Great-Uncle Demands $3,000 in Slander Suit

Located the following article regarding my paternal great-uncle and a slander lawsuit while conducting newspaper research.  It seems great-uncle Gerald was slandered and took the man to court in Adams County, Indiana.  Will have to add research of these court records to my list of 'to-do' items to find out what happened.

JAY COUNTY MAN DEMANDS $3,000 IN SLANDER SUIT

Decatur, Ind., Mar. 13 - Gerald W. LeMaster of Jay county, has filed suit in the Adams circuit court against Oswin F. Gillom of Berne, demanding judgment for $3,000 for alleged slander.  The plaintiff states in his complaint that he is an insurance agent.

He alleges that on January 31, 1929, in Jay county in the presence and hearing of Daniel Corle, M.V. Hutchinson and other persons, the defendant falsely and maliciously spoke concerning the plaintiff as follows: "Such a crook as Mr. LeMaster could not work for any company any length of time for he would be fired." and "a justice of the peace was asking for G.W. LeMaster at Redkey."  LeMaster alleges further that the defendant made the following remark in the presence of George W. Bailey: "He (meaning the plaintiff) was fired from the service of the Prudential Insurance company."

Garrett Clipper (Garrett, Indiana).
14 March 1929., page 8

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Gerald was an older brother of my grandfather, the son of Luman Cooper and Barbara Isabel (Wehrly) LeMaster.  I was not aware that he sold insurance, as occupations listed his as an auto salesman, mechanic or garage operator.