Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 August 1902 — COULD NOT IDENTIFY REMAINS. [ARTICLE]

COULD NOT IDENTIFY REMAINS.

Inquest Into the Death of Minnie Mitchell Held in Chicago. Interest in the Bartholin-Mitchell murder mystery in Chicago has of late centered about the inquest which was held to determine the cause of the death of Minnie Mitchell. Three men stood accused as principals or accessories of the crime, namely; Oscar Thompson, former roomer of Mrs. Bartholin; John Claffey, stableman, who took care of the horse Thompson is alleged to have driven to the laundry wagon containing the girl’s body to the prairie field at Seventy-fourth and State streets, and Edward Counselman, intimate friend of William J. Bartholin, the supposed matricide. Four members of the Mitchell family testified at ht the inquest that they could not make a positive identification of the body found lying In the weeds on the prairie and believed to be that of Minnie Mitchell. Dr. Springer, coroner’s physician, stated positively that he did not believe the body to be that of Miss Mitchell because of the advanced stage of decomposition. Thompson, “Dad” Classy and Counselman were held to the grand jury. The verdict also recommends that William Bartholin be apprehended and held until his guilt or innocence be clearly established.