Daily globe., 1878-03-22
DID HE POISON HIS WIFE?

John c. PratAe1's SM;t on a Policy Of Life
Insurance for $4,000.
indianapolis Journal.
The case now on trial in the United States
court, where John G. Prather is suing the
Michigan Mutual Life Insurance company
to recover the amount of policy of $4,000
upon the life of his wife, Mary Prather, brief
mention of which was made heretofore. pre-
sents some unusual and interesting features.
Although Mr.. Prather is the plaintiff, the
defense of the company puts the burden of
proof on it. There is no question as to the
validity of the policy and proof of death
these are admitted. The defense resists
payment on the ground that Prather poisoned
his wife on the oath or 25th of October.
1876, in order to secure the insurance money
due at her death.
Mr. Prather's first wife procured divorce
from him several years ago, and shortly
thereafter he married the deceased, Mary
Prather. In connection with the decree of
divorce, Mrs. Prather was granted So, 500 ali
mony, and after suit to collect the money
judgment was given against him, and the
sheriff advertised his farm for sale to satisfy
the claim. This is said by the company to
be the grounds for Prather's subsequent ac-
tion-a desire to save his property at what
ever cost or sacrifice. He applied to j. H.
on his wife's life, but the agent refused to is
sue it unless he would take one on his own
life. To secure the policy on the life of his
wife he agreed to take one for 81 900 on his
own, and they we're accordingly issued. On
the Oath of October, 1876, Mr.. and Mrs.
Prather rode to Seymour, distance of
seven miles, in spring wagon, and
returned that evening. While in
Seymour, Dr.. Chanron prescribed a solu-
tion of pills for Mrs. Prather. The next
morning she was dying. Her physician was
convinced that she was suffering from
| arsenical poisoning, but did not inform Mr..
Prather. The husband, in answer to the
Doctors questioning, said Mrs. Prather had
| taken one of the pills, the solution being
yet untouched. Shortly after noon the wo-
man died, and the next day she was buried.
The succeeding day he visited Seymour
and was apparently very anxious about pro
curing the money on the insurance policy
When the agent learned the circumstances
in the case he instigated an investigation
which resulted in disinterment of the body
and the removal of the stomach for analysis
1t was sent to the city and examined by DR.
Fl. Jameson, who found very decided
traces of arsenic. While the pro-
ceedings were in progress Prathe1
exhibited the greatest concern, which he ex
pressed to several persons, that ''they would
find poison in the stomach and as to hi.
fate in case it was found. He approached
the coroner of the couaty, and gave him
$40 bill ''for old friendships sake,'' which
the coroner took, marked, and laid away
Afterward Prather said he gave him til,
money, SO that the jar containing the stom
ach might receive good and careful treat
ment.
After the return of the stomach, with tn
report of the analytic chemist, the grant
| jury of Jackson county indicted Prather TO
the murder Of his wife, He was tried las
February, and after two weeks constant at
tendance, the jury was given the case. Fo
twenty-four hours the jury stood six to ST,
and then, being worn out, agreed to verdic
of acquittal.