Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 233, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 September 1919 — JOHN BURRIS COMING TO TOWN [ARTICLE]

JOHN BURRIS COMING TO TOWN

ITO ANSWER CHARGES OF COMMITTING CRIMINAL “ASSAULT UPON EDITH -SMITH. ■ -John Burris is coming to town some time today or tomorrow from Danville, 111., where he decided to take up his abode several days ago following an alleged escapade in this city which caused him to seek a healthier climate. John will be in tow of Sheriff True D. Woodworth and will be slapped into the hoosegow until a preliminary hearing can be arranged for. An. affidavit filed against Burris charges him with having committed a criminal assault upon the person of Edith Smith, 16 years of age, of this city, on or about the fifteenth dav of September. The girl is said to be feeble minded and this fact simply adds to the heinousness of Burris’ alleged crime and should be instrumental in sending him to a place where he will not be a menace to the public for several years to come. —— The victim of the alleged assault is the daughter of -Theodore- Smith residing in the north part of town. It is understood that the relatives bTthe girl did noF wish to take any action, but that the neighbors were so incensed, over the case that they prevailed upon. the. girl’s father to file an affidavit against Burns.which accounts for the delayed action. Burris left the city soon after the alleged, assault and his location was not known until Sheriff Woodwoth received a telegram from the authorities at Danville telling of Burris’-arrest. : —Burris was -married-for—the thirds time a few months ago and it is understood that he was preparing to move his household effects to Danville this week. Burris has borne an unsavory reputation for many years and on several different occasions his escapades have been chronicled in the newspapers. If it is found that he is guilty of the crime with which he is charged he should receive the full penalty of the law.