Iowa Old Press

The New Era
Humeston, Wayne co., Iowa
January 25, 1893

TERSE STATE NEWS ITEMS

- An orphan boy living with a family by the name of Dowling at Muchakinock was frozen to death. It was at first charged that there was foul play connected with the death, but the coroner's jury set aside all charges and found the boy alone was to blame. He had crawled under an out-house for some reason and when found was frozen stiff.

- John Lutman, a well-to-do farmer 45 years of age, who had just moved to Marengo from his farm in Washington township, committed suicide a few days ago b taking a dose of "rough on rats." The poison was taken about the middle of the forenoon while uptown. As soon as it was discovered that he had poisoned himself he was taken to the home of his son-in-law, A.B. Buker, and medical help summoned. He lingered until about 8 o'clock in the evening, much of the time in intense agony when he died. His wife began proceedings of divorce at the last term of court, and brooding over his troubles probably affected his mind. Besides his wife he leaves several children by a former marriage, most of them quite young.

- The police in Burlington were solicited to assist in the search of a pair of runaway lovers from Galesburg, Ill. The search was instituted by Messrs. J.H. Lippy, Harrison and "a friend," the first named being the uncle and the two latter the brother-in-law of pretty Mary Kendrick, 17 years old, who eloped from her home in Galesburg with Harvey Dooley. Miss Kendrick was to have been married that night to a wealthy young farmer named Barnes, living near the city, and the search will be continued in Keokuk, Ft. Madison and Des Moines. They had a total of $11 to defray the expenses of the wedding trip.

- Rev. Mr. Tyrell, the man who figured in a horse race fight last summer at Clarion, has completed his downfall by enticing the 16-year-old sister of his wife to elope with him. His uncontrollable love for fast horses and beautiful women got him into the first trouble and he was suspended from the ministry. Not long after his suspension, however, he was re-instated and taken back to his old pastorate. Before being taken ill his wife left him and went to Denver to her father. A reconciliation took place and he resigned at Clarion and followed her to Denver. Here he became infatuated with his sister-in-law and together they left for unknown parts. The father is naturally greatly incensed over the affair, but so far all efforts to catch the eloping pair have been in vain.

- A.B. McArthur, a hotel keeper, wrote to James A. Jackson, a prominent Sioux City real estate man, informing him that he had information relative to an affair of Jackson's and that he was hard up and would disclose it unless paid $50. Jackson made an appointment to meet McArthur in his office. McArthur put in an appearance at the appointed time. Jackson escorted him into his private office, closed the door and grabbed a piece of stove wood and commenced to pummel McArthur over the head. Jackson's son ran to his father's aid and took a part in the affair. But for the interference of bystanders McArthur would have been killed. As it is he is very seriously injured. McArthur will be prosecuted for using the mailas for this purpose. Public sentiment is with the Jacksons.

- Arthur C Williams, the young anarchist who attempted to murder Herbert Smith at Burlington a few days ago, was arraigned in the district court. He is a hard looking sight. His hair is long and matted and his thin whiskers have been allowed to grow, giving his face an ugly, dirty expression. He was extremely stubborn, and during his stay in court room did not utter a word. He is slightly deaf, but he pretended to be unable to hear anything. Prosecutor Tracy placed his mouth close to William's head and shouted into his ear without effect. At the suggestion of the court a question was written on a piece of paper and handed to the prisoner. He pushed it away and would not even glance at it. He seems indifferent to the proceedings and stares fixedly at one spot all the time. A more serious charge may be entered against him, as it was rumored about the court house that Herbert Smith has suffered a relapse and that his death is momentarily expected. It is said that his head and neck are frightfully swollen and it is hardly possible that he will pull through. Williams' case was continued to await the result of Smith's injuries.

[transcribed by C.J.L., January 2007]

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