction for the third time. He had received $875 previously and when he applied to Judge Mack for his final allowance, he said: “Suppose you make it even $1,000” and the order was accordingly written for $125. Mr. Courtney felt good over the result of the trial, and invited many of his friends to “come and have something with Parke County and John R. Courtney.” John explained that Parke paid him in the Roberts case, and he desired health to be drunk to Parke for her liberality. The last jury was the 22nd before which Mr. Courtney appeared in behalf of the “Parke County Desperado,” on various charges in several counties.
Source: Saturday Evening Mail 3 Nov 1888 p 8
Col. John R. Courtney of Crawfordsville was here this week. The colonel has been neglecting Terre Haute of late, for some reason or other, not having been here for a couple of moons. “I don’t want to be interviewed, so I’ll tell you in advance,” said John when he met a Mailman. Come, colonel, what’s the matter with you?
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 15 Oct 1890 p 2
Miss Anna Cumberson, Notary Public, with Prosecutor Haywood, went to Crawfordsville this afternoon to assist in the Pettit trial … John R. Courtney, the Crawfordsville attorney was in the city today in the interest of his client, Thomas Whitecotton – Lafayette Courier.
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 27 Sept 1890 p 5
Col. John R. Courtney was in Terre Haute last night.
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 20 Dec 1890 p 8
John R. Courtney and Clay Schooler were on the farm of Ed Griest, near Garfield, yesterday and were terribly roasted by that gentleman for hunting there. They will probably sue him for provoke.
Source: Crawfordsville Review 9 April 1892 p 5
On a call for nominations for Mayor, the names of Stephen Lee, Sidney Speed and John R. Courtney were reported (Democrats). The result of the first ballot was, Speed 81; Courtney 60; Lee 14. On motion of Messrs Lee and Courtney, Mr. Speed’s nomination was made unanimous amid a hearty yell of applause.