Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 268, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 November 1917 — Thought That Warner Intended To Burn Wife And Child [ARTICLE]

Thought That Warner Intended To Burn Wife And Child

It is thought that Frank Wanner, the Wolcott firebug, also attempted to bum his wife and child last Saturday night, when he set fire to his house and barn and held the fire company at bay with a rifle. Warnner had thrown quantities, of gasoline on the beds where his wife and child were sleeping, but whether or not he intended that they too should burn, himself with them, is a secret of his frenzied mind, but the preparations point to such an intention. Mrs. Warner escaped in her night clothes that were reeking with gasoline and fled to the home of Andy Smith, where she implored his help. A son, Russell, also escaped from the house and sought assistance of the neighbors. It is said that Warnner was incited to his deeds by a desire to prevent a levy on his property for $24 delinquent taxes. His ire was aroused recently when the delinquent tax collector called on him and made a demand for the" $24, informing him that his persoqpl effects would be levied upon to satisfy the taxes unless payment was made. Warner is accredited with having said at that time that he would burn the damned stuff before they should have it. The fire bug is said to be a man of a sullen, morose disposition, easily angered on account of an imflammable temper. An affidavit was filed in the White circuit court Monday afternoon by prosecutor Ireland, charging Warner with the crime of assault and battery with intent to kill. His bond* was fixed at SI,OOO by Judge- Wason, which he did not give and tfas remanded to the custody of Sheriff Williams. It is understood that an inquest will be officially held this Tuesday morning, to determine the sanity of Warner. Dr. Thomas Wynne, of Indianapolis, one of the best authorities in the state on brain and nervous diseases made an examination into the mental condition of Warner. The examination was unofficial and was made at the request of the family of the man who is in jail.