Chapter Seventeen
Losing The Driving Force

Two days before the last races were completed, Clara went on to school at the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Gilbert saw her off at the train station, while her father watched benevolently. Gilbert respected her father and did not make a big production of saying goodbye. He had wanted to tell her some things and give her a proper kiss goodbye, but refrained to a simple kiss. This did not impress her father, but did impress her mother, who was understanding of the situation.

The great time they had at the races lay in his memory, torturing him to see her off. Spending that day with her without fear was peaceful. They wrote nearly every day to one another. They would write how they missed each other and when they would see each other again. This was also the first year they could write directly to each other. Clara would tell him how she loved going to school and looked forward to teaching. Her intensive writing of her joy to be in school, made Gilbert happy she enjoyed school.

Gilbert did his usual job taking care of Mr. Williams horses. Mr. Williams gave him another raise to one hundred dollars a month, increasing the amount he could save. He had over the years, saved a small fortune, in hopes to start his own stable and breeding farm.

Allerton was trained for a few weeks, but it was obvious he could no longer achieve nearly the results he had in the past. It was a hard reality Mr. Williams had to swallow, Allerton needed to retire from racing, but could still offer his services.

Barney and Katie were married on April 9th 1893. Clara came back from school for a few days to be the maid of honor and Gilbert was best man. The two newly weds went to Chicago for a week, and upon their return they vowed never to go back. They never said a word about their trip. Whatever happened in Chicago did not interfere with the love they shared for each other. They bought a small house in town. Barney continued to work at Rush Park and Katie worked at the Café.

Prosperity in Independence was apparent as more building continued in the city. A new Post Office was built behind the Gedney Hotel. The Post Office had four-hundred call boxes and sixty-five lock boxes.

The Munson Building was built to house the Independence Public Library. It was built across the street to the north of the Gedney Hotel on Mott Street. The electric trolley railway system was extended to the State Asylum For The Insane southwest of town.

Rush Park was the setting for many other sporting events. The ever increasing popularity of baseball prompted the construction of a baseball field at Rush Park. The invention of the bicycle led to bicycle racing at the park. One cyclist named Johnny Johnson broke five speed records on a bicycle there. Shooting contests were held there, and even a wolf chase took place. A second wagon and foot bridge across the Wapsipinicon River was contemplated, because the trolley cars often frightened horses when they passed.

While things were being built and prosperity seemed abundant in Independence, the rest of the country was in hard times. An economic depression in the United States occurred in 1893 and this effected the whole country. The horse racing business had reached a peak of activity in 1892. There were articles printed in, ‘The American Trotter,’ warning people not to get too invested in harness racing. Mr. Williams was no exception to this warning. He had built an empire based on harness racing, and his papers advice would be put to the test in the year of 1893 by Mr. Williams himself. His situation was disrupted when one of Mr. Williams fine horses Canary Bird died while in foal with a colt. Then stud fees for Allerton dropped dramatically to $200.

With the invention of the bicycle more people were doing their traveling by bicycle instead of horses for short in town travel. The importance of the horse began to deteriorate and the sport of harness racing began to lose its luster as other sports grew in popularity. The sport of baseball and football were rapidly capturing the hearts of spectators around the country. The economy had dropped into the throngs of a depression, so people were less willing to spend their money to travel to races and invest in horses. The horsemen around the country were more cautious of their travel plans and expenses.

Despite the obstacles presented to Mr. Williams he was determined to keep things rolling and revive the economy in his part of the world. His paper, ‘The American Trotter’, strongly advertised the 1893 races in Independence as the best ever. The paper continued to portray the race track as the fastest and safest track on earth. This was an attempt to encourage horsemen that if they were going to travel to race anywhere, they should travel to Independence. The paper claimed the track was in the best shape it has ever been. The promise of the greatest hospitality given to those who would come to Independence, was given. It also noted that prices for services were reduced to keep the pleasurable visit to Independence affordable for those that wish to attend.

The purses were kept high and the entry fees were kept low, just as they had been in years past. This was an attempt by Mr. Williams and the Independence Driving Park Association to keep things going as they had in the past. The entry list filled nicely as always and things seemed to be looking good for the races. Mr. Williams was concerned that his take would not be enough to cover the expenses of the upcoming races, and pay off of the advertised stakes and purses. So, he mortgaged his property to secure a loan from the bank to keep things going regardless of the economic situation. After this act rumors began to spread that Mr. Williams was in financial trouble. There were men that supported him and offered assistance, but Mr. Williams would not accept their assistance.

That summer, after Clara spent a few weeks with her family in Dubuque, returned to Independence to work in the Vienna Café as in the past. Gilbert was at the station to welcome her back. She traveled alone and when she got off the train, he thought she was as beautiful as ever. They hadn’t seen each other since the wedding in April. The two of them embraced for several minutes.

Gilbert picked up her bag, then she clutched his arm. They started to walk towards her aunt and uncle’s home on Chatham. He offered her a ride on the trolley, but she was tired of sitting and wanted to stretch her legs.

Gilbert asked her, “How long are you staying in town?”

She smiled, “I don’t know.”

“When do you go back to school?”

“I won’t be going back to school.” She said and then went silent. He waited, but she didn’t offer an explanation.

He scrunched up his face as he asked, “Why aren’t you going back to school?”

She was silent and looked away. She looked back toward him, “My father’s business,” she looked down at her feet, “we don’t have the money. Father has been out business for months.” She clutched his arm harder, “So, I guess I may be stuck here with you for a while.”

Gilbert’s brain flooded with thoughts. He thought this was the greatest news he had ever heard. Then he thought, this was the saddest thing he had ever heard. Then he thought, they should get married. Then he thought Mr. Groober wouldn’t like that. Then he thought, he could offer Clara the money to continue with school. He himself was fulfilling his dream as a trainer and horse owner, why not help Clara achieve hers. “How much money do you need to go to school.”

She retorted sternly, “Why?”

He took a deep breath and thought quickly. “I can give you the money. I want you to have it.”

“No!”

“I have been saving it for many years. It will be worth it,” he said. “It’s only money. Your education is knowledge you will have forever, and nobody can ever take that away from you.”

“Nice try honey, but I won’t take your money.” She smiled. “We’ll need that money for our stable and breeding farm.” She pulled him along as they walked passed a brewery where barrels of beer were being loaded on a wagon. “I’ll just have to marry a man with lot’s of money and I will never have to work again.”

That made Gilbert think of the marriage idea once again. Was she saying that, so he would ask her to marry him. He had to think about that before saying anything. He had never thought of not marrying Clara, but he wasn’t sure this was the right time. He had wanted to get established in his own breeding business before he married her. The way the economy was looking, it appeared breeding may not be the best business to get into.

With Allerton retired from racing, Mr. Williams was able to devote more time to his other horses. A young horse sired by Allerton was Falfa, who’s dam was Cyprus. Early in the racing season, Falfa had progressed admirably, and was referred to as a similar phenomenon that Axtell showed in his young career. Mr. Williams took two of his colts to Minneapolis Ferron II and Falfa. Ferron II placed first in his races with a time of 2:41 3/4. Falfa was raced as a two year old in a race for three- year-old’s and was outclassed. He was able to redeem himself, when raced in the two-year-old race in Grand Rapids. He was able to sweep all his heats for the victory.

The races in Independence went off well as usual, however, the attending people were not as willing to part with money as they had in past years. All purses were paid in full as always. But the profits were small if any as far as Gilbert could tell. Mr. Williams was as positive as ever throughout the races as well as after their conclusion.

Late in the racing season, Falfa was taken to Lexington to end the racing season. He did not do well placing fourth in two year old’s race, behind Nellie A, Expression, and Directors Flower. No one was disappointed by the outcome since the winning times for the race was 2:19 and 2:21 for two- year-old’s. It was encouraging since Allerton’s best two-year-old mark was in at 2:43 3/4 and Axtell’s was 2:23.

As the summer ended Clara left for Dubuque where she would be working in a library with her mother. Her father had not been able to secure a job. Gilbert could only guess how bad things were for them, since Clara would not speak of their problems to him. He wanted to help, but according to Clara, her father would be more depressed if Gilbert were to assist them with their plight. He had heard that they may lose their home.

Gilbert was ready to ask Clara to be his wife the following spring. However he would not ask her until he talked to her father. He wanted Mr. Groober to have a job and pride when he approached him with the request, so he was willing to wait a few months.

While they were in Lexington, Mr. Williams was approached by a man who claimed he paid Mr. Williams $1,000 for service by Allerton for his mare. The mare did not conceive and the breeder attached a court order on Mr. Williams for his horse Falfa. Mr. Williams furnished a bond to release his horse to take him home, but later went back to Kentucky to address the lawsuit in question, which he won.

In the fall of 1893 a train, on the Illinois Central two miles northwest of Independence, sparked a fire. The fire was fueled by a strong wind spreading it quickly toward Independence and Rush Park. The fire department and a small army fought to keep the blaze from engulfing several farms.

As the fire approached, Gilbert and the other workers scurried to get the horses moved. He also assisted in digging a ditch around the Williams home to break the fire, if it approached. With the efforts of many, they were able to put out the fire before it reached the Park.

Gilbert was doing his usual routine of caring for the horses, on a cold mid December day, John Hussey walked into the barn. “Good morning Mr. Hussey.”

“Good morning Gilbert,” he replied. “You should call me John.”

Gilbert smiled, “It will be hard for me to call you that. If it will make you happy I will try. I know Mr. Williams wants me to call him Charles. It just isn’t comfortable.

“I can understand that,” John said. “But, you have graduated school and now you are officially a man. You should be addressed as such and as a friend.”

Gilbert noticed he was sad about something. “Mr. John.” The two men chuckled, “John. You seem sad about something.”

“You noticed,” John said. “I was just talking to Charles. He has forfeited his property to the bank.”

Gilbert was stunned, “All of his property.”

“All of it,” John shook his head, “even the house. Turned over all the deeds to Mr. Campbell yesterday.”

“Well, what is he going to do?”

“Don’t know. He won’t say. I don’t think he even knows what he is going to do.” John said quietly.

“I thought things were going pretty well.”

“Well, you know Charles, he doesn’t expect any one else to take financial risk to achieve his goals for himself or this town.” John chuckled as he shook his head, “There are many in town that want to help, but he won’t accept it.”

“What can we do for him?”

“Well, I am going to keep working for him and if he can’t pay me so be it.” John said, “I believe he will pay us regardless of his situation or he would tell us to go.”

“He just gave me a raise.” Gilbert said, “I don’t need a raise.”

“Well, I respect you for the thought, but don’t even try to tell Charles that.”

“I’ll just keep working until he tells me otherwise, as well.” Gilbert said as he began to brush Ferron II with a brush.

The mood around Rush Park that winter was quiet and somber. Gilbert never brought up the situation to Mr. Williams and whenever he saw him, he continued to show him the respect he deserved. Mr. Williams demeanor did not change. He worked hard, was kind and respectful to everyone as usual. He continued to pay all his employee’s what he had agreed to pay them.

It was a tricky time for everyone working for Mr. Williams. It was rumored around town that Mr. Williams had been contacted by persons representing the City of Galesburg, Illinois to start a track there. Mr. Williams had just returned from Galesburg in mid February, when he summoned Gilbert to his home.

He was let in the front door of the Williams home by the maid, who had been in the parlor cleaning. She escorted Gilbert to the tall double sliding doors leading to the front room. She knocked softly and then slid the doors open. Mr. Williams was sitting in the front room with his children, Park, Ross and Etholeen. Etholeen was on his lap as he read a book to her near the glowing fire. Nellie was knitting quietly in the corner of the front room.

As Gilbert entered the room, the children yelled, “Hi, Gilbert.”

Gilbert looked to Mrs. Williams, “Good evening, Mrs. Williams.”

“Good evening, Mr. Fenny,” she stood up briefly to address him. “It is a fine evening for this time of the year isn’t it?”

“Very fine indeed, Mrs. Williams.”

Mr. Williams smiled at him as the maid closed the doors to keep the heat in the room. “Sit down Mr. Fenny, I’m just about finished with this story.”

He sat down on a fine arm chair as Mr. Williams finished reading a nice story of a horse that saved a little boy lost in a blizzard. When he finished, “All right children, it’s time to get ready for bed.” The two boys reluctantly got up and left the room through the sliding dining room door. They closed the door behind them, because they knew Etholeen had trouble opening the door by herself.

She got up and ran to the heavy door to the dining room. She yelled back as she struggled with the heavy door, “Love you father. Love you mother.” She pulled with all her might to slide the door open. Gilbert started to get up, “I can get it,.” she said.

Mr. Williams yelled back to her, “I love you too.”

Mrs. Williams said to Etholeen, “I Love you too dear. I’ll be up to tuck you in shortly.” Etholeen got the door open just enough to squeeze through, then struggled to close the door.

Mr. Williams looked to Gilbert, “I need to talk to you. Let’s go to the den to discuss business.” Gilbert was flattered to be involved in business matters. Up until then, he had just taken orders or asked for advice concerning the horses.

Mr. Williams opened the sliding door into the entry hall of the house and lead Gilbert to the den. Mrs. Williams followed them, “Shall I make some tea Charles?”

“I would like some. How about you Mr. Fenny?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Gilbert answered.

They entered the well decorated den with a large window. He tossed a small log into the fireplace that had a small flickering flame in it. He stepped behind a beautiful oak desk, picked up a slip of paper from it. He then gestured for Gilbert to sit in one of two comfortable looking chairs. Gilbert chose the closest one. Mr. Williams sat down in a chair next to him.

He started to speak with his voice cracking weakly. This was completely out of character for the confident and robust Charles Williams. His speech tone also lacked the great enthusiasm and confidence it normally had. “I want you to call me Charles for now on. You have been faithfully working for me for many years, and you are now a man, and one of my close devoted friends. I could not have done what I have done here without your assistance. For that, I must thank you and I want to offer you this bonus. This is a check for one thousand dollars.” Mr. Williams held out a check for Gilbert to take. Gilbert looked at him like he was destined to visit the asylum down the road. “I think you deserve more and you may get it.”

“Mr. Williams,” Gilbert addressed.

“Charles.”

“Charles,” Gilbert corrected himself awkwardly, “You have given me the biggest fortune a person could ever receive. That fortune has nothing to do with any amount of money.” Mr. Williams listened intently, “Do you have any idea what would have happened to me if you hadn’t taken me in the way you did?”

Mr. Williams chuckled, “I have some idea.”

Gilbert looked into his eyes that glistened with tears. “Then keep your money. I don’t want it. You have a family to care for.”

Mrs. Williams knocked lightly on the door and quietly opened it carrying in a tray with a tea pot, cups and sugar balanced on it. Mr. Williams and Gilbert both got up to assist her.

“I got it,” she said, and the two men retreated. She placed the tray on a small table between the chairs, then left quickly.

“Mr. Williams.”

“Charles, please.” He requested once again.

“Charles,” his words were forced out awkwardly, “I owe you so much. More than I will ever be able to repay. I was alone, and nowhere to go when I was twelve years old. You took a great chance on taking me in. You didn’t know me and what I would do. You gave me a place to live and a job that I love. It was a dream come true for me. Things couldn’t have turned out any better for me.” He shook his head vigorously, “I owe you and your wife for being parents that I didn’t have. I don’t want your money, because I did not earn it.”

Mr. Williams was silent for a moment before he spoke. “I appreciate your praise, Mr. Fenny.”

“Gilbert.”

“All right, Gilbert,” he chuckled, “We want you to have it. You will insult us if you don’t take it. Take it as a wedding gift, for when you get married, please take it.” He said in a very stern manner. Gilbert felt he truly would be offended if he didn’t take it.

“I would never want to insult you,” he took a deep breath and slowly with great reluctance reached out to take the check.

“Good,” Mr. Williams spoke as Gilbert finally grabbed it. “I have made some decisions that will effect many people.” he paused briefly. “Gilbert,” he firmly iterated, “this is not something we want to have spread all over town just yet.” Gilbert’s stomach began to turn sickly as he anxiously waited to hear what was going on. “I have been offered a great opportunity from the city of Galesburg, to go there, build a race track and breed horses. I love this city and what we have done here. We have brought the racing capital of the world here to Independence.”

Gilbert for the first time interrupted Mr. Williams, “You are responsible for the accomplishments here. It could not have been done without you, sir.”

“It could never have happened without the participation of everyone in this community. I don’t think there is another city in America, that could have done what we have done here.”

“Are you going to leave us for Galesburg?”

“I think it would be the best thing for my family and I to do,” Mr. Williams shook his head, “I didn’t do very well this year, and may not be able to keep things rolling.”

“Mr. Williams, Charles, I mean,” Gilbert caught his thoughts, “in these past years, I have never heard you talk as a defeated person. I think you must have a good honest reason for leaving. Won’t the city help you out? I know they will.”

Mr. Williams held up his hand to stop Gilbert from continuing, “Many have offered to help keep things going and I turned them down. I have decided to give my assets back to the city and they can do with it as they please.”

“All, your assets?” Gilbert asked astonished. “Sir, you must have three hundred thousand dollars in assets.”

Mr. Williams was amused, “More like two hundred fifty thousand dollars, but I was one hundred thousand dollars in debt. Richard Campbell accepted, my turning over all the assets to satisfy that debt. The city benefits and I can get a good clean start in Galesburg, no strings attached. Everybody wins.” Mr. Williams waved his hands in frustration to stop any further argument since the decision had already been made. “Let me get back to why I wanted to talk to you, tonight. I want to express my gratitude for your devoted service over the years, and to offer you an opportunity to come with us to Galesburg as a trainer. You will be in charge of all training of my horses. I don’t need an answer today. You need time to really think about it. We won’t be leaving for awhile.”

They continued to talk about how things would be in Galesburg. They also discussed what may be here for him in Independence if he stayed. This conversation was like gold to Gilbert. When Gilbert left the Williams home, he felt very confident his own future would be good no matter what he chose to do.

The next several days were spent thinking of the advantages of staying in Independence, and the advantages to going to Galesburg. He knew he would have a job if he went to Galesburg, with the best boss in the world. He also knew he wanted to have his own business and to get married.

With the bonus money and the money he had saved, would make it very easy to start his own business and marry Clara. He wanted to marry Clara, but he also wanted her father’s consent to the marriage. It wasn’t absolutely necessary her father agree with their marriage, but if he would accept it, their marriage could flourish. He knew Clara would marry him in any case, but he had to give Mr. Groober a dignified opportunity to express his feelings on the matter.

The citizens of the city did not want to see the great racing end, so a group of businessmen formed the Independence Driving Club. The board members were prominent businessmen that combined with the investment of one hundred other businessmen in town to keep Rush Park going. The board members were Mr. C. E. Ransier, Mr. C.A. Thompson, Mr. W. H. Morse, Mr. W.D. Ham, Mr. T.F. Curtiss, Mr. B. W. Tabor, Mr. J. Hussey, and Mr. A.A. Farwall. Mr. Z. Stout was named as president, Mr. A. H. Farwall was the secretary, and W. W. Donnan was the treasurer.

They insisted that they would continue to hold meetings with high purses and top services, just as the town had supplied in the past years. It would be different without the presence of the determined and vibrant Mr. Williams, but they were confident it could be done. It was a sad time in Independence when the citizens were made aware of Mr. Williams departure plans. ‘The American Trotter,’ magazine was closed down and much of the equipment was purchased by Mr. Barnhart.

Plans were made for Mr. Williams to leave Independence on April 11th with fifty-four horses and many close friends to fulfill a three year contract in Galesburg to establish a race track and breeding farm. They had deluxe train coaches, allocated for them to transport the contingent to Galesburg. They were to depart on the Burlington Cedar Rapids Northern Railroad Station early that morning.

It had taken a few days to load up the fourteen freight cars with the belongings of Mr. Williams and the families of several of his followers. Friends traveling with him were G. W. Williams, Fred Williams and family, C.H. Hedding and family, James Ferris, Charles Cox, George Tesd and William Hughes and family. Barney and Katie decided to take their month old baby boy, named Charles, to Galesburg to work for Mr. Williams.

Gilbert assisted in getting all the horses boarded on the freight cars before sun up that morning. He went to the special passenger car to say good-bye to his mentor and friend. He found Mrs. Williams who was calm, but showed all the signs of having been crying. “Good-bye Mrs. Williams,” he said softly as he approached her. She outstretched her arms to give him a great hug. The children crowded around him to giving hugs.

The small Etholeen wrapped her arms around his leg. She continued to hold on tightly as the boys broke away, to follow their mother to the special car. Etholeen squealed out, “I will miss you, Gilbert.”

He reached down to pick her up. Etholeen wrapped her arms around his neck, “I will come to visit sometime.”

“You promise,” she asked.

“I promise,” he reassured her. He put her down, then watched her run to her mother, who had turned to see where her daughter was. Mrs. Williams smiled one last time at Gilbert as she disappeared stepping up into the train car.

A crowd had gathered around to see the Williams’s and followers off to Galesburg. There were many men lined up to show their support for a man that had brought so much prosperity to the community. The handshaking and pleasant goodbyes took several minutes. The sun was just coming up when the train was ready to pull out.

Mr. Hussey had a tough time holding back emotions, but he was able to hold back his tears and say goodbye like a man. Gilbert stayed back for a moment and when Mr. Williams saw him, he approached him. The two walked toward each other with smiles on their faces.

“Gilbert,” Mr. Williams spoke first, “my good friend, are you sure you don’t want to come along?”

“Well, I hope to get married and discuss my future plans with her.”

“Clara?” He asked without the need to ask.

“Yeah, she is the only one that would ever marry me.”

“You know her father doesn’t like you.” Mr. Williams said bluntly knowing that Gilbert already knew that fact.

“I know,” Gilbert said, “I will still ask for his permission first anyway. If he says no, I’ll ask Clara anyway. I’m leaving later this morning for Dubuque.”

“He is having some financial problems. He probably will be glad to get her out on her own. However, she may be the only one, making any money in the family.” He said sadly, then he laughed, heartily. “Good luck, son. Come see us sometime, we have a spare room for visitors.”

“I have already made a promise to do just that. So, I will be seeing you.” Gilbert’s smile left his face and suddenly a course, serious voice flowed out of his mouth. “Could you do a big favor for me? If you think it is appropriate?”

Mr. Williams sensed the serious feeling that struck him deeply, since Gilbert seldom asked for anything. “Well, I will certainly do whatever I can.”

“Could you send this telegram when you reach, Galesburg?” Gilbert handed him two slips of paper and a dollar bill. Mr. Williams read the note.

He slowly smiled before he said, “I think this is a grand idea. I should have thought of this long ago. You will make a good businessman, Gilbert.” The two men shook hands and without hesitation it turned into a bear hug. They separated and without looking back. Mr. Williams got on board the train.

Gilbert watched as the train pulled away, heading south, out of town with a sad rail to wheel sound. On that train leaving Independence was the only man that raised and drove three horses that had broken the 2:13 mark for trotting the mile. The only man to have two horses that held the World Stallion record during their careers. He had done it against the odds. His small breeding farm had outclassed the large breeding farms in Kentucky and California, while Iowa had none. At that time, when he left for Galesburg, horses that had raced in California held five world records, horses racing in Iowa had four world records, while Kentucky could boast of none.

Gilbert pulled out his watch from his pocket and looked at it. He caught the trolley that took him back to Rush Park. Gilbert had made arrangements to move his belongings to a room at the Gedney Hotel until his future would be determined by future events later that day. He changed his clothes, filled his travel bag for the trip to Dubuque. He was now wearing a nice suit and overcoat. He wanted to impress Mr. Groober with his success.

He picked up his large leather bag, and walked calmly toward the entrance to Rush Park in hopes to catch the trolley on it’s return trip to town. He could see down the track that the trolley was stopping to pick up passengers at the Cedar Rapids Burlington Northern Railroad station. He wanted to trolley to the Illinois Central Station in order to catch the morning train to Dubuque.