I am an author in the early research stages of a true story about a former resident of San Benito, Henry E. Agar. If you do not know his story, I assure you it is a remarkable one. My interest is to find anyone willing to assist on news gathering. I live in Indiana, and a trip to San Benito, though very desired, is not possible at this time.

Briefly, the story is of a prominent businessman in Princeton, Indiana. He prospered from a simple merchant to a department store, grain seller, state representative, etc. One night on a corn barge he supposedly fell off into the water and was presumed drowned for almost two years. He turned up in your city as R. A. Conner, and worked as assistant to Col. Heywood. He was suspected to be Agar and was extradited to Indiana. He was eventually found guilty of embezzlement and served one year in the state prison. He returned to San Benito in 1912 and lived the remainder of his life there until Jan 23, 1934, when he died.

His family consisted of wife Bertha (Savage), sons Asa Agar and Ralph T. Agar (a surveyor and engineer) and daughters Lois (married Wylie Tippitt) and Carol (married a Gentry). I believe they all lived in San Benito.

It is also known that Henry (or R. Conner) started the San Benito Light newspaper. I so hope there is some coverage of his actions that might be mined for my story. Working for Colonel Heywood, he also started a bank.

Any information would be greatly appreciated or names of societies or persons which to get in contact with. Thank you.

Please send all emails to jasonwoodburn@sbcglobal.net