Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 87, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 July 1898 — Man Killed at Thayer. [ARTICLE]

Man Killed at Thayer.

Sunday morning, about 2:30 o’clock, John W. Tanner, the general merchant at Thayer, who lives over his store, found a man about to enter his living rooms by a window having reached it by climbing a ladder on to a porch. Tanner grabbed a revolver and took a shot at the man, and he either fell or jumped to the ground. A seurch was made, but no trace of the man could be found. About 10 that day a man was found a half mile away, who claimed to be suffering from cramps in the stomaoh, but who denied being hurt. A doctor was sent for who found a pistol wound in his abdomen. He then admitted that he was the man shot at tyy Tanner. He was taken to Rose Lawn, and then started overland to the poor farm near Kentland, but he died just before he reached Brook, Sunday evening. The man gave his name as Chas. Smith; said he had worked at Momence, and either had worked or was about to work for Grube Bros., of Stoutsberg. He was a stranger to all who saw him. Mr. Tanner, who shot Smith, has long been in business at Rose Lawn and Thayer, and formerly in this county. He is an old soldier and a much respected citizen.