Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1879 — Murdered by His Father. [ARTICLE]

Murdered by His Father.

George Ward, accompanied by his two sons, Frank and George, aged respectively 26 and 21, visited Columbia City, Ind., to trade, and had imbibed pretty freely of poor whisky. When they started for home they were quite drunk. They reached home about 5 o’clock. Frank, who is married, got off at his farm, adjoining his father’s. When George and his father had put away the team they entered the house. Mrs. Ward was preparing supper. Ward began abusing his wife, which was resented by his son George. From words they went to blows, which resulted in George giving his father a severe thrashing. Ward shortly afterward went out to the wood-pile, where an ax was lying, picked it up, and returned into the house. George endeavored to run out of the house, but before he could reach the door Ward struck him dead, by a blow on the head, splitting it open. Blood and brains were spattered over the wall and the murderer. This act sobered Ward immediately, and he sank down where his son had fallen, paralyzed with horror. The Sheriff was sent for and arrested Ward. George was the favorite son, and Ward was very fopd of him. The family has al-

ways had the reputation of drinking and fighting whenever the least chance was offered. Ward is a well-to-do farmer, aged 50 years.