The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1884-03-22
GRENADA MISS SATURDAY MARCH p, 1884 \
sELF.MURDER.
Adorable Suicide in the County Jail.

SELF.MURDER. ~ a
A Horrible Suicide in the County Jail.
An last Monday morning stranger
appeared in town with head and clothes
bloody. Several persons stated that he
tried to kill himself BY buttiDg his head
against the corner Of the fire engine
house, and was only prevented by the
timely interposition Of persons passing.
His appearance indicated that be was
wild aud had been on big spree. lie
kept talking about his wife and child,
stating that he had had trouble with his
wife, and said he intended to kill himself
before sunset that day. When first ask
ed what train he came here on he stated
lii correctly, and when asked where he
Egbt on that train said Grenada This ex-
cited suspicionas TO one j. N. Rawlston,
Wife-beater and child.murderer described
in the Leader Of Feb. 21st, who was want.
ed at Grenada and for whom a reward
was offered. Presently an arrest was
made and search instituted, and SO well
did he suit the description of Rawlston
that telegrem was sent to the Sheriff Of
Grenada county, who answered to how
tie prisoner and lie would send man
on first train. to identify him, and the
lprisoner was coufned in the county Jail
Late that evening Maj. w. G. Cham
berlin came in town and hearing Of this,
wanted to see the prisoner, thinking he
might recognize him if from Grenada.
Upon entering the Jail it was found tnat
the prisoner was dying, having cut his
throat with blade Of tin which he made
from tin cup found in thejai. He had
cut his throat from ear to ear, making
such gnastly wound that he died in a
few minutes. a,a M. .@.. s.. e.lt.
On Tuesday morning, Mr.. Williams
Deputy Sheriffo Grenada county, came
down to identify Rawlston. So we'll did
this man suit Rawlston that Mr.. VIII
liams could not say whether it was
Rawlston or not. He answered to every
particular. The exact height by meas
urment; the age, weight, size, complex
ion suited. Every mark, scar and par
tlcular given 10 the description OF Rawl>
ston this man had. He kept talking
about his wife and child, saying that MS
wife was not dead, and that he saw he n
last night. When told what he was sus-
pected for he wanted a telegram sent
home inquiring if his wife was not alive
but utterly refused any inquiry as to
how his child was, saying he had had
trouble with his wife about his child.
On the 3:15 train Tuesday evening Mr.,
Williams left for Grenada somewhat pnz.
zled, carrying with him the photograph
of the dead man, stating that after all, he
vas too well-dressed for Rawlston; that
Kawlston was very poor, and went poorly
dressed; that his relations were very poor.
That Rawlston would not have had as
much money as this man had, nor woulsl
he have had any baggage, as check in
the possession Of this man showed thar
his trunk had gone through to New Or
leans.
AS soon az he had committed suicide,
the trunk answering to said check was
telegraphed for and came up on the 3:15
train Tuesday. The news agent on thai.
train said thatthe crazy man got off at
Grenada on Sunday night. This looked
suspicious, as Rawlston was born and
raised near Grenada, and had relations
near there. @ta a 5fs.
Upon opening his trunk, it was found
by papers contained therein that the de-
ceased was an Odd Fellow, Mason and
d Knight Of Honor. That bis name was
Henry Rittman. That he lived at Ven
ice, Madison county, Ill, and was o shoe
maker by trade. That he had had trouble
with his wife about bis child. that his
wife Carolina Rittman, was sueing him
for divorce and custody Of the child.
That he had recently been cited to answer
at the next term of the Chancery Court
OF that county. what other troubles he
nay have had noone knows. J
These things had run him crazy and
caused him to continually repeat that
some one was after him, which excited
suspicion and caused his arrest. Brook
haven Leader, 18Th.