Connecticut western news., 1894-01-04
HE SHOT HIS BRIDE.
PROFESSOR SHORTLIDGE KILLED HIS
 WIFE WHILE INSANE.
He Had Been Driven Crazy by Grip and
 Was Miss Marie Dixon Jones of Brook

He Had Been Driven Crazy by Grip and
 Blew Out Her Brains on the street-she
 Was Miss Marie Dixon Jones of Brook
 lyn.
 MEDIA, Pa, Jan. 1.-Swithin c. Short idge, principal of the famous Media Acad- fmy for Boys, while out promenading with his wife, who was a bride of only a month, shot and instantly killed her. The couple had been walking along the street arm in arm when Professor Shortlidge, without warning, drew a revolver from his pocket and fired six shots into her head, killing her instantly and scattering her brains on the street.
 After the awful deed he threw himself on the body and raved in terrible manner until removed to prison by policeman.
 Professor Shortlidge has shown evidence of failing mental power during the past year. Recently he suffered from an attack of the grip, from the effects of which he has not wholly recovered. This had de- pressing effect upon him, eliminating in his sudden insanity and the murder of his bride.
 He Had Been Ill.
 For three weeks past Professor Short lidge has been confined to his home with the grip. His wife was faithful, untiring nurse, but he did not seem to improve rap idly. On Saturday he ventured out for a walk, his wife accompanying him, but he did not go any further than the spacious porches of the academy. Sunday morning he took another walk with his wife on his arm in the direction of East Media, pass ing people without his usual signs of rec ognition.
 A few minutes later, while passing through some woodland on Jefferson street, those who were in that neigNbor- hood were startled by hearing six shots, and on looking they saw what seemed to be scuffle on the street. Among those who heard and saw this was Chief of Pc lice McKniff, who ran to the spot, where he found Mrs. Shortlidge dead and the frenzied man clinging to her and calling for her to come back to him. A six shoot ing 32 caliber revolver was lying empty by the side of the dead woman.
 When the bystanders approached, Pro- lessor Shortlidge attempted to drive them off and threw himself on the body of his wife, now rapidly becoming chilled in death. The chief of police put him under arrest, and he was taken to the borough lookup. Here it was found that he was not fully dressed, being still in his night shirt. He was so weak that a carriage had to be procured in order to convey him the few squares necessary to go in order to reach the jail.
 A Man of Culture. Professor Shortlidge is member of an old Quaker family. He graduated from Harvard university with honors and was the leading member of his class in physical exercises. After graduating he went into the newspaper business and subsequently, started boarding school for boys at Ken nett square. He removed his school to Me dia in 1874 and has since conducted one of the most successful institutions in the country, one which has gained for itself an enviable reputation as preparatory school for young men. The victim, whose maiden name was Ma rie Dixon Jones, was about % years old and of prepossessing appearance. Her mother is Mrs. Marie Dixon Jones of Brooklyn, who came into prominence a few years ago by her suit against the Brooklyn Eagle for al- legged libelous publications about hospital conducted by her. The suit was decided | against her. Her brother, Rev. Henry Dixon Jones, was pastor of Christ Protes- tant Episcopal church in this city up to Dec 1, when he resigned by request. The news of her daughters death is great shock to | the mother, and it is feared she will lose | her reason.
 | The unfortunate man does not realize what he has done and is continually asking for his wife. The general opinion here is | that he is insane.
 A few years ago his school was in a four ishing condition, but unlucky investments in real estate caused him to lose his money, and his affairs were placed in the hands of a receiver. The school has since been con- ducted as stock concern, with MT. Short lidge as principal and there was every prospect that he would regain his lost | ground. The coroner will hold an inquest