One Leg; Blind in Both Eyes

June 25, 1904

But He Knew How to Get Some Drink Shortly After Arrival In Peoria

Peoria Journal: Fred Sherman has returned to Peoria, and he celebrated the event by getting so drunk the police were compelled to send him to the station for safe keeping. There is nothing particularly interesting in the fact that a man should get drunk in Peoria, but there are peculiar circumstances in this case. Sherman is blind as a bat, and has but one leg. He had two until about a year ago, when he got drunk and trying to find his way home one night, came in contact, with a Monroe street car. His leg was cut off, and, after it had healed he went to Chicago, where he remained until a few days ago.

When the chief released him this morning he said he could find his way to his sister's home in East Peoria without assistance, and declared that he could go all about Chicago without help of any kind.

When the chief asked him if Uo was not ashamed to get drunk in his condition, he replied that none except those who were blind knew how he suffered. His affliction he said, was enough to drive any man to drink, and wishing the chief 'good day' he headed down Fulton street on his way to East Peoria.