Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 October 1898 — THE CANTON TRAGEDY. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE CANTON TRAGEDY.

Gay Bachelor with a Fondness for Woman,Which Led to His Death. The tragedy at Canton, Ohio, by which George Saxton lost his life has aroused the interest of the entire nation because

of the fact that the victim was the only brother of Mrs. McKinley. The story of the crime involves a recital of scandalous incidents and acts which do not call forth a great measure of sympathy for the dead man, whose moral record seems to have been badly

spotted. George Saxton started in life with all the advantages longed for by the average young man. He was the only son of wealthy parents and the idol of his sisters. Born in Canton forty-five years ago. his whole life was like an open liook to his fellow citizens and he made little effort to conceal the soiled pages. Graced with a fine physique and easy manners, be was much sought by society.

and was a favorite with the ladies. It is said that several young ladies of excellent families, at various times, won his heart and hoped to wed him, but he proved cfjjelly false. One of them pitied, grew melancholy and died. The affair which is commonly believed to have led to the tragedy began six years ago, when Mrs. Annie George moved to Canton and opened a dressmaking establishment in the block owned by Saxton. She was attractive of face and had a bewitching form. Her husband was an honest, industrious man. who furnished a shabby contrast to the ptdish of Saxton. The dressmaker and her landlord were soon on friendly terms. The gossips used their names a good deal and finally Mrs. George went to Dakota and secured a divorce from her husband. She always said —and few disbelieved her statement —that Saxton, paid the expenses, and, furthermore. that he was going to marry her ultimately. When the husband learned that be had become a domestic has-been by decree of a Dakota court, be brought suit against Saxton for $30,060 for alienating his wife’s affections. This suit was compromised when Saxton paid George sl.825. Meanwhile Saxton and Mrs. George had had trouble. They finally got to quarreling over-rents and articles of furniture and the cases were aired in the local courts of Canton. Then Mrs. George began to say that she would get revenge; that Saxton had promised to marry her and that —so it is said by one or two persons —she would kill him if he did not do so. She carried her threats further and recently was arrested upon a charge made by Mrs. Eva B. Aithouse. a friend of Saxton, that she had threatened violence and death to Mrs. Aithouse. The evening of the tragedy, shortly after dark. Saxton rode on his bicycle from his place of business to the home of Mrs. Aithouse. on Lincoln avenue. Saxton dismounted, leaned his wheel against the curbstone and started across the sidewalk

to the steps that lead to the terraced la wn in front of the Althouse home. Just as he pat his foot on the lower step a shot was fired at him. A second shot followed in rapid sncectwion and Saxton fell to the ground. Mrs. George was at once suspected. She manifested no surprise when arrested and has shown no concern since her incarceration in jail. She pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder and does not talk about the case.

MRS. GEORGE.

GEORGE SAXTON.

THE ALTHOUSE HOME.