Jasper County Democrat, Volume 16, Number 102, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 March 1914 — Discharged Switchman Is Accused of Starting Fires. [ARTICLE]

Discharged Switchman Is Accused of Starting Fires.

Lafayette, Tnd . March 25.—Albert R. Nichols, who was arrested early today on a charge 0 r settlhg fire to the Monon shoos, Monon freighihense a nd the Big Four frelghthous--, was given a severe sweating this afternoon by the local police and the railroad detectives and, while Nieh ols did not confess, the officers say he could not give clear account of his actions last, night. The back of Nichols’ coat was covered with cobwebs and his shoes and hands were oily. Waste was found under the lumber at the Monon shops and also under the floor of the Monon freighthouse. At the Big Hour freighthouse a fire had been started under the platform. AH the fires were extinguished before great damage was done. Nichols was formerly a switchman on the Monon and Big Four railroads. He is in jail and a charge of arson will he made against him tomorrow by the state attorney.