Philip J. Chrisinger 1855-1917

CHRISINGER

Posted By: C, Diamond, IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 9/5/2014 at 17:34:35

Des Moines Capital, Iowa
Monday, April 09, 1917
 
Aged Man Fatally Beaten By Robbers
 
Three Negroes Invade Store of P. J. Chrisinger on Maury Street
Attack Without Cause.
 
Intruders Leave Man Lying Unconscious on Floor and Escape With about $20

Three Negroes walked into the little grocery store of P. J. Chrisinger at 1510 Maury Street, last night. Chrisinger who is 62 years old, gray haired and stooped shouldered with age, was counting up his meager weeks profits. "Evening old gentleman" said one of the men, " lemme have about two bits worth of pork chops". The old man looked up; then he hurriedly stuffed the money he was counting back into a drawer under the counter, and shuffled toward the ice box after the pork chops. The hiding of the money in the cash drawer didn't pass unnoticed by the Negroes.
 
Attacked Without Warning.
 
Chrisinger wrapped up the meat and handed the package to the Negro. But just as he was putting it into the man's hand the Negro reached forward and gripped the old man's hand and jerked him forward. And then another of the trio ran over to where the hammer lay, jumped on the old man from behind and begin clubbing Chrisinger on the head. The third Negro snatched up a butcher knife and begin slashing old Chrisinger across the face and neck and chest. The groceryman was beaten into unconsciousness. Then one of the Negros slipped around behind the counter pulled open the cash drawer and stuffed about $20. in small change into his pocket. They kicked the gray haired old man lying bleeding on the floor. A gold watch slipped out of his pocket. One of the Negroes snatched it up, breaking the chain. And then the three Negroes fled.
 
Victim In Hospital.
 
The police took Chrisinger to Mercy Hospital where Doctor Ransom gave him hurried medical treatment. At an early hour this morning the hospital attendants reported that Chrisinger would die. He had multiple fractures of the skull and his face was slashed and beaten until it was unrecognizable. He had only a few hours to live, it was said.
 
Passerby saw the three Negroes run out of the little grocery, but the police last night were unable to find anyone who could give any description of the assailants. A son of the injured man, Frank Chrisinger lives at 136 Loomis Street said the old man lived in a small room in the rear of the store. He was unconscious and barely breathing early this morning.
 
Aged Grocer Assaulted Saturday Night Passes Away.
 
Mr. Chrisinger is survived by three daughters, Mrs. E. W. Bankson of Des Moines, Mrs. Nora Sampson of Wichita Kans. and Mrs. Belmer Pratt of Denver, and three sons, Frank Chrisinger of Des Moines, Nelson Chrisinger of Plattsmouth Neb. and P. J. Chrisinger of Des Moines.