Too FreeWith His Money

A Nebraska man sold his farm to give to flood suffers

Had distributed about .... of his $9,800

When the Armourdale Police took him in custody--his sanity to be inquired into

Ellery Force of Craig City, Neb, recently sold a farm for $3,800. He had read about the Kaw valley flood and came to Armourdale, where he has been distributing money in small amounts to the sufferers

Yesterday the police of that city took him in custody. They say they will have his mental condition inquired into at the police sation.

 Force said he was obeying the commands of Jesus Christ, "Take up your cross and follow me," "It is more blessed to give than receive" "It Is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven"

Force said he came to Armourdale about six weeks ago, since which time he. has distributed between $250 and $300 in small amounts among flood sufferers. This money, he said, was a part of $3,800 he received for a farm near Craig City on which he had lived since his parents died twenty-five years ago.

Yesterday afternoon Force went to the home of Mrs. Clara Wyball, 505 Scott Avenue, Armourdale, and said he understood she was a flood sufferer and that her child was sick  Mrs Wyball said this was true.

"God has commanded me to give you this" said Force handing her a $5 bill.  Mrs Wyball asked him to come in and watch the sick child a few minutes while she went to get some medicine.  Force consented and the woman ran to the police station and told Sergeant George JJameson.

 The sergeant sent Officer Brockman home with her.  They found Force watching the sick child .                     .

At the police station Force told the officers he believed it was his duty to give the money God had placed in his hands to the sufferers.  He said he was a member of the Christian church and had a brother,  Jeffrey, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Brooks in Craig City, Neb.

Since coming to Armourdale Force has boarded at the home of A E, Reckerd. 815 South Eighth street.   They said yesterday they had never seen the slightest thing about his actions to came them to believe his mind was affected.  He kept his  money in the Home State Bank and drew out small amounts at a time.

"I gave most of the money to the poor people who live in tents," he said to a reporter "I read of the flood and when  I sold my farm I determined to distribute the money here.  I came to Armourdale for that purpose"    

                              .

"What do you think of being locked up?" asked the reporter?  

'They are only doing what they think is right," he said "It has always been the fate of those who tried to do good.   They locked up the apostles and ill treated them, but these officers have been very kind and have made me comfortable "

Force will he held and examined as to his mental condition .  When searched at. the station be had $2202 and a Bible in his pockets.

Kansas City Star - September 20, 1903