Mysterious Disappearance Part 3

“Yet another case of this kind occurred in Richland township. James Talbott, who had lived many ears in the township, was one of the first settlers in what is now Palmyra township.

He had been a farmer, and later a merchant, and was a prominent man, and was considered a reliable one, having been a member of the board of supervisors when that body was composed of one member for each township. He had been trustee, especially in administering up the estates of many persons.

In September 1877, he took the mail back from Hartford to Carlisle, leaving a note for his family saying, “I am going to Colfax for my health.” He was seen after this in Des Moines on the same day, since which time not a trace has been heard of him. He took about $1000 or $1500 with him, having just drawn quite an amount from the First National Bank of Indianola. There are no conjectures about him which have any particular reason for existence, and it bids fair to go down as another insoluble mystery. It seems rather remarkable that all these should have occurred in one township, but such is the case.”

From THE HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY, IOWA, containing a history of the Counties, its Cities, Town, etc. 1879