Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 February 1906 — PEORIA SHAKEN BY NEW SCANDAL [ARTICLE]

PEORIA SHAKEN BY NEW SCANDAL

George H. Simmons, Preacher, Banker and Politician, a Suicide. WAS UNDER SERIOUS CHARGES Rather Than Face Them or Quit the City He Took His Own Life. When All the Facts in the Case Are Brought to Light It Will Probably Overshadow That of Dougherty. Peoria, 111., Feb. 7.—Rev. George H. Simmons, pastor of the First Baptist church, president of the InterState Savings bank, and the People’s Savings bank, and recently appointed manager of the Yates’ senatorial campaign in Peoria county, was found dead in bed. He has been the object of investigation at the hands of the state’s attorney, the two banks, and his congregation on the gravest charges and it is a case of suicide. Left Better Behind Him. The body was found by his wife when she called him for breakfast. He had remained down town until a late hour the previous night, disposing of some business matters. A letter found beside him showed his death to have been premeditated. He said it was his last night on earth, and wanted to leave a message of undying love to all. In part, he said: “Also no blame must attach to ex-Governor Yates nor his associates. He simply gave me an opportunity which his opponents and my enemies have prevented my using.” The last time, that “time fails me should I attempt to . write personal messages,” indicates he was dying as he brought this letter to a close. Cause of Death. Three physicians w*ho were hastily summoned, are of the opinion his death was caused by cyanide of potassium. Coroner Baker has taken charge of the remains. The People’s Savings bank, of which Simmons was president, in the workmen’s quarter of the city, did not open its doors during the morning. Cashier Look said it would remain closed until some future action was determined on. There was a run on the bank the previous day and a large crowd surrounded the building, clamoring for their money. The Inter-State Savings bank was also the object of runs.

Serious Stories Afloat. Dr. Simmons came to the First Baptist church five years ago from Terre Haute, Ind. He became local manager of the senatorial campaign of former Governor Yates a week ago, and shortly after serious stories affecting his morals were circulated. State's Attorney Scholes undertook an Investigation, and secured some sensational confessions from boys of his congregation. Dr. Simmons was 40 years old and leaves a widow. He held charges in Texas, Jackson, Tenn., and Louisville, Ky., before coming here. Will Eclipse Dougherty Cue. When all the facts come out it is probable the revelations of the Dougherty case will sink into insignificance in comparison with this one. The editors of The Star, Journal and Her-ald-Transcript called him in and told him if he would leave the city within twenty-four hours there would be no prosecution In order to save a scandal and keep the boys from losing their reputations for life. He consented and a tonce resigned as president of the Interstate Bank and Trust company, which he had organized on an original plan last summer. Head of Boys’ Home Removed. Chicago, Feb. 7.—Disclosures affecting the character of the Rev. John M. Chattln and his conduct in the home for boys he has governed at 515 West Adams street have led to the resignation of Chattln from the Episcopal ministry and his removal from the boys' home. Bishop Anderson sent Chattln to an Episcopal retreat, where he will pass the rest of his life, and named Howard A. Thompson acting head of the home. Several boys from the Chattln home were witnesses against its founder In a session of the board of managers of the institution. Hurt Herself Climbing a Fence. Nashville, Ind., Feb. o.—While Mr. and Mrs. Alerlus Fehring were walking homeward from the Howard church, and passing through thewoods Mrs. Fehring undertook to climb a fence which crossed the path, and her hip was dislocated by a fall, while her spine was wrenched. Fehring was compelled to leave her while he sought assistance, andjt was an hour before a conveyance was had in which she could be removed. He May Heoover, It Is Said. Patrk-ksburg, Ind., Feb. 9. George Moore, miner, sat smoking in a storage room, with an open twenty-nve-pound keg of blasting powder within easy distance. A spark from his pipe exploded the powder, wrecking tne building and hurling -uoore some distance away. He was found lying In the snow, unconscious and with hls> clothing burning. He may not recover.