The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1881-07-07
The ASSaSSin'S Home.


The Assassin's Home.
FREEpoRT, Ill.,, July 1.-THE startling
news of tbs shooting of President Gar
field was received here at an early hour
this morning, and created quite SEN
sation, from the fact that the party
who did the shooting was from here,
and is we'll known to most of the in
habitants. The people were not at all
when they learned he COM
mitted the deed, for he was always re-
garded from boyhood up, as a very
queer individual, possessed of a bad
temper and at all times disposed to be
contrary. He is the son of the late
Luther w. Guiteau, who was cashier of
the Second National bank for years anda
gentleman who stood we'll in this COM
munity. 1t is said that had it not been
for the recklessness of his son he would
have lived several years longer. The
father of the criminal was native of
New York state, and was born in
Utica, Oneida county, March 3,
1910. He came west as far as
Michigan, and engaged in mercantile
business at Ann ArbOr. In 1882
he came to Illinois and settled in Free
port in The month of October of that
year. He engaged in mercantile bust
ness. In 1910 he was appointed post
master under President Harrison, and
held that Office several years. He be-
came embarrassed in business, but he
PAID ALL HIS CREDITORS
in full, though he sacrificed all he had
in doing 50. After serving in the post
office some time he was appointed
deputy clerk of the circuit court and
was alterward elected clerk of that
court and held that Office four years,
and declined to become candidate for
re election. He was afterwards ap-
pointed and served again as deputy
clerk. Upon the organization of the
Second National bank he became book
keeper and acted in that capacity for
one year, and then was elected cashier
of the bank in April, 1865, and occu-
pied that position up to the time of his
death. Mr.. Guiteau was a man of I'M
swerving integrity, and enjoyed the
confidence Of the president and board
of directors of the bank to such an ex-
tent that for long time he had the re-
sponsible management of the institu-
ton.
MR.. L. GUITEAU,
a half brother, stated that Charles J.
is not considered a rnember Of the
family, and that no attention will be
paid to the matter. He has incurred
their ill.will by bad conduct. Hon.
John H. Adams, the president Of the
Second national bank, in which insttu-
ton Mr.. l.. w. Guiteau, the father of
the criminal had long been cashier, was
called upon. Mr.. Adams was in
formed of the crime of which Guiteau
had just committed, aad said in reply
that he felt no particular surprise as he
knew him to be 2 very erratic man
from his youth up, and just the person
to execute some sensational act. His
head was always filled with visionary
schemes. He was also a member of
THE FAMOUS ONEIDA COMMUNITY
in central New York. His full name is
Charles julius Guiteau. The last time
he was in Freeport was about three
years ago, when he remained but a
couple Of days. ...
Another gentleman well acquainted
with the criminal was interviewed, and
expressed no surprise when informed
of what had transpired. He said
Guiteau was about 40 years of age, and
went to the Oneida com munity when
he was about 20 years old. He led a
rather queer life there, and was dis
missed. He afterward had a suit with
the officers of the society for labor per-
formed. It is said that since, he left
the place he has been wild and reckless,
and most Of the time made his head
quarters in New York. He has never
had any particular employment. and
caused his father great deal of un-
easiness. rr r..s.. ,
"Just like him." said J. Addison
Grain, the attorney who had met
Guiteau in New York last September.
Then he was a member of a Garfield
club, and seemed to take a great deal
of interest in it. Mr.. Grain describes
hin, SIS 4 very peculiar man, who was
a monomaniac on hobbies, and was al
ways the father OF some grand scheme,
that never amounted to anything. For
a while he studied or practiced law in
New York, but did not make success
of it.
Mr.. Luther w. Guiteau, Jr.. half
brother of Chas. J. Guiteau, was called
upon at the Second National Bank.
He stated that the criminal had been
absent from home for good many
years, and was not considered mem
ber of the family. He had
A MEAN DISPOSITION, .ga
and his father, who died some months
ago, expressed the opinion several
times that his son would sometime
commit some terrible deed that would
bring disgrace upon the family. 1t was
not matter Of surprise to hear OF the
news Of the crime committed, for it
was characteristic Of the man. Mr..
Guiteau further states that Charles
gave his father considerable trouble.
Everything possible was done to restore
him to his right mind, but all efforts
proved futile. He was stubborn, mean
and ugly, and would not listen to OF
heed advice. 1t is said that Guiteau
delivered lecture in Chicago on sec.
ond adventism, and com manded small
audiences wherever he spoke. He was
full-fedged communist in every
sense OF the word. The news has oc