Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 226, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 September 1915 — ROBERT WARD ON TRAIL FOR MURDER [ARTICLE]

ROBERT WARD ON TRAIL FOR MURDER

(Second Murder Trial of Session Now Going On In Monticello—Ward Abusive to Wife. ml Robert Ward is on trial for his life in Monticello and the state in the early stages is making a strong showing on the charge that Ward murdered his wife, who seems to have been a victim of his abuse for some time before her death. The first witness for the state was Noah Miller, father of Mrs. Ward, who told of the abuses of Ward, how he had cursed her only a day or two before her death and to’d her that he wished he was rid of her and would get rid of her. He testified that Ward was drunk on the evening his wife lost her life, that he showed no interest after her death and did not attend her funeral or pay any part of the funeral expenses. Mrs. Ward was burned so badly that she died and the evening of her injury her son came running to the home of Mr. Miller and said: “Bob’s beating mother to death; come down quick.’* Mrs. Miller also testified that Ward had beaten and mistreated his wife. Ward claims that his wife poured coal oil over her body and set fire to her clothing. Neighbors say that she had been injured by Ward and believe that he set fire to her clothing himself. Several testified that they smelled whiskey on his breath. After Mrs. Ward was so badly burned she was removed to the home of William H. Goar, a neighbor. Ward called to see her and she asked him why he did the act. One witness testified that he asked her why she did it and she said she did it because he wanted to be free and she wanted him to be free because she loved him. One witness said that when Mrs. Ward was dyiijg she asked: “Do you think God will forgive me for the act I have done?” v Ward had admitted to a neighbor that he saw his wife pour coal oil over her clothing and threaten to kill herself. "When asked why he had not prevented her he said he thought she was only bluffing.