Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, 22 October 1897 — Page 9

VOL. 50—NX). -I 2

T*

fit*

Sideboard.

We will sell you board for S10.00.'

Queensware,

ity There was a farmer had two sons, 00

And these two sons were brothers

One of them bought his clothes of us,

Our neighbor caught the other. /pj

A nil now the boy we fitted out

is dapper, neat and chatty

'J1 he other—well, it's hard, but still

He looks a little "ratty,"

The Boy Weaving

kkOur

Own Make" of

Clothing

Is Bound to Be Pleased.

If they don't turn out right its our fault. Your

money back if you want it.

AMERICAN

Manufacturing Clothiers,

Corner Main and Green Sts,, Crawfordsville, Ind,

to

$f.OO Oak Rocker.

FOR AN

We have placed on the market the greatest

line of Oak Rockers from $1.00 to $5.00

a a so in a

Lounges, New Goods,

In Lounges, we have them frem S5.50 to S10.00 that cannot be beaten.

We have bought one of the nicest lines of Queensware that was ever brought to Crawfords^! ville.

Prescription Druggists, The Blnford Corner.

$

We have new goods arriving every day and are selling them cheap.

Stoves,

a nice Side

Groceries,

Barnhill.Hornaday&Pickett

Real Vanilla Is Scarce.

You know we are headquarters in this line. Our stock is large, We are selling 18 pounds of granulated Sugar for $1,00, 19 I pounds Redwood A for $1.00.

Much of that sold Is entirely artificial, being made from a coal tar product. Some is composed largely of tonka bean. Tonka costs about one-sixth as much as vanilla. It is a llrst rate tobacco flavor but Is not fit for food. Careful housewives should avoid this. If you buy our vanilla you are perfectly safe. It i.s just what we say—Extract Vanlila. It is that and only that—nothing more, nothing less. Our vanilla Is allowed to age. Tills Imparts to it a raro and peculiar delicacy obtainable in no other way. We use no tonka. We'd make it better if wo could. Your friends,

Whitenack & Cotton.

MEANT MURDER.

Will H. Thompson, of Darlington. Shoots His Wile in the Rosideuce of.lieorge Wilson 4#

THE VICTIMS PUGCAKIOUS COXDITIOX.

Tlx* mini* Man is 111 Jail niul Nets I the Claim Thai ll«» Was Act in:*' 1'iulcr the InMuciicc »l Limior.

About 12 o'clock Friday night Will II. Thompson, of Darlington, shot his wife, Mrs. Jlird Thompson, at the hotne of Mr. and Mrs. George Wilson, 307 E. Franklin street. Thompson gave himself lip to the police four hours after the shooting and is now in ju.il. I Will Thompson is a son of C. JO.

Thompson, the well known dry goods merchant of Darlington. C. JO. ThompI son is a brother of J. K. 1'. and David

Thompson, of this city, and he himself formerly lived here. Will is now 25 years of age and has always been regarded as a wild, bad boy, although ugly motives were never imputed to him. He was regarded rather as beI ing weak than vicious. When he was 1!) years of age he was married to Miss

Hird ICashner, the rlaughter of Oeorge Kashmir, a retired farmer aim stock buyer of Darlington. The two lived together happily for some time, but Will began to indulge in occasional spree: and this led to trouble. He would be off a week at a time, and during these bouts his wife would go and stay with his parents or her parents. The Thompson family apparently thought much of her and did everything in their power to reform Will. IIe took treatment for the liquor habit from Dr. Huntsinger, at Frankfort, about three years ago, but soon fell again. About a year ago his parents sent him to I'laiofield to take the Iveeley cure and for a season after his return he was ail right. He was a barber by trade and had a good business iu Darlington. Last May, however. he borrowed a wheel in Darlington and went to Colfax, where he spent a week on a big drunk. When he returned he found that be had lost his business and therefore concluded to leave the town. He found an opening at MidJletown and went there with his wife to live.

She stayed with him as long as she could, his habits not improving in the least. About two weeks ago, however, she concluded that she would leave him forever, and having told him so, she departed. She arrived in Crawfordsville several days later and began a visit with Mrs. Wilson, with whom she had become acquainted during the time that the Wilson's lived in Dar lington. She did not hear from her husband but stated to Mrs. Wilson that she had endured his vagaries as long as she was able and would have to leave him forever.

GKOIifiK WII.SON's STOKY.

Git AW.F011DSY1.L.LE, 1XD1 .V^A, FRIDAY, OUTOBKlt ±2, 1897—TWELVE PAGES.

George Wilson makes the following statement concerning the affair: "Mrs. Thompson came to our house to visit my wife two weeks ago. She had been a great friend of ours and we thought a great deal of her. Friday night about 11 ::i() a cab drove up to our door, and when 1 responded to the bell 1 found Will Thompson there. was surprised to see him and especially at that hour, lie said he wanted to see his wife, and at lirst I hesitated about calling her. 1 was a little suspicious of him, but he seemed so cheerful and friend! that I

If you arc looking for anything in this line, it will pay you to concluded that lie was all right look our stock over.

He seemed perfectly sober and I think he was, too. His wife was in bed and at first she decided she wouldn't see him. She was a little afraid of him, but finally concluded that maybe he merely wanted to see her about dividing their property, so she put on a wrapper and went down. They were talking in the kitchen so as not to disturb those sleeping in the house. I was still a little fearful, so I had my wife dress and gc down where they were. She found that Will was so very friendly and affable, however, that she dismissed all thoughts of danger and came back to bed. They had been by themselves some minutes when I heard a loud shot and knew at once what had happened. I ran down stairs and found that Bird had fallen at the foot of the back stairs. She had been sitting on a chair when shot, Thompson sitting directly in front of her. When he pulled his gun and fired she sprang up and staggered to the stairs where she fell. When I got down Thompson was in the front part of the house getting his hat, but he came charging

TUB WOUND

back in moment with the revolver finally started after her and stopped still in his hand. When he saw me on my way in Anderson and Indianaphe raised it np on a levei and was apjolis. In Anderson I bought that reparently just about to shoot when I volver for §J. I don't know why I called to hi'ii rot. to, that ho had al-1 bought it, but certainly not to shoot ready done, enough. lie then glaneed niv wife. Vou see a bar keeper there at his wif mini hegao to back out of had it and wanted to soli it to me. As

the house liy the. rear way, holding his gun leveled nt. me. When lie got outside he broke and run. He looked ugly, 1 tell you. and 1 am sure he would have shot me if I had attempted to follow luni. Mrs. Thompson was conscious and as «oon as my wife came wo helped her upstairs and onto the bed. Then 1 hurtled for Dr. ilutchitigs and as soon as he came 1 notified the police arid telephoned to her father at Darlington. Her father got here about 3:30 Saturday morning and mis greatly affected. He notified the police to secure Thompson at all hazards and n-H to spare expense in doing it. Mrs Thompson bled some but not as much us one might expect from the ugly wound in her breast. She was conscious all the time I was in the house, and stated that Will had suddenly pulled his gun and tired when she had refused to go back and live with him. She was sitting directly in frout of him when lie fired, and had no warning whatever of his intentions. She said she had never known him to own a revolver and did not dream of of his having one until he suddenly jerked it cut and tired."

Dr. Hutchings sta.ed on Saturday: "1 was called to George Wilson's about l-:30 o'clock and found Mrs. Thomp son almost dead. She was about pulseless, was cold and blind, lly hot applications arid hyperdermic injections she was finally rallied and this morning we were able to remove her blood soaked dress and night gown. The ball had entered two inches below the collar bone and an inch to the right of the sternum. As she was sitting leaning over when shot the ball must have ranged downward, and I think must have passed through the lung. However, it may not have done so as she has not been spitting blood so far. In any event the wound is a very desperate one and I consider her recovery as exceedingly doubtful."

THOMPSON1 AUIiKSTKD.

When Thompson left the Wilson residence after the shooting he ran south on IOlm street and fiually cutting across the Dry Kranch bottoms found himself over back of the Junction. Here he seems to have reconsidered his deturmination to run away, and facing about returned to town. Weaver's bloodhounds had in the meanwhile been put on his trail and they went directly over the ground he had gone, leading the trail eventually back to town. It was abaut 4 o'clock wheu Ollicer Hannister was approached by a young man near the engine house who asked if he were a policeman. Upon being answered atlirmatively he stated that he was Thompson, shaking the ot'icer warmly by the hand and smiling pleasantly. Ollicer Hannister at ouee started to nil with him, but at Thompson's request stopped at the Klondike restaurant where Thompson ate a sandwich and drank a cup of culfee with great relish. He then went to the iil ollice apparently unconcerned and iu good humor. Upon his person was found the revolver with which he did the shooting. Uefore his arrest he had taken the cylinder out and unloaded it. Heside the revolver seven loaded cartridges were in his pocket.

The revolver is an ugly 32 calibre, safety. It bears the significant name of "Young America." Several papers were found in his pccket and a small photograph of the woman he had so recently shot down in cold blood. When Ollicer Bannister took this from his pocket Thompson snatched it from his hand, kissed it passionately and then keeled over as if struck by paralysis. Jle quickly rallied, however, and walked into a cell unassisted.

THOMPSON INTICKVIKSVED.

About it o'clock Saturday a representative of the .JOUKNAI, was granted an interview with Thompson at the jail. The young man was lying on the couch in one of the back cells and we,s pulling vigorously at a cigar when approached. He was nervous, however, and showed it. He was dressed in a new and quite sporty suit of plaid goods and liad the appearance of one ordinarily fastidious in dress. His tan shoes were covered with the mud of last night's chase through the fields, however, and his long black hair was sadly mussed. When asked to make a statement he at first said that he had nothing to say. However, he answered most of the questions put to him and told in effect the following story: "My name is Will H. Thompson and I am a barber. I have lived in Darlington most of my life but this summer I went to Middletown. There my wife left me about two weeks ago. I

1 uud the two dollars oil me I just bought it. 1 owned a revolver once before but "soaked" it in Indianapolis so I gut this one to take its place. I got to Crawfordsville night before last or Friday morning and went down to Hoi) Alien's saloon. I spent the day there and drank often and a great deal. I didn't know tny wife, was here in town so 1 went to Darlington on the (IMtj o'clock train to see her. When 1 got there I found she was here, so 1 at once decided to come down and talk things over with her. 1 thought at first that I would hire a rig of the livery stable but I didn't have enough money so I walked. 1 didn't ride a bicycle to Crawfordsville, I just walked. 11. was may intention to see her and talk the matter over and then go on to Indianapolis. I never once thought of shooting her when 1 left home. While in Darlington I drank several drinks and bought a bottle of liquor which I brought with me, so I was pretty full when I got to town.

I didn't drink any in any saloon after I. got here but asked where Wilson lived. I don't remember whom 1 asked but I finally got into a cab and was driven out there. I didn't then intend to shoot my wife. 1 didn't dreiun of it. 1 wanted her to live with me again and we talked about this. This was partially what led to my shooting, I suppose, but it wasn't all. We talked about another matter but I won't say what that .was. 1 hardly remember anything about the shooting or why I shot. I don't remember leveling the pistol at George Wilson and in fact I am all confused about the whole thing. I dou't know where 1 ran to and 1 don't know just why I came back. The whole thiug is like a dream tome. I know I didn't buy that gun to shoot my wife with and I know I didn't have it in my pocket for that purpose last night." "When you shot your wife, Thompson, did you mean to kill her?"

When this question was asked Thompson would give no answer, nor, indeed, would he answer any question which bore directly on the shooting or its cause. Me would merely declare that the whole thing was a blur on his mind and that he was under the influence of liquor. He seemed quite concerned as to his wife's condition and was relieved to learn that she had a chance to live. Ollicer Iliatt, who had known him from a child, was at the jail and 1 hoiupson clung to his hand with a pitiable weakness, lie did not wish to be left to his own reflections and did not wish to discuss his crime.

Ollicer Iliatt is the man of whom Thompson that night inquired his way to Wilson's house. Mr. Hiatt reports that when Thompson made his inquiries he was perfectly sober and was perfectly pleasant. This is also the testimony of Ollicer O'Neal who was with Hiatt at the time, and of the cab driver.

Charley llamsey has known young Thompson several year.s quite intimately and saw hiinFriday night before the shooting, in the Klondike restaurant. Thompson seemed duly sober but was very glum and refused to respond when spoken to. sr

IN

IAltI,INL'l

ON.

The news of the shooting caused the greatest excitement in Darlington as both parties are so well known and so highly connected there. The Thompsons and Kashners are both wealthy and influential families and highly esteemed. Will Thompson has heretofore been known as a quiet fellow and even when in drink has not been considered dangerous. His wife was one of Darlington's prettiest girls and stood high in the estimation of all. She had not lost her beauty during her married life and was quite a striking figure on the streets during her visit here. When she and Thompson were married their union was regarded as a most happy one although they were mere children at the time. When the news of the shooting readied Darlington the town was thrown into a great uproar and a number of the relatives of both parties caine on at once to Crawfordsville. Hoe Miller, who married a sister of the victim of the shooting, reached here early on Saturday with his little girl and cried like a child on reaching Wilson's home.

AS TO It KINO DKUNK.

At Hob Allen's saloon on west Market street it is vigorously denied that Thompson got drunk there. Ho loafed there part of the day and drank three or four beers but was perfectly sober when he left for the train shortly before six. At Darlington it is said that

PART SECOND

Thompson drank little or nothing there, so it seems that he must have been partly sober up.jn his arrival hero after a ten mile walk,

ItKKUKK MA YOU STII.WKM..

Saturday at .'1:30 Thompson was^

brought before Mayor Ntilwell and the charge of assault and battery with intent to murder was preferred against him. lie plead not guilty and in response to an inquiry from the Mayor said that he had selected no attorney but would like to have Charles Johnston. Mr. .loluiHon was sent for. and after a conference of a few minutes Thompson was bound over to the circuit court and remanded to jail. The. prisoner looked rather dcliantand smoked a cigar, but he was exceedingly ner\ous aud evidently under a great strain.

The unfortunate lady su iTercd greatly Sunday and- her pain was relieved only by the use of opiates. Under the inlluence of morphine she rested tolerably well bunday night, but sulfered greatly Monday and had a high fever* A trained nurse had the case and no means were spared to do all that was possible to sa^e her life and relieve h",r sufferings.

Sunday Drs. Ilutchings, I0n6ininger and Cowan held a consultation and made an examination of the wound. It was found that the bullet had struck the second rib and dellected. It ranged downward passing through the right lung and into the stomach or liver. It was thought from thehepatic sufferings and other symptoms in the case that le ball was buried in the liver,but th'a was not, of course, definitely known. Probing for the ball was out of the question and was not attempted. The right lung was rendered perfectly inactive by the wound and this accounts for the failure of the_.victim to spit blood.

Thompson waived examination Saturday afternoon and was returned to jail iu default of bond, which was fixed at SIO.OOO. On the way back to the jiil Thompsom completely lost his air of indifferonce and was greatly affected, especially when told that his victim was worse. He declared, however, that he would not commit suit, ide even if alforded the opportunity. He did not sleep Saturday night and but little Sunday night, crying and moaning pitifully in his broken rest. John Grimes occupies the cell with hi'ri aud to him Thompson tells his troubles. He makes no new statements, hut continues to declare that he has no distinct remembrance of the shooting or what immediately followed. Sunday night Jim

McNainee was run in for drunkenness and proceeded to raise a great fuss. .For awhile this amused'Thompson immensely and ho laughed, but this soon grew monotonous and as McNamee continued to rave and swear Thompson grew nervous and begaii to complain.

There was quite a sensational scene in tho jail ollice Sunday afternoon when Thompson's brother, Linn, together with his wife, called to see tho prisoner. Thompson was brought into the jail ollice where they were and at once broke out crying. He kissed his sister-in-law and then threw his arms about his brother's neck, both beiug greatly all'ected. r.inn, who is somewhat of an invalid, became so much all'ected that he had to be led out and as he went out Will staggered up against the door leading into the cell house, moaning "Let me go back! J'^or God's sake, let me go back'"

It was erroneously stated Saturday that Thompson's parents were hero in town. Neither of them has been hero and neither is able to come. Hoth are completely prostrated and grave fears for their recovery are entertained. Sheriff Canine has been igreatly bothered by scores of people calling to see Thompson. He will, however, admit no one except relatives or ollicers, so the morbidly curious may as well save their wind. The admittance of all seeking it is out of the question.

:.

Thompson's aunt from Ladoga called to see him Monday morning and the young man wept bitterly.

A correspondent of the

JOUKNAI.

writing from Darlington gives tho following sketch of the young man: Will has always been of a wild, reckless, ro7ing disposition, never contented, but continually changing location and business. JOarly in life he contracted the drink habit and his sprees would last for days or even weeks at a time, but ho was never quarrelsome, lie was always worse to himself than any one else. Tidy and neat in his dress, he always looked well and would appear in the best society. He was somewhat of a musician and a fair singer, and our people have often heard his voice in church, both in choir and quartette singing, so that

(Continued on twelfth page