Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 September 1911 — WIFE’S DEATH SUSPICIOUS [ARTICLE]

WIFE’S DEATH SUSPICIOUS

Terre Haute Man, Known Under Two Names, Is Arrested. Terre Haute, Ind., Sept. 7. —Francis M. Connors was arrested at midnight and is held pending a grand jury investigation of the death of his wife, July 12, when he reported that she took an overdose of chloroform to relieve pain. Suspicion of the truth of his story was aroused by his marriagg three weeks later to Mary Owen, to whom he had been, showing attentions for several weeks prior to his wife’s death. He was known as Eugene Howie, owner of a harness shop, while living with his first wife, but tlft li : cense for marriage with the Owen girl was in the name of Connors, by which name he had. been known-at the house of her father Jasper Owen, where he lived.

A Statement to the Public. I had not expected to be compelled to make a statement o the bus situation, but recent stories told to create a feeling against me make it necessary that I do so.

I purchased the bus line busi-. ness of Frank Kresler, who had purchased it of Joe Jackson with the understanding that Jackson was not again to engage in the business in Rensselaer. This assurance was transferred to me when I bought the business. I have tried to serve the public fairly and have given the business all my time and attention, and have employed competent help all the time. Jackson reentered the business contrary to understanding. I believe that I should receive the continued business of the public based upon the attention I have paid to it and because of whatever sentiment may exist in the matter, and apparently the people think

the same way. A few days ago it came to my notice that a story was being circulated to t*he effect that I had employed foul language in talking to Jackson about his trip in the west and about his treatment of this family. I had not said the things I was accused of saying and do not wish to labor under the accusation. I have no further grievance against Jackson than is involved in the principle of his re-entering business here when he was pledged not to do so, and'l shall do nothing and have done nothing to influence patronage more than becomes necessary in looking after the business I have tried faithfully to hold. I do want it understood that the language I am/charged with employing to Jackson is absolutely false and the story was started for the purpose of creating a feeling against me. I went personally with the city marshal to Earl Clouse who had told the untruth and he acknowledged that he had heard no such language or statements.

I shall continue to serve the people as faithfully as I can ana I ask the continued patronage of all my old customers, both city and transient. Respectfully Harrison Wasson. Collegeville Items. The inauguration of the fortyfirst term of academic work took place at’St. Joseph’s College last Thursday.. The enrollment of students has increased in due proportion with the former development of the institution, in fact, there is very little unoccupied space in any of the college buildings. Moreover the outward appearance of the new student body augurs Well for a most successful scholastic year. Nearly all the members of the old faculty are again at their posts oi duty. The new board of directors, however, found it fit to introduce a few changes. Rev. B. Besinger, who for nine years was active disciplinarian, was called; to a pastoral charge at Bryant, Ind.; Rev. Id. Rapp is the present incumbent of that most difficult position. Rev. A. Scheidler will act at Father Rapp’s assistant. Rev. Justin Henkel, of St. Francis, Ohio, appointe to the college faculty. Rev. Th. Sauer is succeeded by Rev. T. F. Kramer as director of the atheletic department. Prof. J Nowak, Denver. Colo., wi’l be assistant music teacher to Prof. W. Leo Havorka.

Rev. Sylvester Hartman, C. RP. S., returned on Wednesday evening from his extensive trip through Europe. Father Hartman’s health is much improved, and he is ready to enter upon his academic duties with renewed spirit and energy. During the course of the year he will also deliver some talks about the interesting phases of his wide travels. Cyrus Staib and Herman Gabel of last year’s class, and Henry Grimmelsman, ’O9, on last Thursday sailed for Europe where they will continue their studies at the world-famous University of Innsbruck. A very large number of visitors were with us during the last week mostly the parents, guardians, or friends of. the new students. Better quality, better workmanship, better wear, better prices, better shoes for less money, our hobby, Come in and see us.— VanArsdel’s.