Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-03-04
Abbott Lawrence, a Well-known
Bank Cashier Shot Down by
George A. Wardner.
The Assassin, Whose Mind Is
Probably Unsettled, Promp-
ted Wholly by Imagin-
airy Wrongs,

MILWAUKEE, Wis, Feb. IS At
1915 O'clock this afternoon Abbott
Lawrence, assistant cashier of the Elk
change National Bank, was shot by
George Wardner, until recently a
book-keeper in the same establish
ment. The scene occurred near the
corner of Wisconsin and Jefferson
streets, as Mr.. Lawrence was about to
enter the Milwaukee club house for
lunch. 2. r. Haunifin was an eye
witness OF the shooting aud had been
talking to Mr.. Wardner just few
seconds before it occurred. He said ;
'lWardnar gave me to understan d
that he was no longer at the bank,
and that he had had trouble there. He
laid stress on the fact that he had
been employed in the bank for twenty
three years, but instead of appearin 2
excited appeared very cool. After a
little unimportant talk he left me and
walked across the street. happened
to look across the street. and saw
Wardner fire two shots at Lawrence,
whom had not noticed before.
He was scarcely a foot behind Law
renee and
FIRED THE SHOTS.
In quick succession. Lawrence ran
to the club house, staggering some
what, and Wardner put his hands in
his pockets and coolly walked away,
smoking cigar all the while.
The victim was taken into the club
house and made as comfortable as
possible, while Wardner walked cody
to the Centaal Police Station and sur
rendered. Stationkeeper Kortebeiu
says the prisoner remarked before be-
ing deprived OF his liberty: "If I ever
get out of here and he is living, I'll
shoot him again, and two others, too"
Wardner was visited by his sister in
law who Informed him that when he
got out Of this trouble he would be
well taken care of to which Wardner
replied: ''Thea you will have 30 place
me ia 8 safe place for the rest of nay
days, for cannot stand this terrible
persecution longer. I've stood it for
six years, and they have driven nae to
distraction. When the proper time
comes [ intend to show this matter up
i'll its true light"
Edward Wardner, who is now at
Deadwoo6, D. T., is a brother Of tho
prisoner. His father, Frederick Ward
ner is an old resident Of the city, and
was for many years assessor Of the
Seventh Ward. The family has al
ways enjoyed
A HIGH POSITION SOCIALLY.
At z o'clock this evening MIR.
Lawrence was resting quietly and his
physicians think there are hopes Of
his recovery. The affair created
great excitement on Change and else
where Both men have unblemished
regulations and people generally who
discussed the affair were ST a loss to
account for the cause Of WardRer's
act. The general verdict was that he
must have been insane, and numerous
stories regarding eccentricities Of
character which he had exhibited at
de5fferent times were recalled.
The first shot fred by Wardner missed.
He aimed for Lawrenc5's head, but
the ball above it. The second was
aimed lower down aud struck him In
thesmall of the back hitting the
back, bone and CHANGING off.
It appears that Wardner has been
in a nervous state for some months
and only four days ago had given up
his position in order to go to Cali
fornia for his health. He has i'm
agined that Lawrence and other em-
ployes Of the bank were trying TO iG-
jure bis reputation.