Springer, Riley - Estate news - Putnam

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Springer, Riley - Estate news

Source: Greencastle Star, 3 Jan 1880 p 1
Some months ago we made an extended notice of the efforts being made by the Springer heirs to secure a large fortune rightfully due them, as was fully set forth in the particulars furnished at that time by Mr. Riley Springer of this county. Now comes from North Vernon, Ind further particulars in regard to this great interest which we find in an exchange as follows:
The history of the giant estate is one of peculiar and romantic interest and is authentic in every particular. Back in the year 1600, Charles Christopher Springer lived at Stolkholm, Sweden. In his veins coursed royal blood and he was one of the first noblemen of the land. He was the owner of immense and valuable landed estate around the Swedish Capital. Being one of the most princely gentlemen of a magnificent and flourishing kingdom he lived in dazzling splendor his broad acres in which grazed extensive herds stretching miles away. He married a lady of splendid birth, refinement and immense wealth and together the twain scarcely knew any bounds of their vast wealth. Like many others, though, who even possessed whole kingdom, Charles Christopher Springer was not content. He was ill at east. He had dreams of the world many leagues away, beyond the deep, blue sea. He prepared to vacate his Swedish castle and seek the shores and hospitality of America. So at a powerful outlay of gold and silver, he organized a colony of his countrymen bought some good, strong ships and set sail for America, which was to, and did, become his new home. His voyage with his people was somewhat a memorable one, but they finally anchored on the eastern shore of Delaware.  Here he purchased a tract of valuable land, containing 800 acres on which was afterward located the site of Wilmington.  In the year 1696 was born Christopher Springer, a brother of the nobleman and to him and his wife was born Abraham on the 25th of April 1736, and November 21, 1759 he was married to Christina Anderson. From Delaware Abraham and wife came west and for a time all traces of them was lost. Charles Christopher Springer died in 1669, the 800 acre tract of land having been by him, before his death, leased to the Swedish Church for 99 years. The 99 years expire, Wilmington meantime becomes a large and prosperous city, and there being no claimant for the estate, the Mayor advertises for the heirs.  Some of the descendants see the advertisement and begin an investigation and tracing the genealogy minutely, they found that Charles.  Christopher Springer had three sons, one of whom died without leaving any heirs. The names of the other two were the Charles and Christopher. Among the descendants of Charles Christopher Springer, the Swedish noblemen, are Reuben E. Springer of Cincinnati; Hon WH Springer, Washington, DC; MC Springer, Lincoln, Kas; and Congressman Springer, of Illinois. Christopher, brother of Charles had nine children: Abraham; Charles; John; Brita; Peter; Susan; Solomon; Joseph and Catherine. Abraham is the grandfather of Riley Springer of Greencastle, this state and was the father of six children: Jacob, John, George, Catherine, Elizabeth and Abner. From these three heads of the Springer family it will be perceived what a large genealogy of sons and daughters sprang and spread into all parts of the country. Thus far the descendants of Solomon, Brita, and Peter seem to be lost trace of and may possibly never be found.  There are a large number of the heirs, many of whom, no doubt will never be found. The whole matter is now under way of speedy settlement and a final meeting of the heirs has been called to take place at St. Louis, Jan 20, 1880 to perfect the fortune. It is said that on the 800 acre tract of land in Delaware is built nearly, if not quite, all the city of Wilmington. This, with his castles and lands in Sweden, the land of his nativity, foot up fully, if not more than $80,000,000.

Source: Greencastle Star, 24 Jan 1880 p 1
Shelbyville, Jan 20 – The Springer estate of which so much has been published and the meeting of the heirs to take place in St. Louis today has called to mind a sad incident that occurred in this county recently. Samuel S. Springer, a thriving farmer with an interesting family lived a short distance from this place. When the excitement began as to who were the heirs, he began to search the history of his ancestors and finally forced himself into the conclusion that he was one of the Springer heirs.  He talked of it to any and all persons and thought of it constantly. It so prayed upon his mind that he began rapidly to lose his reason. His actions became strange and grew worse day by day. The result was that he was taken to the Insane Asylum at Indianapolis about four months ago a maniac, where he yet remains. Whether there was any foundation to his claims is not known, but he was not represented at the meeting of the Springer heirs today.
Same: p 2 – Last Tuesday the long talked of meeting of the Springer heirs was held at St. Louis, Mr. Riley Springer and other citizens of this county interested in the estate attended the meeting. The Philadelphia Record gives the following intelligence, of interest to the heirs: “Who owns Wilmington?” This is a question which not a few inhabitants of the Diamond State are asking themselves. On Tuesday next there will be a meeting in St. Louis of some 700 heirs or their representatives  who claim that the ground upon which the city is built belongs to them by right of heritage. This will be the last of a series of conferences between the heirs and during its session decisive action will be taken looking to the placing of the claim before a judicial body. A number of claimants are to be in attendance from this and neighboring cities. That this movement has a more influential backing than some of the associations formed for the purpose of recovering lost property may be inferred from a glance at the list of claimants. Among these are: Reuben E. Springer, noted Cincinnati philanthropist; Congressman Springer of Illinois; Hon. WH Springer, Washington and Rev. JNW Springer, a popular preacher in St. Louis. By a recent deed Reuben E. Springer has transferred all his right and title to his brothers above mentioned but has, at the same time, expressed his willingness to do the needful ? in the shape of cash toward the outlay consequent upon the proposed legal proceedings. Many of the claimants are very wealthy people, and are prepared to sink some of their spare finances in the present undertaking. To state the case of the heirs needs a reference back to the days of 1689. At that time there lived in Stockholm, Sweden one Baron Charles Christopher Springer. Royal blood coursed through his veins and he was accounted one of the first noblemen of the land. He was the owner of an immense and valuable estate which enabled him to live in splendor, while his followers could be numbered by the thousands.  In process of time he married a lady of birth equal with his own and who, moreover, brought him a fortune almost as large as his own. So fabulous, says the historian were the fortunes of the twin that it were almost impossible to correctly estimate. But the Baron was one of those men who never know when they are satisfied. His resources were immense but he wanted to increase them. He was continually ill at ease and in his mind he revolved one scheme after another by which his wealth might be enlarged. Finally he received tidings of the opportunities open to the men of wealth in the new world. After but little deliberation he formed a colony of his countrymen, fitted out an expedition of half a dozen ships and finally after a tempestuous voyage landed at Philadelphia. His first move was to buy a tract of 800 acres of land and establish his colony on it. Those acres are now the site of the city of Wilmington, Delaware. Subsequently he leased the land for a period 99 years and later, gave up the ghost. Of his three sons two survived him and there were not be found when the lease expired. The Springers before mentioned are the descendants of his sons Charles and Christopher. The latter had 9 children, one of whom, Abraham had in turn six children. One of his grandchildren, now living in Illinois has six children more. From this same idea can be gathered of the extensive genealogy of the family. There are heirs who can trace back to the old barn now living in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Mississippi, Kansas, Colorado and Indiana. Besides the Wilmington estate, the Springers also lay claim to some valuable property at Stockholm, Sweden which was left by the Baron when he changed his location to these shores.  It is intended however, to go in for the American prize first, and if the suit is successful, the proceedings will be transferred across the water. The value of the property in dispute aggregates several millions of dollars.

Source: Greencastle Star 12 June 1880 p 4
Last Thursday evening a sad and terrible accident occurred on the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago RR just south of the water tank and about three miles north of this city whereby one of the old citizens of Putnam County lost his life. From report current we glean the following particulars:
About 7 o’clock or a little after, a special train, consisting of the engine and one coach, containing officials of the line, left this city for the north and when this side of the water tank the engineer noticed a man walking northward on the track, only a short distance ahead of the train. The whistle was sounded and the engine reversed but the speed was so great that no stop could be made before the pedestrian was struck. When the train was stopped the injured man was taken up for life was not yet gone carried into the car and then the train was run back to this city for medical assistance. In the meantime it was learned that the wounded man was Mr. Riley Springer, a well-to-do-farmer residing about five miles northeast from this city. He had been here during the afternoon and started home late in the evening, via the railroad afoot. When the train arrived at the depot a messenger was dispatched for Dr. Preston who, upon examination pronounced life extinct, death having resulted in a very short time. The injuries inflicted were terrible. Both legs were broken between the knee and ankle, and his back was also broken; while the head and shoulder were terribly cut and bruised. The remains were taken to Mulholn, Hanna & Black’s undertaking establishment, where they were properly cared for that night and on Thursday morning were taken to the late residence of the deceased. The funeral took place on the afternoon of the same day at Sugar Ridge Church. Deceased had been a resident of this county  for 30 years, had a large circle of acquaintances and was well liked. He was about 65 years of age and leaves a wife and a family of four children, all of whom have arrived at years of maturity to mourn his sudden demise.

Source: Greencastle Star 3 July 1880 p 8
In Memoriam – Monroe Grange, No 1404 – June 19, 1880 – whereas it has pleased the Great Master of the Universe in His inscrutable dealings to enter our Grange for the second time with the seal of destiny in His hand, and remove from our midst our most esteemed, faithful and earnest colaborer and brother, Riley Springer, therefore be it – Resolved, that in the death of brother Springer, our order recognizes the loss of one of its honored members our community one of its respected and industrious citizens, the family a kind and affectionate husband and loving and sympathetic father. Resolved, that we sympathize with the relatives of our deceased brother, in this their sad bereavement and commend them to one that is too wise to err and too good to do wrong and who alone is able to heal every wound. Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be presented to the family of brother Springer, and also be placed upon the records of the Grange and a copy be sent for publication to each one of the county papers and that our charter be draped in mourning for 60 days. EP Cowgill, WA Reeves, Joseph Butler
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