Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 January 1901 — A Very Bad Affair. [ARTICLE]

A Very Bad Affair.

Last Monday Joseph Sigman who lives in the east end of Jordan tp. came to town and swore out a warrant for the arrest of his own son, Charles Sigman, on the very serious charge of incest; the alleged victim being his own sister, a little over 16 years old and now in a delicate condition. The crime is said to have been committed in July, The elder Sigman said bis son had left home and wa3 working near Lafayette. Deputy Prowent down there with a warrant and 1 Sigman was found working at a saw mill in the woods south of the soldiers’ home.

He was arrested by Capt. Clark, of the Lafayette polioe force, and brought by him, to Rensselaer on the 3:27 train and turned over to Constable Vick. Squire Burnham fixed his bail, temporary at SI,OOO and sent him to jail. His examin ation was set for Thursday, at 1 p. m. Tbe prisoner seems to be about 30 years old. He denies the charge against him, and takes his arrest very philosophically, not to say jovially. The penalty for the crime he is oharged with is from two to fourteen years in the penitentiary. Constable Vick and the deputy prosecator made a visit to Sigman’s house, last night, and the members of the family all tell a straight story, and seem to have no doubt of the young man’s guilt.