missing-and-unidentified: On October 11, 1945, a black teenager was found wandering the streets of J
missing-and-unidentified: On October 11, 1945, a black teenager was found wandering the streets of Jacksonville, Illinois early in the morning. He was unable to communicate, as he was deaf and mute. He was put into a mental institution and later given the name John Doe No. 24, as he was the 24th unidentified person in the states mental health care system. When John Doe was in the institution, he survived beatings, overcrowding, hunger, and dehumanizing treatment that was so common in institutions during the 1950s. Despite all of this, he took on responsibilities, made friends, and even developed a sense of humor. John Doe had often written the name “Lewis” on a piece of paper, which may have hinted at what his name was. Unfortunately, after many years of struggling with his health, becoming blind due to diabetes, and developing colon cancer, he died of a stroke on November 28, 1993. Singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter purchased a headstone for John Doe No. 24 after hearing about his story and later wrote a song entitled “John Doe No. 24″. Despite efforts by authorities to identify John Doe, he remains unidentified and his case unsolved. Sources: Doe Network NY Times Websleuths Discussion -- source link