The Clinton Register from Clinton, Illinois • 1

CLINTON REGISTER VOLUME XLIV CLINTON, ILLINOIS, FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1910. SNEAK THIEF KILLS CHIEF JOHN STRUBLE Officer is Shot in the Head and He Died Six Hours Afterwards -Slayer Not Yet Captured. Perhaps the most cowardly murder ever in De Witt county took place at 11:40 Wednesday night, the vietim being Chief of Police John Strube who was shot in the head while try to arrest a sneak theif at the ing home of Albert Sandt, manager of the Clinton Gas and- Electric two blocks south of the square. Week before last Mr. Sandt's refrigerator, which was on the rear porch, had been broken into, and eatables taken.

The porch is enclosed withh lattice, and the door fastened with a hook. Mr. Sandt thought it the work of boys and thougnt little about it, making no special effort to learn who the theif was. Tuesday night of this week a- nother visit was made and several things taken. Next day Mr.

Sandt informed Chief Struble, and that nigh they secreted themselves in the rear of of--Miss -May. Hartsock, which is near and is being remodeled. They had not waited long until a man was seen trying to open the lattice door. Mr. Sandt wanted the officer to shoot him, but he did not feel the crime was enough to warrant him to do so, neither would he allow Mr.

Sandt to take the revolver, and shoot at the thief. It is thought he was being watched as he soon left and the officers re turned to the square. Mr. Sandt went to bed soon afterwards, and next- morning it was found the man had returned and by cutting one of the lattice in-to had opened the door and helped himself to the contents of the refrigerator. The work of the man was' rather puzzling; for why the man would visit the same place each night to secure food could not be understood.

To solve the matter Chief Struble and Night Officer Tony Musser went to the Sandt home before 9 o'clock Wednesday night, and took the same position at the Hartsock house where the former and Mr. Sandt had been the previous night. It was not long until they saw the man appear in the Sandt yard. He seemed to be anxious to get his nightly meal, but did not enter the porch as he walked about, not far from the OFFICErS, Musser wanted to shoot at him, but Struble would not consent. Sometimes he would disappear for a short time and then return.

The officers stood just inside the grade door on a platform at the east end of the Hartsock house. About 11:35 he walk ed near where they stood and stopped within three feet. of the door with his back towards the officers. Struble thought this was their 00- portunity, and he grabbed him about the body. But he seemed to be as only a boy would to an ordinary man; for he literally walked away with the officer hanging upon -his back, going to the northeast toward the Sandt home; when about fifteen feet from the grade door where they were overtaken by Musser, who seized hold of them and they all felt together on the thief, Struble on his shoulders and Musser on his legs, yet he was strong enough to rise partly up and as he did so he drew.

his revolver from his pocket, and pointing over his right shoulder fired when the barrel was pear the head of Struble, The ball entered his head just: above and a little to the front of his right ear and out at the left of the top of. his head, tearing: a large hole and crushing the skull around. it: the revolver is thought to have been a caliber Soon as the shot was fired Struble fell back; Musser for a second released his hold, and the man after going a few feet on his hands and knees, arose and ran. By this time Musser bad drawn his revolver: and fired. The man dropped to his hands and knees again for a moment, when just west of the Sandt house, and as he arose another shot was fired at him.

By this time he went around the corner and in front of the house and ran past the house of MorE. Samuel Wade, and around the home of J. D. Scott, and into the east end of the alley, at the west end which is the Hartsock home. He stop ped in the alley a moment, not over 100 feet from where Struble lay.

He was seen by W. J. Carroll, whose home is across the alley south from J. D. Scott's, and nad just returned from his run as engineer the Central.

Carroll saw him plainly and says he seemed to be thinking which way to go. Some think was listening to learn the result of his. shot; and probably, heard enough to know he was then a murded ran- -southwest across Carroll's garden and was not -seen again. Dr. G.

S. Edmonson was soon Struble's side and had him taken to his sanitarium. It was realized there. was little hope of his recovery. He did not speak after the shot was fired, remaining unconscious until death came at 5:30 yesterday morning.

Within an hour after the shooting two of the Decatur blood-hounds -had been brought here in am auto. They went west to the limits of the city where they seemed to get lost in Spragne's pasture. Twice they went about the same course, but nothing came of having them. Officers at once began a search and officers in, surrounding towns were notified, but the man seemed to have dropped off the earth. If he had been found that night there woul doubtless been a session of the court of Judge Lynch, as the people were greatly excited.

Early in the morning it was learned a horse had been stolen from the stable of Mr. Luttrell, a bookkeeper in Warner's bank, and it was believed the murderer had taken this horse and he would be arrested before night. The one who took the horse had been in great haste. The lines were attached to the bridle, and they had been cut off long enough for a riding rein. The over check rein was also cut off, and the saddle was not taken.

Before noon it was said a doctor. had seen a man ride swiftly through Deland, miles east of Clinton at 2 o'clock that night, but that was all. report also came that an arrest had been made in Atlanta, 20 west. The description seemed 80 near right that Deputy Sheriff Samuels and officer Musser went to that city, but it was not the right THE DEAD CHIEF That John Struble was a good officer all agree, but many believe he -WAS not careful enough of his own safety. He was never hasty in performing his duty.

He was as brave as he was careful, and seemed to wold inters to the he arrested. This perhaps led to ais death. He was a good husband and kind father, and when his body was taken to his home an hour after nis death there was a touching scene that caused strong men to weep. John Struble was born in Dixon, February 3, 1865. At the age of 20 years he moved -with his.

parants to Storm Lake Iowa. He was married to Ida McCord, daughter of J. McCord, of this city, at Storm Lake In 1887. Thirteen years ago ne came to Clinton with his family and was in the employ of N. Bailor and afterwards held a position with John Killough until he was appointed street commissioner and superintendent of the waterworks by Mayor Edmonson.

Two years- later he was appointed by Mayor Edmonson as chief of police. He was also chief of che volunteer fire department for some time, and four years ago when che old department was dispensed with and a team and wagon installed, tie was retained as chief for one year. He was a member of the Masonic order, Modern Woodmen, Court of Honor, and Eagles, being promtpent in all. Prior to his coming to Clinton he was city marshal at Storm Lake, Iowa. Besides the wife he is survived by one son, Harry, and daughter, Marie: also by two brothers, Michael of Sioux City, Iowa, and Antone of Gowrie, Iowa; two sisters, Mrs.

Paul Beiber, of Sublette, and Mrs. Clyde Mennis, of Mildred, Montana: INQUEST HELD At 10 o'clock today coroner Millgan held the inquest. Dr. Wileox, H. B.

Lunch, L. C. Smith, J. W. Perryman, Geo, H.

Brown and Walter Davison were the jury. Several witnesses were examined, (Continued on page 5) COLORED MAN IS KILLED AT CLINTON Supposed to Have Been Murdered By A Negro, Who Escaped and Has Not Been Captured. Early. Monday morning. a negro who had given his name as James Dinfery and as J.

Richardson, found dead along the rallroad track near the ball park, north of the city. There was no clue as to the slayer until Frank Morrel, colored, arrested a short time after the finding of the body. H' esaid that had been with Dimery and Alex. Mathews, also colored, near the plant, and they had been drinking beer. Dimery and Mathews had been quarreling over the division of money they had been paid for work at I.

C. freight house in Clinton: They had quarreled previous to this, this was a renewal of the trouble Morrel said Mathews told Dimery that he would settle the matter with him if he would go with him to the a place north of the plant. Mathews went and that was the last he saw of them, but heard Dimery, say. "Don't hit me He said Mathews. a short time.

and said he had killed Dimery. Mathews left but Morrel did not report what he had seen and heard. He entered a freight car and went sleeep. The body was taken to Cline's undertaking rooms where it was found there were three or. four bruises and cuts on his face, and just behind his left ear was a hole in the skull, which was probably made with a heavy bolt or other piece of iron, Coroner Milligan held an Inquest Saturday afternoon when Morrel was the main witness and told a story similar to what is stated above.

The nightwatch at the subway testified he heard two negroes going north about 9 o'clock, and were quarreling as they passed. He saw no more of them. The jury reported the following verdict: "We the jury find that, James Dimery came to his death by being struck on his head by a blunt instrument. in the hands of a party unknown to the jury and the jury further finds that Frank Morrel should be held a few days for further investigation." Sheriff Campbell has been trying to Sunday port came from Springfield that it was thought, he was there but he was not. He came to Clinton a few weeks ago, and for a time worked for Mr.

Bretz with the paving gang. He quarreled with other negroes and once threatened to siash Mr. Bretz with a knife and was in jail a few days. He was considered dangerous is said to have lived' at. Cairo and East St.

Louis. He is about 30 years old and his victim about 50 years old. It was thought he had relatives in St. Louis, but they could not be found and he was 'buried at Clinton. Will Build New Church The committee which has been appointed.

by the East. Side Christian church to solicit subscriptions for the new church expects to begin work in 'earnest this week. -The committee is composed of the pastor, Rev. O. Wright, J.

V. Herring, L. M. Banning, Charles Koch, J. and W.

R. Hughes. The committee, without any special effort, has already secured several $100 sucscriptions. A great- deal of interest is taken in the prothe church others, and it is expected that there will ba no trouble in rising enough for the new building. The new church will Not be an elaborate ole, but it will be modern and -comfortable, suited to the.

needs of the congrega-4 tion. The cost. will he from. to $12 Decatur Review. Rev.

Wright is a former De Witt 0 County boy; and has hundreds cf friends in this county who are glad to learn of his success. The church he is pastor of was established by him about tab years ago. temporary building was erected for use until the congregation felt able to build a sultuble place of worship. Will Give To Hospital It is understood that the Witt County Racing and Horse Fair Association will give a part of the gate receipts at the annual meet, next month to the hospital fund. One of the officers informed the Register that no action had been taken in the matter, but he thought one-fifth of the gate receipts.

would he given to the hospital fund.The three-mill tax- voted by the people will not be available -until next spring. It is hoped. there will be enough donations to insure the opening of the -hospital in a short time. Some societies are ready to furnish rooms and it is thought others will do so. It is believed the board of supervisors will vote aid at the September meeting.

As Dr. Cumming is away and will not return until August, it is probable nothing will be: done until his return. Volunteers Disbanded: The Company of Christian Volun teers which had been located in Clinton for several months has been disbanded and the officers sent to other fields of labor. It is thought the officers found Clinton to be an unprofitable field and the financial collections were not sufficient to support the company. The company has several times recently been subject to much unpleasant, notoriety on; of.

the. actions- of -some of its members which probably had. the effect of lessening the support of charitably inclined citizens. Is Still in Jail Nelson Ropp, who was arrested on a charge of bastardy by Miss Jessie Robertson of Texas township, plead guilty, and the court order was that the pay her $100 cash and $50 a year for nine years. As 'he could not obey the order he was taken back to jail About three weeks ago he offered to settle the matter by marriage, but the young lady, refused the offer.

FOUR BOYS GO OUT TO SEE THE WORLD Two of Them Soon Tire of the Undertaking and Return to Their HomesOthers Are Still Seeing It Monday J. B. Souders of Deland, in Piatt county arrived in Clinton oll the hunt for ME soil, aged 12, who left home that day with Fred Gale, an older boy. The officers had not seen them in Clinton, but next day it was learned they had walked from Deland to the home of Lawrence Harrold, near De Witt. They remained there Sunday night and next morning left saying they would go to Salt Creek fishing and would return for dinner but they did not and they had not been heard from since leaving The father.

went to Salt. Creek Tuesday, but found no trace of the boys. He thought his son- had been coaxed away, by the Gale boy; he knew no reason why he would leave home, On his return to Clinton he learned that the boy had arrived home early that morning, tired, wet and hungry. The boys had been in Lane. Monday afternoon and tried to steal passage on a freight but failed and, ad to walk.

They were in part of the big rain that evening, and when they arrived in Weldon the Gale boy deto remain there with relatives and the Souder's boy went to Deland, about five miles alone, and. was. glad when he was home again. It is certain the boys got enough, experience in the two days to last. them a long- time, perhaps all their lives.

Tuesday two Clinton boys. Russell Arthur, aged 12. son of W. H. Arthur who recently moved here from Vandalia, and Bert.

Bowers aged 12, son of A. Bowers, left home and their parents did not know of their absence tIL. Monday night when they did not return home and could not be found while it was not known they had left to gether, the parents felt cer. tain they had. The officers were notified at.

once and a search was made, but the boys were not found. There were numerous reports and. one of them led Mr. Arthur, to. Bloomington Tuesday, where he consulted the officers.

STAYMATES WILL NOT BE A CANDIDATE Publishes a Decision Reached Sometime Ago Not to Dis-1 regard the Custom of Rotating Office -Hon -B. F. Staymates gives out following in regard to his position being a candidate for reelection: There is an understanding that the office of minority. Representative cannot be held more than two terms by any one of the counties' in this district and candidates who have been my loyal friends reminded some four weeks since that I must respect the present rule, I had thought then that my deeision not to- -run need not be matter for prints; but an explanation has been rendered absclutely necessary to -the interests of union -bor, farming interests and my various in and out of the Dietrict, who are urgently insisting on my candidaey. For their "sake, alone, I regret to lay aside the sword of their detense.

I shall. not. antagonize the present understanding or unwritten law. But for the future I shall, when a private citizen, most. emphatically protest gainst a system which cheats the people out of legislation or true representation, save in rare instances by making this office a mere compliment to be tossed from county to county.

A system that puts our District in the ridiculous business of continually, training green men only to take them from the line of battle at the end of one or two sessions or terms or as soon as they begin to show signs of knowing what or how to do and thus leaving neighboring districts- to make- our laws. -No- man or county is. big enough to compliment when the interests of a bundred thousand people in the district are crying for attention and above all for competent and experienced men with reasonable time to grapple with subtle enemies and the deep and intricate problems of law making. The true Democratic papers have faithfully supported me in my earnest work and I gratefully thank them; also the Republican press of the State and District for their very kindly com mendations of myself and the sures with which I have been successful. I shall plead with my successors to strike as have done against the pillaging of the school funds to make places for office holders and costly commissioners.

Against the coming bills that will seek to plunder the farms of our section to build macadam roads. Against colossal graft, appropria-1 tions whose dark schemes will be much safer under the diverting dust clouds of a public scandal. Against the annual loot of the tax payers under the specious guise of aiding agriculture. I hope my successors will stand by the peoples Primary Law to which I have given the most severe and. reaching study of my life.

These subjects and not party claptrap so dear to some people. have for three years been my study. I shall for years. yet serve on the House Legislative Commission for country roads and will ask the help. of all Illineis farmers in this great task.

I wish to say to the noble district which has elected me "that no man will. or. can accuse me of receiving a corrupt cent of promise in my Legs islative life and work and none need tar that the people of this country will for a moment stand for the pres-1 ent organized and malicious attempt to smirch and those men who in terrible and trying hours honestly did their conselentlous duty to Illinois as the facts and conditions then at hand and the pressing demands of the people indicated, The funeral of Rabert C. Harlow, who died at Deland Saturday, was held Monday. Mr.

Harlow left a wife and five children, three sons and two daughters. He is also survivied by his father, Charles Harlow; one sister, Mrs. Edward Odaffer, of Weldep; and one brother, Bert Harlow, me Mt. Vernon. Accident Caused Death About four months ago while assisting with the brickwork in building smoke stack at the ice plant just north of the eity S.

W. Clay and Jack Cousins were injured by the falling of a scaffold upon which they. were. standing. The latter soon, recovered, but the former being much older and -more seriously hurt, improved but little.

About two months ago he was taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. P.Hampton, in For several- days reported he could not live long, and Wednesday morning B. F.Wasson received a telegram announcing his death that morning. Smuel W.

Clay, was born in Obio 66 years ago, and. while he was young. his parents moved to Illinois, settling in Logan county, the home being in Atlanta most of the time. He lived there until six years. ago when he.

moved to Clinton, About a year later his wife and his daughter Mrs. E. F. leaving as the only survivors of the family Mrs. Hampton, the grandsons, Earl and Dean Clinton, and two brothers, Clay, of Atlanta, and C.

W. Clay, of Pleasant Plains, 111. Mr. Clay was of a kindly disposttion and always had a good word for everybody, He seldom worried, taking troubles as they came. He was never sick a day until the accident Lat the Death of Pioneer Garrett Stoutenborough, a pioneer resident.

of De Witt county, died Saturday evening at the home of his son, James Stoutenborough at Maroa at, the age of 85 The deceased was born in Ohio, where he grew to manhood. In 1858, with his family, he located in De Witt county near Kenney, where he resided until 1885. He located in Maroa that year. He was married to Miss Hankinson, whose death oeeurred in 1905. are six children 'living as follows: James John Frank, William Mrs.

W. E. Schoby and Mrs. James Fruit, all residents of De Witt and Macon counties with the exception of William who lives in Missouri. Mr.

Stoutenborough- was a member of the Methodist church and had long been an influential and well known citizen. He divided his real estate holdings among his children several years ago, giving each a quarter sec tion of land, besides reserving a fortune for himself. Seats In Contemnt. Judge Hill heard the contempt case against Lawrence (Dady) Seats, who was- charged- with- -not obeying the orders of the court to not, talk- withor write letters to Miss Esther Laughlin. This order was given last spring but had not been obeyed.

It is said the girl for a while encouraged the writing of letters to her by Seats but later tired of receiving them reported to Judge Hill. He decided Seats was in contempt, but in the hope that it would not be necessary to order him to jail, decided to wait a few days. If the letter writcontinues the order will be given, Teachers Promoted Two -De Witt county young ladies have been chosen principals of two Decatur schools. Miss Estella Craig whose school days were passed In Texas township, and for several years has been teaching in De Witt and Macon counties, will principal of the Jones school next term. She is Ta.

sister or Samuet Craig, formerly of Clinton. Miss Lydia Rademacher, of Clinton, who Has been teaching in Decatur. about four years, was promoted to. the, Roach school. Both are successful teachers.

E. E. Hoyt Resigned E. E. Hoyt, who has been local agent for.

the Illinois Traction Co. at this. place, since the completion of the road over four years ago, resigned three weeks ago and was checked out Wednesday. His place was taken by Mr. Penney, who has been with the company several years, and recently connected with the company's freight house at Decatur.

Mr. Hoyt quit the service of the company with the intention of moving to the state of Oregon.