The Carroll Sentinel from Carroll, Iowa • Page 5

Carroll Sentinel PftfrOOBATtC. BY COLCLO. OCTOBER 4, SVERDICT The Coronors Jury Brings in Its Verdict in THE BAKER MURDER Suicide and Murder of the Main Testimony at the Inquest, It Was Suicide and Murder. The jury completed its worK of investigation in the Baker murder case and returned a verdict of suicide ant murder. The work done by the coroner and jury was thorough and the verdict was rendered after a full investigation.

The jury feels satisfied that in rendering its decision, that i1 exhausted every possible condition that might throw light on the mystery. The following is the verdict rendered for the wife of John Baker. The same form was used for each of the children: STATE OP IOWA, I Carroll County bs At an inquest holclun on Section 1, in Arcadia township, Carroll oouuty Iowa, coinmeucing.on the S7Mi day ol September, 1807, and ending October 2, 181)7, before C. W. Spaulding, coroner of said county, upon the body of Mrs.

Anna Becker, there lying dead, by the jurors whose mimes are hereto subscribed, the said jurors upon tlic-ii outh do say that the siiid Anna Becker came to her death by a guu shot wound initiated by ft revolver in the hands of John Becker jr. noiv deoeased. In testimony whereof the said jurors have hands, this lid day hereunto set their of October, 18'J7. Attest: El). F.

lllGIIMANN. C. C. ColXHjO, O. K.

BUVNOLWS. C. W. Spauldiiig, coroner. With John Baker it was a case of suicide and was so reported by the jury.

The following evidence given by the princial witnesses in the case will shed a little light ou the mystery: HENRY BAKER. Sworn, a brother of John Baker, deceased; age 31: John's age 35; Annie, his wife, 34; Caroline Halter, his step-daughter, 14; Christaiu 9, Henry 7, Lizzie 5, Johnie 3, Theresa 5 mouths old. Ou the morning of September 27 John did not appear at Eli Smith's thresher where we were looking for him. After the stuck was threshed, at just about 9 o'clock, we were surprised that John was not there. Wo thought something wrong.

He helped Saturday. I suw the cattle iu the yard. Usually they are in the pasture early. I went over to see why he did not come. I could get uo answer when I rapped at the door.

This was about 9 o'clock. I became alarmed; went to west window curtain, was down, Then to tho south window of bed room, looked through it and flaw them iu bed. 1 hollowed but could get no answer. I went to kitchen door and kicked it open; wont to bedroom and spoke to Johu; no answer. Both were uncovered; pulled up the quilts to cover them.

I picked up the revolver from the bed and laid it on tho stand. The revolver was lying either on them or on the bed. The guu was lying ou (-he foot of the bed. I hurried for help. Went home first; told iny wife that there was a bud condition at Jehu's house; told her to go to Lempker's.

I went to the thresher to tell them about John; caught up with dim Meyer, told him to go for priest ami a doctor. Eli Smith, Jake Ifycr and Juke Witurio wiuiu from Smith's house; came up and wauled to know what was wrong. AVe started iu the wagon, for John's. I got oil'at borne to tell father. I could not Hud father itiul went on to Juhn'a.

When I got there father was there. I did uot tell him of it. Wheu I oumo buck the seuoud time the three from the thresher were there, J. It. Lompker, Fruuk Louaiuuu Tbeo.

liiurioh. My wife met her father, Lompkor, on the road and he came right over. When I got buck they told me tlmy wore all dead up Btuiru. Jake Myer or Juke Witerie was the first up stairs, I did uot blow out auy light. The first time 1 wua ut John's I did, uot know what WIIH the matter, but thought they were shot.

1 oould see the wouudB. 1 WUB in the room but IMHiuud. 1 culled to them and they did not auBwer. I put the bed olothrn Over them uud tlwu ritu out. loaned the revolver to him Thursday evening.

He asked nut for it WodneBday. No wuuted to shoot rats. As we were iug uvur to he siiid he would Uot put his pututoi'K iu the ri'lltir HH the ratH were so bail iu his cellar, He said he heard that if person shot in the cellar it would setae them oil', lie to borrow my revolver. 1 told him lie oould have it. He got it the next evening, 1 let him have the cartridge box; do not know how many, probably 12 to 20.

1 got them of Montgomery Ward 32 efctri short. I could not get that kind cartridges here; could get the shor' but I wanted the extra short as they are cheaper and I think they make a clear shot. Bought the revolver at a second hand store in Carroll about 3 years ago. It was early Thursday evening when he got the revolver. Father saw me hand the revolver to John.

I did not hear any shooting about the house after I loaned the revolver. I did not know anything about the chloroform. I do not know that he ever used it for hog cholera before. The farmers use almost anything for cholera. I saw him after this.

We exchange work. He formeil about half of the farm, that is 85 acres I farmed the other half. We gave crop rent. Did not notice anything strange about John's actions. I think he felt very happy.

I could not think anything bothered him. He was no! much in debt by buying the new farm. He traded his 120 acres to Jacob Berges for his 200 acres and gave $3,600 to boot. He said ho could pay off considerable of that. Never hearc that he and his wife had any trouble.

I do not know how much property his wife had at the second marriage. 1 think tho oldest daughter Caroline hac some property. I do uot know of anything more about John's death that I now think of. JOHN BAKER Sit. Father of John Baker, deceased I was between here and the hog pen when I first heard of it.

Eli Smith said there was something worse than the cattle being out; we got the cattle in. Mr. Lempker then came from the house and I said, John, what is the matter. He said it was pretty rough here. I then went to the house anc in the bedroom saw Johu, Annie ant the baby; I thought they were al dead.

The shotgun laid over the foot of the bed. I went up stairs and saw the children all dead. I did not stay in the rooms long but went right out (Oould not identify revolver). He saic Henry had one but that was all. know John borrowed it one day las' week.

I was sitting on the porch tho time. I know Henry stepped in the house and gave him the revolver. They were in front of the porch. Henry said John wanted it to shoot rats. It was dark, I did not see the revolver; I could see him hand John something.

Henry said he let John have his revolver. I asked Heury what John had borrowed. I do uot have very good sight. I did not notice the revolver when I was in the room. I did not hear any noise at John's house Sunday night.

I wont to bed at 8 o'clock. I went with him to Minnesota in June. He wanted me to go as he wanted to buy laud. I asked him how much money he had on hand. He said he had about $1,600.

He kept his money iu the bank. He said he would not buy there. I do not know of anything that was worrying him. John did not want me to give, up this place and let him have it. I never told anyone that John wanted me to let him live on the farm and that I should go away.

I never heard of auy such a thing. There was no trouble between us about the farm. My son- in-law, Joe Foruou, has done the fall plowing on the farm. John's wife had Dome property when he married her. I do not know what was done with it.

John never had auy trouble with his neighbors. He never acted as if his liiiud was wrong. He was a hard worker. Johu said to Hombiwli that Uo would not make a contract for the laud without his wife's consent. It was a misunderstanding if anyone thinks I said John wanted the homo- stead.

I was at church at Mt. Oarmel in the forenoon Sunday; was at home all the afternoon'and evening. I retired about 8 o'clock iu the evening. I sleep up stairs. Heury uud his wife sleep down stairs.

They went to bed after I did. I do uot know if either oue or both were out that evening. I sleep pretty good at uight. No tramps were around here for several days be- Fore the murder was committed that know of. I do not believe Johu did the killing.

I do not believe it by the way they were in bod. I do not ihiuk he had auy motive for doiug HO. John aud Heury got along well together. They had uo trouble that I know of. Heury's wife was over here three or four weeks ngo.

I do not know wheu John uud his wife were visiting ut my house. I went there juite frequently. My wife has been iloml 19 years. Her mind wait goed. Henry's mind was utltieted.

KU SMITH, I live hulf mile from here. He Helped me thresh Huturduy and was to lelp Mouduy; did uot come. We ihreslieil the other uiul tvheu ready to move Heury linker Huid, 1 wonder why Johu does not come, ilunry said he oould see the cuttle were still iu the yurd. Heury thtm eft for John's house. He then hollowed after returning from the house.

iVetlieu started with him for the house. Heury said Johu uml his wife were mlered. The wife was lUuul but John was still breathing. When we to John's father's house he got out tml hollowed for his (uther. AH we Cot ueur John's house the old iiiiin linker said the cows wero nil iu the torn uud uo out) iu the IUHIHU.

1 nuked n'm if there wus uo oue iu the house. mild no; 1 mud, 1 guess this wus mistake. He wuuted In know what wus the mutter. I did uot tell iiim. Ijempkor then came out und 1 iiiowr Henry wus right, I then went the houso; the old man Jiukor WIIH list oomiuH out lunmi us 1 wnul- n.

1 went up Htuii-H ul'ter looking in he bedroom below. Juke Meyer und Juke went up sttvirH ulieutl of ue. I knew the chililrou were deud (ConUiiiuul on KilUorlul THEMLLOTLAW Some of the Changes Made in Election Laws. THE DISTRICT COURT Band Concert Thursday Evening Reccp. Northwestern's New Ticket Office.

New Election Law, County Auditor Laughliii has received an advance copy of those sections of the revised code -which give the new election law which went into effect Inst Friday, and has been putting in his leisure moments making himself familiar with the new.pro- visona. Under the now law the polls must open at 7 o'clock and close at 6 p. m. Under the old law the polls could, by proclamation of the judges, be kept open till 8 p. rn.

and this dis cretion was often abused by one party or the other. There are also other important changes in the law. The auditor is not required to print so many bal lots as formerly; provision is made for placing special police at the polls auc important changes have been made regarding the method of marking the ballote. Section 1119, -which refers to the proper manner of marking the ballots, says: "Upon retiring to the voting booth the voter shall prepare his hallo by placing a cross in the square op posito the name of each candidate for whom he desires to vote, or if he de sires to vote for all the candidates upon any ticket lie may do so by placing a cross in the circle nt the head of the ticket. The voter may also insert in writing, in the proper place, the name of any person for whom he desires to vote, making a cross opposite thereto.

The unuecessary marking of a cross in a square below a marked circle shall not affect the validity of his An important point affecting the validity of the ballot is also contained in section 1120 which provides for the counting of the ballots. It is as follows: The marking of cross in the square of another ticket than the one maiked in the circle shall not affect the validity of the ballot except as to the office for which the person opposite to whose name such cross -was made is a candidate and as to that office the vote shall not be counted. In other words, the only ways to, vote is to mark a cross in the circle if you "vote her straight" or mark a cross in the square opposite the name of ench man for whom you desire to vote. That portion coveriug the appointing of special police is contained in section 1125 and reads as follows: "The city council shall detail uud employ, on the nomination of the principal political committee of each political party recognized as the two leading parties, from the citizens or the police force of the city, from two to four special police for each precinct, and fully empower them for the occasion of each election, who shall bo uiou of good character and reputation, iu equal numbers from each of the loading political parties, to prevent the violation of any of the terms, provisions and requirements of this chup- tor or of any othe-ootmuuiul made in the provisions hereof and uo other poliee officer than those above uaiued shall exercise his authority for preserving order at or within 100 feet of such voting place uulesw uallud iu by tin emergency. If uo policemen be iu attendance the judges of election may appoint oue or inoro specially by writ- iug who shall have nil the powers of such policemen." The ohaugi'B should be uarcfully studied by each voter.

Bittd Concert. Everybody should turn out ami attend the bund concert at Geruuiiiiu opera house next Thiimluy evening. The general admission will be 25 ueuts. The boyn are under a heavy expense for their Sioux City trip ami will bo around to Bee our oitiaeuB tomorrow uul we hope that nobody will refuse to buy a tioket. Renewed gents to be ut liuttou'u drug store.

That night a uew nianih will be pluyod computed by oue of the members of the bund. Full purtioulura will be given ou the program, whieu will be published iu our next issue. They iuve semircd some of the best tulfiit the tttuto mul no doubt this will in i) of tho boat iKiueevta uvur given iu Carroll. Duu't fuil to hew this haiul vhioh wo hope will oouio homo from Sioux Oily with (ho first uml credit to our inly. Friday uioruiug M'ra.

A. Mo- gave 10 o'clock breakfast tu number of hefr lady friends, which was a delightful occasion to those present. The breakfast was a most dainty and appetizing one and if the ladies who partook of the tempting viands will but make this an example of the morning meals they furnish at home we are quite sure the male portion of the community will bo highly pleased with tho result. In the evening a reception was given by Mr. and Mrs.

McLngan, which the gentlemen were also permitted to enjoy. Delicious refreshments were served and besides the delights of social conversation, music by Misses Matie Wetherill and Blanche Patterson and a recitation by Miss Louise Minchen aided in making the time pass most pleasantly, the occasion being one thoroughly enjoyable to all. THEIR NEW OFFICE, Northwestern Road Has Beautiful City Tick' ct Parlors in Chicago, (Chicago Evening Post.) Chicago lias long been noted for being tho greatest railroad center in the world. It has been conspicuous uot only for having the largest number of lines running into it of any city iu the world and the greatest number of trains arriving and departing daily, but for having sonic of the largest, moat commodious and elegant passenger stations in the world, Now it has token another step in advance, and can boast today of having the most elegant and in every way the best city ticket olHce in the world. Two or three months ago the Chicago Northwestern road moved its city ticket office from 208 Clark street to larger and more commodious quarters two doors south on the same thoroughfare, 212 Clark street.

No sooner had it tuken possession of its new quarters than it began a process of renovation, redecorating and furnishing them anew. That work has been proceeding steadily since, until now it has been carried to completion. The road finds itself in possession of what is without controversy the most elegant and complete ticket office. Tho new offices are on the northwest corner of Clark and Adams streets, and can be We've got it and must move A Big Surplus Stock of LUMBER I AT PRICES LOWER EVER. iE; Why not buy where you can get the best 2 lot the least money.

We have the only lower vein that ccmes to Ms place. It will pay you to investigate, Ton and car load prices are CHEAPER THAN EVER. Besides, with cash in advance, we give you a hanoscmc premium with each ton at retail, W. T. JOYCE.

in the same style and with the snme degree of beauty as the ticket office. BOOMS FOB V181TOBS. Returning to the latter, in the rear of the passageway are additional spaces for the passenger ageote of tlte road, and in the rear of after being out ten minntes returned a verdict for plaintiff. Today the case of Geo. W.

Bowen vs. Albert Sterner was called. Action entered from either street, though the gen-1 torn. This room is also furnished with "writ is brought to recover damnges for ma- these is the private office of the city Passen- ii i OU8 prosecution. F.

M. Po-werB appears as counsel for plaintiff and M. W. Bench for defendant. The case be hotly contested.

The basis of the damage suit rests in the indictment and trial of Boweu lust yew by i the defendant to this suit. Bowen who may be visiting Chicago. It is fitted up claims that the prosecution was ma- as a reading room aud around the walls are licious us was shown by the trial in files of leading newspapers of all tne wbic ij be wns vindicated by the conrt. i He now brings action for damages and ger aud ticket agent, furnished and finished in the same way ag the other offices. One feature of these offices is an entirely new departure in the way of city ticket offices.

In the ruur of the passenger and ticket agent's private office a large and commodious room has been reserved fur the use of outside patrons of the Northwestern Road important towns on the Northwestern sys- erul entrance is from Clurk street. On stepping into the offices from the sidewalk the intending passenger finds himself in a beautiful place, which cannot fail to excite admiration. The walls of the apartments are hung with beautiful oil paintings and engravings of some of the grandest scenery in the world, such as the great goyeer, known as "Old Faithful," the great Eooteuu! canon, Pike's Penk as viewed from Colorado Springe, Elk Peuk and other like scenes. Every counter, desk, ticket case, chair, table, partition, railing and other piece of urulture in the whole ollice is of solid mahogany, nil being uniform in tint aud shade as the furniture. The counters, partitions and railings have a skirting one foot in width of variegated marble of a very beautiful type, which serves to heighten the general effect materially.

KOOM KOH MANY BUYEI1S, ing tables, stationery and nil ather conveni- ftlso as ft means to still further vindi- ences which add to the comfort and enjoy-1 cate himself. The greater part of the tnent of visitors. To this room all putrons day was occupied in securing jury, of the road, whether visitors in Chicago or residents of the city, will always lied a cordial welcome, and there they will have an opportunity of consulting a greater number Whitney, Grain and Stock Broker, Met CHICAGO MARKETS. of outside papers than is to be found elsewhere. Adjoining the reading room are handsomely furnished toilet rnoina which go to render the entire arrangement complete.

In fact, ingenuity und ihoughtfulucfs seem to have been exhausted in the arrangement and furuiehingg of these Great attention hus been paid to the light- Ing. During the day a (lood of light pours in both from Clark and streets. As the days become shorter and the evening shadows throw their gloom over the scene the earlier sunlight will be supplanted by the Lagan Block, Carroll, Iowa. Oi-t. 4.18S7.

There le counter space in the office for rays of numerous clusters. of olotric incan about 'twenty ticket purchasers at the same detcent lamps which have been suspended moment, and, should occasion require it, from the ceilings and arranged around the walls, The offices will be kept, as brilliant as they niu beautiful. They will be maintained that number of people could be furnished with tickets- at the saint' minute. Running ulong the outer wall of the ollice outside tho in a style which will give the visitors to them from outside the city something to talk ubout with enthusiasm after they return to their homes. counter Is a row of richly cushioned seats for the accommodation of passengers who, in cuae of great rush of business, cannot be furnished with tickets as fast as they enter.

The shade of the upholstering of these seats corresponds with (do color of the mahogany furniture. There is seating room for ut least thirty-five persons, anil should this prove in- udcquato other mahogany benches have been furnished in rear of tho ticket clerks' inolosure. Behind tho counter are the ticket desks und cases, Tho general ticket case is unusually large. It hus cpuce for USO different forms of coupon tickets, besides space for. local tickets to 180 ditlorent points on tho company's lines.

I to the left of this gonorul ticket case la another known as the sleeping-car ticket case. It coutulus din. grams of tho nineteen through sleeping cars which leuvo daily over the Northwestern Inos for tho Pacific coast uud other points iu tlio north and northwest. At the further eud of the ticket counters are enclosed apartments for tho ticket clurks and passenger unto. There are also telephone rooms, containing public and private telephones.

Tho upper perilous of the partitions of tho various uro of buveled chipped glass, tho beauty of which adds tu tho gener- il effect. At the roar of those ticket clerks' und longor ugeuU 1 oftlceH uud toluuhuuo hero lit puaaugo loading to tlio city frulght oHico of the company, dlructly north of tho ticket olllco, which occupies the building tit J1U Clark Btroot. The frolght onlcu Is lilted Challenge for Joint Debate To Hon. Warren Gurst: I hereby challenge you to meet ino in a discussion, of the political issues of the day, upon which we are seeking the suffrages of the people for the seuatorship, ut tiny or all of the following places: Auburn, October 8. Wall Luke, October Sao City, Ootobor 11.

Kurly, October 1-. Solmllw, October 13. Odeuolt, October 14. C'uliter school house, C'oou VulU'y township, Oolobur 15. Ijttkti View, Octolwr Meetings to be held under the utis- pioes of joint committees of both purties.

J. W. STUCKKNIIIIUCK, Democratic candidate for senator, 48th district. District Court, Huturduy the cuse of L. M.

Lyons vs. Wm. wus up for triul. F. M.

Powers uppcured for the pUiutitT uml W. Lee forthedofeud- aut. Action wus brought to replevin goods wrongfully uttucluul. Tho jury WBKAT CORN. Dec OATH.

Deo Mil? POKK. HVK. Deo Fl.AX Deo Ooen. High. 8'JlH 3316 .91 38 8.22 4.BW .96 tow.

8.10 4 6 92 Close. Thursday. 8 to 2914 8.2J 4 7 .99 Live Stock Market. Receipts, opened Wi-nh, fit-Is lower; mixed, S3.80<S>!?4.£i; good Heavy, 43.00@S4.20; rough, light, closed slow, 5 cents lower, sotiu' left over; estimate for tomorrow, 18,000. opened Ati'tidy to lower; bcoves, and Iiwdpru, 93.00@*3.45; i-los- Board of Your biiB- od weak to lOo lower.

Private wire to Chicago Trade rates of commissions. solicited. Respectfully, J. R. WHITNEY.

CtrroU Market Report Corn IT, Outs 1ft. Butter 10 14. Barley 17. Flax 7ft. Tlinotuv 75.

Wheat 7S New Potatuoii 50. Rye Advertised Letters. The following letters remiiin uncalJ- ed for ut the postotllco, Carroll, Sept. -0. Unless delivered within two weeks from duto they will lie forwarded to the deud letter oilioe nt Washington, D.

0.: 11. R. Ralph Nulling Krllz Mueller t'lift' Mayiuml llwjli KttliiKer Hirhiml Forde Anna Murguroita Hoffman The law provides that oue oeutshull be paid for Wheu culling for sumo pleutic state dute of ndvertisement. J. JJ.

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