Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 67, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 March 1911 — JOHN W. POOLE CHARGED WITH MURDER OF EMPLOYE. [ARTICLE]

JOHN W. POOLE CHARGED WITH MURDER OF EMPLOYE.

Erratic Swanlngton Farmer Released After Sensational Charges by Son Are Not Proven. -n- ■ John W. Poole, of near Fowler, the very erratic man who has pulled off several stunts in this county, and who was fined for advances made to a lady who lived on a farm near one owned by Poole, was arrested at his farm last Friday night and thrown Into the Fowler Jail, charged with the murder of a farm hand by the name of Joseph Kemper. The evidence that caused his arrest, was furnished by George Henderson, and Indianapolis detective, who had been working on the case for several days, having as a basis for his action the claim made by Poole’s son-, Emery Poole. Young Poole claimed that he and Kemper had been out hunting last fall and Kemper returned home before he did and that when he arrived home Kemper was gone. „ Blood spots were found in the barn and in a shed and on a rug in the kitchen, according to the young man, who also claimed that his father soon appeared wearing some of the young man’s clothing. Young Poole told the detective that he was certain his father had killed Kemper. After the man was arrested and placed in jail, a search was made of several soft spots on the farm, but nothing was discovered and the prisoner is said to have been released.' The son says he believes his father killed another farm hand two or three years ago. Poole did kill a • man about ten years ago and escaped the penitentiary on a claim of insanity. He has often boasted about the fact and has frequently threatened to do bodily harm to various people. The Rensselaer Republican has been one of Poole’s imaginary foes for a long time.- This paper related some of his escapades in this county, including his conduct toward the little Ward boy, and also his trial for the advances made toward a lady here, and his alleged insult to a woman who lived on his farm. He made several threats' and also called at this office a time or two when the writer was out and made sensational threats

Poole seems to be really Insane hnd his erratic conduct here wonld be sufficient to commit him to an asylum, even if he is innocent of the charges preferred by his son.