Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 November 1901 — Alleged Wholesale Poisoning. [ARTICLE]

Alleged Wholesale Poisoning.

A few weeks ago Mary Belle Witwer of Dayton, 0., was arrested upon suspicion of poisoning her sister, and is now held pending the police investigation. Since her arrest neighbors and acquaintances of the woman have reported the sudden death of twelve persons who have been associated with her, including three husbands, five persons in whose families she had served as housekeeper, and four children. It is due to Mrs. Witwer, however, to say that she stoutly protests her innocence, and that incriminating evidence has not yet been found, though, if she is innocent, superstitious persons will shun making her acquaintance, which they will regard as dangerous to personal safety.