The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-10-24
FORA BURNS SLAYER.
New Light Thrown Upon the
Lincoln Horror.
q. A. Carpenter, Wealthy Merchant
Of That City, Charged With
Committing the Crime.
The Dead GirPs Letters TO Her Hoosier
Military Protection for
the Accused.
FORA BURNS MURDER.

Arrest Of Her Former Wealthy Employer,
q. 4. Carpenter, Charged With Commit
ting the Crime.
LrsooLS, Ill, Oct. 20-ZOra Burns, who had been
employed as a domestic in the family OF o. Brien
A. Carpenter, a prominent and wealthy resident of
Abs eity, was found dead near the outskirts Of
the city one week ago, her body bearing all
evidence Of desperate murder Her throat ha'.
been cut from to ear: her skull erushed in and
her arms bore evidence that she had had a furious
struggle with her aSsaiiant. Ever since the dis
eovery OF her body the entire community has
aided detectives in the search for her murderer.
II was learned she had. been engaged to a
young farmer named Dukes, and suspicion
pointed somewhat toward him. but the past two
days the chain of apparently eliminating circum-
stances has been wound around her former en-
ployer Carpenter which resulted in his arrest this
aitera9QR, IpyestgaII9n Disclosed that Fora had
1eIs hIs 6mp.oy sn. returned TO the home OF her
LEI, in village near Lincoln. and on the day
preceding the death came to the city and paid
visit TO Carpenters Office, remaining with him
an hour alone He was the only person she visited
20 tor as known, while here As 10 the nature OF
by facts subsequently disclosed. IL was also dis
covered that the dead girl was enceinte, and the
testimony OF various parties tended TO show
money and had written her various
letters. i bartender of the Nolte House here
,esti6es that Carpenter purchased from him half
AIT OF whisky on the day OF the mpTler. An ex-
animation Of CarpenteJ's ous3y to-day disclosed
that the casn15n, lines and shafts were marked
was Immediately sworn out for his arrest
Die was followed to jail BY large and excited
crowd. The accused is credited with being the
Weallbiest resident OF Lincoln, owning q large
grain elevator here a farm the city and other
property. he has a wife and two daughters
SPRINGFIELD. H., Oct. 20-The sheriff OF Logan
County this afternoon applied 10 the Governor for
leave 70 ca ON the military 70 assist him in main
posed murderer of Fora Burns. The GoverRov iii
Ieced the Sheriff to use civil process and not make
. eall for the military except as last resort.
that Carpenier is under arrest there is revuIsion
of feeling in his behalf. But II certain clues now
seing followed by the Detectives should tend to
the presence Of the military might prove essential
IN preventing HncbiDg.
Talk With Dukes The Dead Girls
Letters.
ROCHESTER, Ind, Oct.-20.-Additional facts
have been obtained relating to the murder of Fora
Burns. Young Thomas Dukes was visited to-day.
lie s the one suspected OF Zoras murder and lives
with his father. Andrew Dukes, who resides six
miles southwest of KewanBa. Ind, in Wayne
Township, and is a man whose reputation for
honesty aud upright character is beyond question.
He Is unfortunately the father OF several sons all
81 whom are known throughout The entire neigh
bOrbOod as hard nuts When the old gentleman
YVES informed that interview wanted with
bis son Thomas relative TO the murder of Fora
Burns he evinced some uneasiness and said that
ne wanted to be present at the interview. Accord
inGly they started in search of Thomas. They
drove down the road 70 a vacant bouse. The young
man was found some distance back OF the house in
patch o. pr bsa Upon being
with Fora Burns he answered in the Affirmative
when told that she bad been murdered he said
siasinT that she was wounded but that he aid not
know that there was anything senous- He said ne
knew she was pregnant but few minutes after
ward he denied all knowledge OF the same. lie
produced the two letters which will appear here
after He remarked that he had other letters but
would not produce them. During the interview
the young man felgned great uneoncern, but IL
was evident he was considerably disturbed. II is
gram informing him of the murder OF Fora Burns
that he would not 90 10 Lincoln for the state Of
Indiana
The following is copy OF the letters referred TO
shove:
81. ELMO. H.. Sept 9. lsSa-DEAR TOMMY: Your
letter received the sth, aud glad 10 hear from
at present. i came home last Monday. / win be
sewing that must do. il win take me 1--WE weeks
AZ least. 20 You need not come after me until YOU
.wns machine IL is daisy BSp have
come bsd luck. was helping 20 get it out OF the
buggy. me horse began 10 kick. aud my machine
get it fixed. am very busy. I Will make some
quilts II have time, but IL don't get time will
buy some blankets have good feather bed, and
then win have such warm bed-iellow TO sleep
with this winter. i win have plenty of sheets and
everything in that line. and money to buy. our
carpet You think ! have been loafng. have
not. Ny brother gave me a black six dress; il
cost So He has gone to Colorado. win teach
school this winter.
Oh will be so happy, darling. when We ges in
our quiet home. IL has been so lonely sincs saw
you. IL seems Ike years instead OF months. My
fellow left for Kansas. lie said he would give the
world " he could take me with him. and asked me
n could net be mis- wife Ianswered that was
promised 10 another. lie Is good fellow. and
think a great deal OF him. too, and will be his
friend long as live. ] hope you will not feel
Jealous over the matter. but yours 10 you
want me. But 20 with any eiri yon like uutii y0n
come for me. then ! want you 10 stay at home
] feel 50 queer. fear tha, something viii happen
yet 70 spoil oar happiness Perhaps il II super