The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-07-25
THROUGH THE HEART
CHARLES ROBB SHOOTS ELI WILSON
FOR FAILURE TO PAY $3.50.
Tragedy on Newman Street Last
Night Caused by the Victims In
ability to Meet His Rent.

residing at No. 1872 Newman street, was
shot and instantly killed in his house last
night. about s o'clock, by Charles Robb.
also colored. Wilson's two daughters, aged
fifteen and ten years, respectively. were
standing within a short distance of their
father when he was shot and fell dead at
their feet, and they had narrow escape
from the bullet. Wilson was standing in
the doorway of his kitchen taking a drink
of water, and Robb was at the door of his
kitchen, also. when the murder occurred.
The indication are that there was little or
no provocation, and that Wilson was shot
in cold blood. There were no witnesses to
the murder excepting Wilson's two chill
dren.
Wilson resided in the south half Of the
double house, Nos. 1872 and lis Newman
street, and was a tenant of Robb, who re-
sided in the north half of the house. The
murdered mans wife died about seven
years ago, and since that time he has been
living with his daughters. his older daugh-
ter keeping house for him. About three
months ago Wilson moved into No. 1872,
agreeing to pay 81 a month rent When he
moved into the house he had pretty steady
work at odd jobs, mostly carpet stretch
ing. He worked a great deal of the time
for Eastman, Schleicher & Lee. On rent
ing the house Wilson told Robb that the
rent was somewhat high, but Robb stoutly
insisted that it was not and told Wilson
he expected his rent regularly every month.
Wilson told him that he would do his best
to pay it. He paid the rent for the first
two months on time, but after the second
payment his work became slack. He at
tempted to get odd jobs among the neigh
bors and business men who knew him. but
met with little success. and found it diff
cult to earn money enough TO buy food for
his children.
When Saturday, July H. came, the day
the rent for the third month was due, VIII
son found himself with just $3.50. Robb is
reported as being a very close, hard man,
and when he first saw Wilson on the even
ing of that day, he demanded the rent in a
rough sort of manner. Wilson saw from
Robb's actions that he was expecting the
full amount. and so began to speak to him
in a hesitating manner. "Come, come,
now said Robb, give me the money"
Wilson looked at him moment, and then
said, as he slowly handed him the above
amount: MIR. Robb. you 1 have not all
of the money for you. L have not had as
much work as could do and consequent
angry and spoke holly. He said as Will
sons eldest daughter stated to Superin-
tendent Powell last night after the shoot
ing: II see what you are going to do. You
| are trying to beat me out of my rent If
| you do. I'll get even with you" Wilson
tried to reason with him, but it was no use
! Robb insisted that Wilson was attempting
| to defraud him of his rent Mrs Robb was
in her lit
angry words between her husband and Will
| son. The two men were standing in their
| front yards. A fence divides the yards, and
| each was standing facing the other with
the fence between them. When Mrs. Robb
| got to the front door she heard her hus-
band say: Wilson, if you do beat me out
of my rent 1 will get even with you-and
you know what that means" Robb ap-
peared TO be in fighting mood while Will
son was standing dejectedly with his hands
| in his pockets. Mrs. Robb TOLD her hus-
band not to make any demonstra ton or
| commit violence. Robb hesitated a mo-
ment, and then walked to the fence oppo>
| site Wilson and said: "Well, if you have
| not the money, you haven't; that's all there
| is about it," Wilson replied that he had
| tried hard to get the money ready for him,
| but was unable to do so. Robb then con-
sented that Wilson pay him the balance
| $3.50, next Saturday, July y.
THE SECOND TROUBLE.
Wilson's hard luck stayed with him the
| following week. and when last Saturday
came he did not have the money ready
He went home in the afternoon to tell
| Robb that he did not have the money but
| the latter was not in. Wilson then waited
| around his own house until after supper.
He had little money, but it was the only
| thing between his children and want and
so he told them t. dress and ne would go
| with them to the east market to buy some
thing to eat. The three were soon ready,
| and as they stepped out on the front porch
| they saw Robb standing on his front porch.
| He walked to the fence as soon as he saw
| them, and demanded the balance of the
rent. Wilson told him that he did not have
| it. and Robb flew into a greater rage than
when refused before. He asked Wilson why
| he did not have the money. Wilson said
he did not have the work to earn the
| money.
Where are you going?" demanded Robb,
| as he suspiciously eyed the large basket
| which Wilson was carrying.
I'VE are going to market replied Will
| son.
| IucH WHY Gall you pay NE tue llOll-
| ey?'' asked Robb.
Wilson said: IF / do this l won't have
| any money to buy food for my children"
| ''Drat your children" replied Robb. Il
want my money. Let your children starve.
| They nothing to me-
Wilson looked at him. and said. slowly:
| 81 would do that for no man..
| We'll" said Robb, Il will give you until
| Tuesday night and then if you don't pay
| me, why, out you 60 but that won't be
the end of it. L will have the rest of my
| money"
The matter was dropped and Wilson and
| his daughters went TO market. Robb went
| into his house and said no more until yes
| terday evening, a short time before the
| shooting occurred. Wilson tried hard to get
| work Monday and yesterday, but without
| success, and when he went home last night
| he was without money and discouraged.
| He told his daughters, as they met him at
| the door, that he had money and eX-
| pected that they would be elected before
| the night was over. His older daughter
| told him that he had his wagon and could
| sell il and pay the rent. Wilson frightened
| the suggestion caught him. He left the
| house through the front way, presumably
| TO go to Robb's house and tell him the stu
| alton. AS he passed the front door and
| stepped out onto the porch. he saw Robb
in his yard. Robb was looking in another
| direction, but when he heard steps on Will
| sons porch, he turned quickly and. seeing
| that il was Wilson, asked: well, have you
| the money! Wilson, in a few words, told
| him the situation. and Robb repeated his
| insinuations that Wilson intended to beat