The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-10
PUNISHED FOR AN OLD CRIME
Dr.. Rodman Released from the Southern
Prison on Parole BY the Governor.
His Sentence to Imprisonment. After Becom-
ing Reputable Physician. for Killing
Nan When Only Fifteen Years Old

Governor Gray yesterday signed the parole or
DR.. Walker B. Rodman, d prisoner in the south
peniteutary, who was serving twenty-one
years sentence for manslaushter. Rodman's
history is quite interesting. and. indeed has a
tinge Of romance in it. In 1868, whom he was
fifteen years of age, he lived in the vicinity Of
Salem Ind, and one day became involved in .
quarrel with neghbor named Wright The
latter threatened Rodman and raised his fs: as
if to strike him. Rodman, who had rifle over
his shoulder. DIRE back and struck Wright
across the head with the barrel
of his gun. Wrights skull was crushed.
and he died three days later. Both were
intoxicated at the time. and 1t appears clear
that there malice in Rodmans action,
which committed in the excitement of the
moment Nevertheless the young man left the
neigh borhood, and going West settled in New
berry. Mo-, but spent some time at the ST.
Louis Medical College, from which institution
he graduated with honor in 1873 Then he re-
turned to Newberry and settled down to tho
practice of medicine. He succeeded and APP
pears Co have been well thought of, marrying
into very reputable family.
In the meantime his relatives and friends IN
Washington county, this State. knew of his
whereabouts, but inasmuch as he appeared to be
doing well and living good citizen, no effort
was made to bring him to an account for the
killing of Wright. This state of affairs
might have continued but for interference from
unexpected quarter Rodman has brother
living near Salem who, in 1873. divorced
from his wife. The latter it appears, enter
tanned bitter grudge against her husband for
she raised tine money and persuaded tho county
sheriff to go to Missouri and arrest Walker Rod
man for the crime committed ten years previ-
The sheriff did so, obtaining a requisition
from the Governor of Missouri, and Kodman.
then prosperous physician, with wife and
three bright children, was brought back TO this
State to account for the offense committed SO
long ago. Unfortunately for hun, large num-
Der of murders had been perpetrated in and
about Washington just previous to this time
and public sentiment was greatly wrought
up. accordingly, when the came to trial,
Rodman was sentenced TO twenty-one years in the
panitentiary for granddaughter. He was taken
to Jeffersonville, and his wife, who had chung to
him through the trial. followed him to the very
doors of tho prison, and after they had been
closed between her and him she settled down in
Jefersonvills to live and wait until the long
term of servitude was out executive clemency
had been exerted in their behalf She has re-
manned there ever SINCE and will doubtless be
at the door to-day to greet her husband when
the arrival of the document with the Governors
signature will make him once more free man.
There was a large petition in behalf of Rod
mans release 1t was signed by all Of the ju-
rors who tried him. and by many others in
Washington county, while a large number OF
the influential residents of Newberry were par
ticularly importunate in the prisoners behalf