Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, 19 July 1901 — Page 9

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Oa All Our Stock of

The Imperial Windptrmp,

Out

B.

mssm

15 Pet Cent 5 Pet Cent

Discount

Clothing and Furnishings.

Our successful season has left us withjnany odds and ends, and as it is our custom never to carry anything over into the next season we will from now on sell everything for 10 Per Cent less than our former already low prices to clean up our stock and make room

OUR NEW FALL GOODS

We do not ask it all our way, but we are very willing to have you share our profits through our sacrifice. Our loss is your gain. Do not neglect to take advantage of it.

15 Pet Cent 15 Pet Cent E

Discount.

THE AMERICAN CLOTHIERS,

[IKE L. RONSHEIM. Mpt.

The Big Pour,

I* the place to buy Hardware and Implements. Come in and see

TxsthbvH

Wagon,

Steel Tanks, Hay Rakes, Wire Fencing of all kinds, Screen Doors and Windows.

And everything kept in an up/ttydate store at way down prices.

Gould, Oliver & Martin,

12QA22 S, Washington St. Crawfordsville

WHAT DO YOU WANT? *4

When you buy a buggy do you want one that will fall to pieces about the second year? If you do, don't come to me. My vehi-: cles are built to run and look well for years. No shoddy goods in my stock, and every vehicle has the guarantee of its maker to be just as good as it looks. My buggies, stanhopes, surreys, bike wagons, etc., are this year's styles and I have no old, shopworn goods. Come in and let us have a heart to heart talk about the matter. It won't do you any harm.

Good bicycles at little prices, and the best rubber buggy tire sold—the Springfield-Kelly.

A. S. MILLER,

124-126 N. Washington St. Crawfordsville.

Only $1.50 Per Doten.

Artistic Photographers II8K East Main 'Phone S24.

For a short time we will make cabinet photographs, strictly high grade pictures, at the low price of $1.50 per dozen. You know our reputation for fine work, so don't put off getting your pictures at these prices.

'H

Letter Lelt Giving Reasons for

VOL. 54—NO. 29 CRAWFORDSVILLE. INDIANA, FRIDAY JULY 111. 1901-TWELVE PAGES PA LIT SECOND

JAMES M. SELLAR.

He Died Last Saturday From Morphine Poisoning,

the

Act of Self Destruction—A Pathetic Case.

James M. Scllar, one of the best known citizens of Montgomery county, died last Saturday from the result of a dose of morphine taken with suicidal intent.

Mr. Sellar had been officing for some time past with Morgan & Lec and last Saturday at a quarter past seven when Mr. Lee entered the office he saw Mr. Sellar sitting at the table in the southeast corner of the room, apparently asleep, his head lying forward on the table. A moment later Mr. Lee perceived that his sleep was not natural, as his breathing was quite irregular and labored. Realizing that thecase was a critical one he stepped to the telephone and called up the offices of several doctors, but it being early he found no one in at any place. He then hurried around on Green street and at the office of Dr. Jones found a boy who called the doctor's residence. Dr. Gott was also found and the two physicians arrived about the same time. They at once saw that Mr. Sellar was suffering from morphine poisoning and administered antidotes hyperdermically, the patient being too far gone to swallow. Their ministrations were too late, however, as Mr. Sellar died shortly before eight o'clock. On the table beside him he left an unfinished letter written on the letter heads of the Elks' society, the tablet belonging to Mr. Morgan. It is evident that he had begun the letter after taking the poison and probably after he felt its effects.^j-.Tae communication was written in an uncertain hand and toward the close was quite rambling in character. The poison was working more rapidly than he thought and before he had concluded with his signature his fountain pen dropped from his nerveleES fingers. It was found lying on the table by the side of the unfinished letter on which his head rested. The letter was as follows: "To whom it may concern:—With me life has been a total failure. It might have been entirely different. There has been no one to blame for this difference save myself alone. I have raised quite a family and they are each member superior in general and special subjects of all kinds. I have been the poorest kind of a financier for everyone and especially for myself. I am preparing to leave the world badly in debt to it. I have, as is usually the case with a worthless husband, been blessed with the bravest, purest, truest, and most patient wife ever given to a man.

I have abused the best set of friends ever possessed by one man. I feel that I am a dead weight, entirely too heavy for the worthy willing members of my family to carry. Indeed, they will be better off without me than with me. Feeling so whyj should I live to be an onus—a dead weigbtfor others to carry? I have chosen the morphine route as the cheapest and most certain. Let no one try to pay my debts. They are paid by this act of mine. If I could I would suggest a few I would rather see paid than others. I freely forgive those who have wronged me. Hoping this explanation explains. I now feeling tired and sleepy, I subscribe myself."

After his death Coroner Dennis was called and held a short inquest, returning a verdict of suicide, The body was then removed to the Carver undertaking establishment where it was prepared for burial. The suicide'- of so prominent a man as Judgo Sellar naturally caused a decided sensation and theie was much discussion of it on the streets. It seems that he intimated his purpose to no one and those who know him best are firmly convinced that he went about his plans soberly and deliberately, actuated by the reasons set forth in his letter. Friday afternoon he was in his office reading the papers and looking over his law books. Messrs. Morgan and Lee state that there was nothing unusual in his demeanor then. In the evening several ^-persons saw him and he did not appear in his usual good spirits, nor was he so cordial as was his wont. About ten o'clock he went with Willis Dickerson, the shoemaker at McClamroch'e, to his room and they there played five games of checkers. Mr. Dickerson then noticed nothing unusual in his actions or words, but stated on Saturday that

in the light of what since transpired he can see that Mr. Sellar was hardly at himself, being less talkativo than usual and rather abstracted. At the time, however, he, thought nothing of it. Earlier in the evening Judge Sellar had complained to Ol Gill and others that he had a severe headache and thai h. believed ho would take morphine to relieve it.

Harry Morgan sleeps in a little room just in tue rear of the office in which Mr, Sellar died. Ho states that between twelve and one o'clock Mr. Sellar entered the ollico and turned on tho light. This interfered with Mr. Morgan's sleep, so he arose to pull down a screen. He then saw Mr. Sellar at the table writing. Between four and live in the morning Mr. Morgan left his room and Mr. Sellar was then sleeping heavily. Mr. Morgan thought nothing of this, as Mr. Sellar had on several occasions previous passed the night in the office.

It has been known for some time past that Mr. Sellar had not been in the best of health or spirits. He suffered greatly from neuralgia, his pain at times being intense. He appeared to reproach himself greatly too for not having made a greater use of his opportunities and talents, and not long ago stated to a member of the bar that probably he would be better dead than living. Mr. Sellar was born in Walnut township, this county, in December, 1845, being the son of William A. Sellar,

-a

pioneer resident of the county.

In school he was bright and promising, and displayed then the genial traits of character and the warm hearted nature that afterward popularized him with those who knew him. He was a leading member of the country debating societies and his most formidable opponent was the late Governor Mount, who was raised on a farm not far distant from that of William Sellar. After going) through the common schools Mr. Sellar attended the Wesley academy, then a thriving institution, and was graduated from there with honor. He decided to study law, and began his studies in Illinois. He did not long remain in that state however, but came back to Indiana, locating at Williamsport. After a short residence there he came to Crawfordsville and was admitted to the bar. He was associated with several firms and for about a year was out of the practice, being then the editor of the Crawfords ville Review, then the organ of the Democratic party in this county. He re-entered the law after his journalistic experience and in the seventies be came the partnership with the late Jas Wright, the firm continuing until the fatal illness of Mr. Wright, which compelled his retirement from work. After Mr. Wright's death Mr. Sellar left the firm's office in the Binford block and went to the office where his death occurred. As a member oft the bar he was decidedly popular with his asso ciates and demonstrated ability of a high character. He had a legal mind and was quite forceful as an advocate

He was a fair man in the trial of a cause, and had he devoted himself assiduously to his profession he would have been an eminent success In politics he was an ardent and un compromising Democrat and no man stood higher in the councils of the party here in Montgomery county than he. In 1881 and in 1888 he was the chairman of the county committee and at all times was one of the .leaders. He not only did committee work but he was an untiring campaigner and canvassed the county and adjoining counties as an orator. In 1892 he was elected joint senator from Montgomery and Putnam counties and served as a hold over in the legislature of 1894. As a member of the legislature he made quite a favorable record and displayed remarkable ability in getting bills through. He was the author of several measures that are now laws.

In 18!J6 he was a candidate before the Democratic state convention for the nomination for governor and went to the convention with the support of the Ninth district, it developed early in the light, however, that Mr. Shively would be nominated, so Mr. Sellar's name was not presented. It was understood, however, that in case of Democratic success that year that Mr. Sellar was to have received an excellent position. He was a man of genial temperment who cherished no grudges and who was wholly without malice. Ho seemed to like everyone and was liked by everyone. He seemed seusitive to his weaknesses and probably suffered more on account of them than did anyone else.

His family, by whom ho wa? held very dear, were wholly unprepared for the awful shock of his death and it falls upon them heavily. la 1871 Mr. Sellar was married to Miss Laura Heaton, daughter of the

late James Heaton. She, with three children, survives him. The children are William, Wright and Sadie.-

Funeral of J. M. Sellar.

The funeral of James M. Sellar took place last Monday at ten o'clock at the family residence on-JWhitlock avenue, Rev. S. W. Goss officiating. Quite a large number of people were in attendance, the members of the bar attending in & body, and furnishing the pall bearers for the oucasion. The interment was at the Oak Hill cemetery.

A MAD COW,

She Attacks the Mother and Child of R. C. Walkup In a Most Vicious Manner.

There was quite a tragic episode last Thursday at the home of treasurer-elect Rankin C. Walkup, just east of the city, and it is a matter of wonderment to those concerned that at least two lives were not lost. At milking time Mr. Walkup accompanied by his wife and mother went down to the cow lot, the elder Mrs. Walkup carrying in her arms her son's infant child. Tho cow. a splendid creature weighing over thirteen hundred pounds, had always been regarded as docile, although she had been dehorned. A small calf was in the lot with her and when the milking began wa3 lying on the ground nearby. Mr. Walkup had been milking a few minutes, talking and laughing with those about, when his mother with tho babe in her arms walked around in front of the cow. When she appeared there the demeanor of the animal was changed in an instant. With a bellow of rage, like that of an infuriated bull, she charged upon tho defenseless old lady, head down. Mrs. Walkup was struck with terrific force and knocked several feet away, falling with tho babo lying across her bosom. Tho angry cow rushed upon them again and striking the baby knocked it some distance across the ground, where it lay curled up and apparently dead. Mrs. Walkup had attempted to stagger to her feet whon she was again struck by the cow and knocked over the baby, her skirt hiding it from sight. The cow followed, and with loud betlowings of rage began to tramp Mrs. Walkup and strike her with the stumps of her horns. All this had happened in an incredibly short space of time and it was not until the cow had begun to attack

THE PROBLEM.

OROTHY in the nursery can calculate the price of Ivory Soap per cake, but it would take a mathematical genius to calculate its true value. For he must take account of time, labor, and materials. He must deduct from the apparent cost the saving in the longer life of the cake, in the longer life of the washed fabric, in the labor required, in the time consumed, in the strength expended, in the results obtained. When all is finished, Ivory is the cheapest soap in the world. It floats.

Mrs. Walkup as she lay over the child that Mr. Walkup, who bad been upset by tho first charge of the cow, was ablo to rush no to the rescue. Ho began kicking and striking her frantically, at the same time shouting lustily for the dual purpose of frightening the animal and summoning help. His wife camo with him, but they seemed to make uo impression on the maddened beast as she bellowed and trampled over her victims. Suddenly, however, she swung her head about, and Mr. Walkup grabbed the halter on her head and literally dragged her across the lot. There she saw her calf and paused a moment, Mr. WalKup improving the opportunity to assist his mother and tho babo out of the lot, getting them through the gate just as

the cow bellowed and charged again. The baby all thought then was mortally wounded, it lying unconscious, with its mouth filled with the dust and dirt of tho cow lot. A terrible cut extended across its face and its little body was awfully bruised. Mrs. Walkup, who is sixty-four years old, was suffering intensely from an ugly gash over her eye and from many other cuts and bruises on her person. She and the baby were carried to the house and Dr. Ristine was hastily summoned. He found both the victims of the accident suffering greatly from their wounds and from the shock, but pronounced neither of them fatally hurt.

Mr. Walkup is at a loss to account for the action of the cow as she had always been a very gentle animal. He is inclined to think, however, that she took fright at the baby in his mother's arms. No more chances will betaken with the animal, however, as she was sold to the butcher bright and early next morning. A cow that once runs amuck is never afterwards a safe proposition.

Had a Real Nice Time.

The Thorntown papers of last week contain lengthy articles on the pleasure derived by the ladies of the missionary society who visited the society hero last week. Crawfordsville is highly praised and many compliments are passed upon the entertainers. After describing the visit to Gen. Wallace's study the following pass is made at the punch bowl of tho society function: "Mrs. Wallace served delicious refreshments in the most delightful fashion under the 'wide spreading beeches.' The fruit juices were served, in roomy silver pitchers. In this, we think, she gives ail entertainers a needed, though gentle hint. How much more suggestive are these, than the inevitable punch bowl now seen in society! "In trying to elevate the degraded punch bowl from its carousal associations, society has undertaken a well nigh impossible task. Can we expect that hilarious vessel can ever be at lioiue,in sober society?"

On the Olympla.

John Wilcox, the son of Mrs. Ben Warbington, who has been on the training ship Monongahela since last August returned to New York Saturday, where he will begin a four years' cruise on tho cruiser Olympia. Young Wilcox will servo as an apprentice on the ship that once carried Dewey's llag and will see a large number of seaports during his apprenticeship, as the cruiser will travel much during that time.

KOKOMO, Ind., Aug. 10, 1899.

PEPSIN SYRUP CO. Dear Sirs:—For the past 10 years I was troubled with my stomach. About four years ago was taken down with rheumatism was not able to do a day's work for three years. All medicine seemed of no benefit to me. A year ago was advised to take Dr. Caldwell's Syrup Pepsin. I truly believe I would have died but for this medicine. My rheumatism is entirely gone and my stomach is in good condition. It has saved by life and I cannot recommend it too highly.

Yours respectfully, ELWOOD MCCKACKEN.

Sold by Nye & Booe, druggists.