The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-10-14

Samuel Barker Dies from the Eff
fects of the Assault on Him.
Billy Reed. the Youthful Murderer,
Still at Large-First Stoned by
One of Reeds Companions.

Samuel Barker died at the City Hospital
at o'clock yesterday evening, the victim
Of the cowardly, unprovoked and vicious
assault of Billy Reed. The murderer,
smooth-faccd, reckless youth, scarcely out OF
his teens, is yet at large, u hunted fugitive
from justice. The tragic elimination OF
Joyous event at Maennerchor Hall yester-
day morning has proven lamentably SAD.
Barker, vested with the power of special
policeman, simply did his duty in guarding
the entrance to the festivities above from
the approach of doubtful characters and
rowdies. He was obeying the instructions
of his employers when he informed Reed
and his two friends that it would be impos-
sible to admit them. The young scoundrel,
incensed at what he considered an affront,
walked down the stairway and as he
reached the bottom Of the stair called back:
Come down here you gray-haired -
- - and I'll do you up
Then, continuing the disturbance he de-
liberately planned to carry out his threat,
which he did when the old man appeared.
1t appears that one of the young fellows
with Reed threw a stone at the Waterman,
but missed him and ran. Reed then picked
up the missile. His aim was unerring. One
or the hackmen who witnessed the murder
Gus affair claims TO have chased Reed as
far east as New Jersey street, where he
was compelled to protect himself from
knife which the later drew.
The hospital physicians We're convinced
that the injured man would die, and at
dawn yesterday Mrs. Barker was summoned
from her home at No. Az North New Jer-
sey street. The sufferer died without hav-
ing regained consciousness and was I'M
aware of his fate. The blow must have
been a fearful one from the appearance of
the wound. The skull was crushed at the
md he for nr0l n
shattered. The stone with which the fatal
work was done was found yesterday morn
ing and is in possession of the police. It's
weight is nearly two pounds. Coroner
Beck viewed the remains of the dead officer
at the hospital and the body was then
taken in charge by undertaken Whitsett.
Barker was hfty-eight years of age and
the father of large family Of sons and
daughters. Several years ago under the
old Metropolitan system Of police he was
member Of the department and since his
retirement has filled several responsible po-
sitions where police powers were connect
ed He was well known 70 every officer on
him In the highest terms, and sincere ex-
presslons OF sorrow are heard from many
who have known him for years.
The young murderer, 1t appears, is the
victim OF peculiar circumstances. His par
ents separated some time ago, and since
then the boy has been buffeted around the
city with all sorts of companions and In
al quarters where his wild inclinations
CHANGED to lead him. He is about twenty
years Ola, OF SllSnt Dulld and light COM
plexion. His mother lives in block, at
No; 175 East Washington street, while his
father has no established home. Young
Reed during the summer gained some no.
toriety by making number of balloon
ascensions at Fairview Park. In the last
month he has occasionally been employed
at rosters East Washington-street restau-
rant. Neither of his parents know where
he is, and the efforts of the entire de-
tective force failed to locate him yester-
day. 1t is thought that he has left the
city, but being well known in police cir
Giles, he cannot hope to elude capture. 1t
was reported that he was seen yesterday
morning In a barre, house on East Wash
fngton street, where he proudly ex-
plotting his act committed few hours be-
fore. Many of those who knew Reed were
surprised to learn of the trouble in which
he has become involved While he was
known to be a reckless young man, his
friends say that he was not inclined to be
quarresome. and they explain his deed on
the theory that he was drinking. Who his
companions were the police have been
unable to ascertain.
Late last night it was learned that a
young man named Harry Vann was one OF
Reeds companions, and 1T is claimed that
the former hurled a rock at Barker, which
missed him. Vann lives OH Malott avenue,
and has no occupation. The police want
him.