Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 June 1906 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

SI.OO Per Year.

“TOM' NOW IN THE PENITENTIARY.

Found Guilty of Embezzlement, While “Old Mac” Is Acquitted.

HE TAKES MATTER PHILOSOPHICALLY !* 1 • ‘ - -.s. U •' —: i ~ - And Will Make No Appeal—-Is Now a Very Penitent flan.

END OF A NOTED BANK TRIAL. Eleven Jurors Voted to Convict Both Defendants, While One Held Out Twenty Hours For Acquittal. The jury in the McCoy trial brought in a verdict at 2:25 p. m. Saturday after over 20 hours deliberation. The verdict was acquittal for Alfred McCoy and conviction for “Tom.’’ We are told that a verdict of guilty would have been returned in ten minutes had it not been for juror M. M. Byroads of near Wolcott, who was the only one of the twelve' men who voted for acquittal. Byroads is 35 years old and is reported to have testified when examined as a juror that he had never sat on a jury before. Qe is said to have a jail record in White county. After working with Byroads from Friday evening to Saturday afternoon he agreed to a verdict of gnilty for “Tom” and acquittal for Alfred McCoy. It is reported that some of the other jurors have since stated that they feared he would go back on his verdict after it had been agreed upon, and when Mr. McHugh polled the jury he asked each man individually, we are told, “Is this your verdict, Mr. ,” calling the juror by name. On reaching the man who held out twenty hours for acquittal, he is reported to have asked. “Was-this your veidict, Mr, Byroads?” who responded “yes.” “Is it your verdict now?” the attorney is reported to have asked, looking the juror squarely in the eye. The latter is said to have shifted a little in bis seat and responded, “yes.’" This juror is the only one to whom the question was twice asked, it is said, and those who beard it are wondering why things were thusly. Neither of the McCoy women were in the court room when the verdict was returned. “Tom” took the verdict coolly, although he had no doubt nerved himself for the ordeal. The old man was more affected, and cried some. Contrary to the procedure in the Sherrick case 'at Indianapolis, “Tom” was not remanded to the custody of the sheriff pending the motion for a new trial, the State’s attorneys not asking that this be done. He went to Lafayette Saturday night and spent Sunday there, returning to Monticello Monday morning with his attorneys who were preparing their motion for a new trial. After making all preparations for pleading their motion for a new trial, defendants’ attorneys withdrew the motion and Judge Farber pronounced the sentence, fining “Tom” $96, double the amount embezzled from J. H. Cox, and sentencing him to the penitentiary for a period of from one to three years, the penalty invoked by law for embezzelement. “Old Mac” was discharged and has gone to Chicago, where he will reside and expects to seoure a position with Wood Bros., be stated, a stock yards com mission firm with whom he has had considerable dealings for the last 35 years. After sentence was passed “Tom,” in the custody of the sheriff was taken to Lafayette where he bid bis family good-by and closed up his business affairs there. Wednesday mornißg- he went to Hammond and Chicago with his attorney and the sheriff and closed

up some business matters, and Thursday afternoon was taken to the penitentiary. Latest reports say that it is expected he will be given a clerical position. He can be paroled after on& year, on good behavidr, but the sentence will hang over him for the full three years, and if paroled he must make regular reports to the prison authorities or board of pardons. The withdrawal of the motion for a new trial means that no appeal or further fight against the sentence will be made, and it is now asserted that his attorneys wanted “Tom” to plead guilty soon after the trial begun and throw himself on the mercy of the court, but he refused to do so. The defendant was quite penitent after he became resigned to his fate, and said that be cherished no animosity against the people of Rensselaer who had testified against him. It was thought perhaps an agreement had been made with the State’s attorneys to dismiss the other fifteen indictments still pending, but this is denied, and they will still hold over them and can be poshed at any time, and so far as the old man’s case is concerned, it is likely they will be. The general opinion here is that the elder McCoy was just as guilty, if not more so, than “Tom,” and there is considerable criticism of Deputy Prosecutor Leopold’s argument to the jury. After apologizing for appearing for the State, Moee said: “I have known Alfred McCoy since I was a boy, and he was my friend. I have traveled all over Jasper county with him and when he was sick I took delicacies to him. I have been the guest of Thomas J. McCoy at his home many times. In that awful disaster at Chicago, two and a half years ago, the terrible Iroquois Theatre fire, my sister was killed and ih that hour of sorrow Mrs. Thomas J. McCoy was the first at my house and the last to leave it."

Mose has campaigned over Jasper county with A. MoCoy and followed his sheepskin band, of course. Suppose Mrs. T. J. Mcr Coy was so sympathetic in the great affliction of the Leopolds. Why was she so? Mr. Leopold senior is a wealthy man and had much money to deposit, and when the McCoy bank failed he had SB,8000 deposited there! There were many others to whom the McCoys were very attentive and took up and made much ofp-but every last one of the people whom they noticed or banqueted either had money to deposit or had expectations of having some. Had the same calamity have befallen any other family in Rensselaer in moderate circumstances or who had no money to deposit in bank, or expectations of having any soon, the McCoys’ sympathy would have been conspicuous only by its absence. This is a well known faot to every resident of Rensselaer. Proceeding further, Moee said: “If I was a member of this jury I would say in my verdict that ‘we, the jury, find the defendant, Alfred McCoy, guilty as charged in the indictment and assess his fine at blank dollars.' I would say ‘we, the jury, find the defendant, Thomas J. McCoy, guilty as charged in the indictment and that his age is fifty years.’ ’’ The meaning of it was that the deputy prosecutor asked the jury to send Thomas I. McCoy to Slate prison and let his father go with a fine. Here was one of the State’s atterneys asking for the practical acquital of one of defendants, and the one for whom there is at this time the least sympathy in Rensselaer, for many people believe that had Alfred McCoy allowed his wife to sign over her interest

Rensselaer, Jasper County, Indiana, Saturday, June 23, 1906.

in the Jordan tp„ lands, T. J. McCoy would also have had his wife do the same. “Tom” was sporty, reckless and evidently gave no thought of what the result might be. The money was there and he helped himself to it, as did his father, but there are but few here who really believe that he ever deliberately intended to defraud anyone. With the old man it was different, and his abuse of aod cursing everyone who criticised their banking methods after the failure and of those whose testimony — while the actual not favorable to the McCoys, lost him the last spark of sympathy that may have been felt for him here. He reared his son “Tom,” and to a great extent is responsible for his being a spendthrift, the same as the latter is for the conduct of his own son Taylor. If Mr. Leopold wanted to plead for the defendants he ought to have got on that side of the case in the first place. The elder Mrs. McCoy took the conviction of her son very hard, and for a day or two is reported to haye eaten nothing and is greiving greatly over the matter. Of coarse it is a terrible thing for a mother to see her son go to the penitentiary, bat thousands of other mothers, good mothers, too, have had this fearful ordeal to pass through, and The Democrat sympathizes with all of them—rich and poor—who are by circumstances beyond their control compelled to undergo such an ordeal. This case occupied six weeks, the testimony aggregated 5,000 pages, or 1,750,000 wools, 200 exhibits were made, the oath was administered 235 times besides two affirmations, the jurors were twice sworn and there were 160 talesmen examined. The attorneys in the closing argument occupied 16 hours and uttered 78,000 words, each lawyer averaging 150 words per minute. Judge Farber’s instructions were of 3,000 words. The expense of the jury was about $1 ,000, and total costs of the trial j to Jasper county exclusive of indictments and attorneys’ foes is about 11,600. The grand total of costs to this county is probably about $3,000.

KELLOGG ACQUITTED.

The trial of U. B. Kellogg, the Brookston man who is believed to have swindled many people at varions points on a Canadian land deal, ended at Bloomington Tuesday in acquittal, after occcupying six days in court. The jury was out but a few moments, and the verdict was a surprise, as it was generally believed the State had made a good case against him, having proved by expert witnesses that the signatures to all the correspondence of the “company” which Kellogg claimed to represent were hie own hand-writing. A sensational feature of the case was the arrest of Prof. G. W. Michaels of Lafayette, formerly of Rensselaer, on the charge of intimidating the defense’s witnesses. The case against him was later dismissed, /•however. Kellogg was re-arrested on charges made by Prof. Michaels of Lafayette, and is now in jail there. He will be tried Monday.

CHEAP RATES FOR THE FOURTH.

Tbe Monon will make a rate of one fare for the round trip for the 4th of July to points within 33 miles. This will make tbe round trip fare from Montioello to Rensselaer only 75 cents, and from Lowell only 85 cents. The prospects are that we will have an immense orowd here to our celebration. Everyone within a radius of 25 miles nearly is making preparation to come here, as Rensselaer is the only town of importance in this section of the state that is celebrating. Hot weather shirts you will find in all shades and sizes from 50c to $2.50 at Duy*.* l & Lundy’s.

JASPER SAVINGS & TRUST CO.

The new Banking and Trust Company, mention of which has been jnade heretofore, has rented the offices of the Rensselaer Bank and will have temporary quarters there until said bank has liquidated its business. It is now ready to receive deposits and pending the selection of permanent officers, will be in charge of Charles G. Spitler, James N. Leatherman and George E. Murray, a committee chosen by the stockholders at a meeting held on Monday, the 18th. Howard Mills, cashier of the Rensselaer Bank, will have charge of the books.

FOUNTAIN PARK TALENT.

Maud Ballington Booth is the only woman orator of the decade whom the public, will turn out and pay to hear. Why? First of all, she is the ablest woman orator in America. Her cause is the moßt worthy. She is probably the most beloved woman in the land; certainly she is the most attractive of all women speakers. She has fire and magnatism—gifts of the highest oratorical order, abstained and animated by deep convictions, highest purpose, and burning earnestness. These great essentials are of paramount importance to success on the platform. At Fountain Park, August 16th.

SUDDEN DEATH AT THE COLLEGE.

Class Valedictorian Dies Tuesday Evening After Brief Illness. The commencement festivities at St. Joseph’s College were saddened by the sudden death Tuesday night of Edward J. Prior, the class valedictorian and the most popular student of the College, after a brief illness. A post mortem revealed the fact that the young man had been in bad health for some time, and no doubt only his nerve kept him up and determined him to go through with the commencement instead of taking to his bed. Numerous ulcers were found on the lower bowels and the abdominal and chest cavities were filled with fluid and it was evident that he had been in a serious condition for some time. He was forced to give up Monday but it was not thought he was so bad off until next day, when a physician was called. Nothing could be done to save him and he died that night. The remains were shipped to a sister in Philadelphia, the young man’s home.

COMMENCEMENT DAY AT ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE.

XQn the 18 and 19th inst. St. JoCollege celebrated its Eleventh Annual Commencement, graduating a class of fourteen students. The solemnity of tbe occasion was greatly enhanced by the celelebration of the Silver Jubilee of the V. Rev. Rector Fr. Aug. Seifert, C. PP. S., and the commemoration of the fifteenth anniversary of the founding of the College.^ Many distinguished visitors were in attendance, among others the Rt. Rev. Bishop Alerding of Fort Wayne, Msgr. Oechtering, and some sevnty-five of the Rev. clergy. Many of the graduates parents and friends were also present for the occasion, and the Alumni of tbe College turned out in great numbers to pay their tribute of homage and respect to their Alma Mater. On Monday evening, the tragedy, “Thomas a Becket,” was renrendered by tbe Columbian Literary Society, and proved a most enjoyable success. It was witnessed by an unusually large audienoe. Tuesday morning, Solemn High Mass (coram episcopo) was sung, and a sermon delivered by the Rev. F. Oogan of Greenfield, 0., a member of the Alumni. In tbe afternoon, tbe Alnmni held a meeting during which the graduating class was admitted into the body. In the evening, tbe graduation exeroises were given,degrees conferred on the graduates and medals and premiums were awarded to the respective students. Rev. Joe. Delaney of Ft. Wayne delivered the Baccalaureate address. in whioh he paid a beautiful tribute of homage to 4he Church, as “Founder of 8choole.” The event was a landmark in the history of St. Joseph’s College, and its memory will long remain impressed upon the minds and hearts of all who had the happiness to be present.

THE COURT HOUSE

Items Picked Up About the County Capitol. Marriage licenses issued: June 18, Harry Sigler of Demotte, aged 24, to Bessie Fairchild, also of Demotte, aged 24. First marriage for each. o And now, to cap the climax for our Canadian land, investors, comes the statement that Charlie Murray’s half-section of land in Canada that he was going to “make good” to the Rensselaer victims, is no good, and so far from civlization that it is practically valueless. —o — The Republicans of Newton county placed the following.ticket in the field at their county convention Tuesday: Clerk, Reuben Hess; treasurer, Frank M. Coovert; sheriff, Henry Stouer; recorder, William H. Boyle; assessor, J. Z. Johnston; surveyor, Orville W. Jenkins; surveyor, Beu Leopold; commissioners, James A. Whaley and Sumner H. Dickinson. —o — And now the name “McCoy” is so unpopular in Rensselaer that a move is on foot, headed by many that have marched under their political leadership for years without question to change the name of the street bearing their name to some more sweet smelling title. Some want it changed to Milroy avenue, while others think its original name of Kannal avenue should be restored. —o — Bro. Fitzpatrick of the Francesville Tribune was a caller at The Democrat sanctum Saturday, having come over to see the ball game between Francesville and St. Joseph’s College teams. He says that U. B. Kellogg, the Brookston Canadian land swindler who recently caught some two score of our people for SSO each, used to reside at Francesville and was a mighty smooth citizen. It would take $5,000 to $6,000 to square up with the people Kellogg downed for various sums at Francesville during his residence, Bro. Fitzpatrick says.

ICE-CREAM SOCIAL.

An ice-cream social will be given at Barkley M. E. church, Saturday evening, June 23. Everybody invited.

NOTICE TO EVERYBODY. When you come to town the fourth make your headquarters at our store. We will be glad to have you, and we have room for you all. Duvall <fc Lundy.

JULY FOURTH.

The ladies of the M. E. church will serve ham saudwitcbes, hot coffee, pie, also ice-cream, cake and home-made candy on the northeast corner of the court house square, opposite McFarland’s grocery.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS.

June 15, to Mr. and Mrs. Mark Reed of Jordan tp., a daughter. June 16, to Dr. an‘d Mrs. Aaron Wood of Brook, twins, boy and girl. June 17, to Mr. and Mrs. Van Wood, a son. June 17, to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ellis, a son. June 18, to Mr. and Mrs. Carter Garriott of Aix, a daughter. June 19, to Mr. and Mrs. Dolph Day, a son. June 20, to Mr. and Mrs. Alva .Snow, a daughter. June 20, to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Sommers of Jordan tp., a son. June 21, to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hamacher of near Virgie, a daughter.

Make your headquarters at Murray’s big department store July 4. A few Weber wagons and beds left yet, and will sell at a bargain. Call on L. S. Renicker. Don’t forget that trunk or suit case you will need for your vacation; we have them at all prices. Duvali. & Lundy. Leave your parcels at Rowles & Parker’s dry goods and clothing store July 4th.

Vol. IX. No. 12

ALL COMING TO RENSSELAER THE FOURTH.

Goodland Herald: The band has made a contract with Rensselaer to play there on the Fourth of Joly. Goodland Plaindealer: The Goodland band baa been engaged by the Rensselaer 4th of July committee and will play the “Star Spangled Banner” and other Patriotic Airs in that city on the Natal Day. Lowell Tribune: Rensselaer is the place where the majority of our people will celebrate, TheM. C. Wiley Baud will furnish music and our ball team is billed to play the Chalmers team. Go where the crowd is going. Brook Reporter: Rensselaer seems to be the only town in the country that has the sand to get upland dust sufficiently to celebrate tjia-4th of July. A big crowd from this place intend to go over and celebrate with the Jasperites if weather permits. White County Democrat: Company C under Capt. Brown and Lieutenants Cray and Davis is making active preparations to attend the Fourth of July celebration at Rensselaer where it is billed as one of the principal attractions. In the afternoon a sham battle will be fought between the Monticello Company and Co. M of Rensselaer. This is to be the big event* of the day and is expected to attract a large crowd. A large number from Monticello have signified their intention to go with the militia to Rensselaer. Monticelle Herald: Editor Healy of the Rensselaer Republican and Editor Babcock of the Jasper County Democrat have both been here in the past week billing the town for Rensselaer’s Fourth of July celebration Rensselar is going to have a mammoth demonstration and a big crowd on that day. The sham battle between Co. M and Co. C will be a great attraction in itself, and then there will be a SSO ball game between Chalmers and Lowell an industrial parade, a run by the Fire Departments “slide for life” from the court house tower, aud a blast of rock in the bed of the Iroquois river. The day will close with a fireworks display at night which will excel anything of the kind ever seen at Rensselaer. Special railroad rates will prevail and Monticello will likely furnish a big contribution to the crowd. All the attractions will be free.

Notice of Judicial Convention.

Notice ie hereby given that the 30th Judicial District Democratic Convention, composed of Newton and Jasper counties, will be held at Goodland, on TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 1906, Immediately following the adjournment of the Newton County Convention. Said Convention is called for the purpose of nominating a Prosecuting Attorney for said district. The delegates selected from Jasper county to attend said convention are as follows: Delegates. Alternates Geo. E. Hershman U. M. Baughman. F. E. Babcock Lucius Strong W. B. Yeoman [ohn Lane S. A. Brusnahan Chas. A. Harrington C. W. Duvall Smith Newell Albert Dickinson Ellis Jones Perry Marlatt Alfred Donnelly Call by order of the Chairman of the counties composing said District. Lucius Strong, Jasper Co. C. C. L. A. Lemman, Newton Co. C. C.

Make your headquarters July 4th at Rowles & Parker’s dry goods and clothing store. Discard your old felt bonnets and buy you a good straw one, in sailors and all shapes, at Duvall & Lundy’s. Come in and secure one of those men’s suits mentioned in our page ad, at a big discount, aud be well dressed on July 4th. Rowles A Parker. Get ready for the fourth, and buy a nice cool summer suit; we have them in flannels, serges and fine worsteds, from $5 to sl2. ' Duvall & Lundy, —— Read Rowles & Parker’s page ad elsewhere in this paper. It means a saving of $ $ to you.