Semi-weekly independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1895-1897, 1896-04-22
County

1t is pity that there is born into the
world, those who in their whole lives
gives conclusive evidence that the
devil has mortgage on their soul and
bodies. But such has been the case
ever since civilization has been recog
niZed as factor in eleyating human
kind. Our sister city Argos is now in
the throes of one Of the most revolving,
damning transactions that has ever dis
graced Marshall comfy.
Mrs. Elizabeth Kershaw, an aged
lady of 20 years, has for number of
years lived in Argos, and since the mar
riage of her children has with the ex
ception of day or two on different oc
casions lived alone. Last Sunday
morning about o'clock she heard
noise at one of the windows, and got
out of bed to learn what was there.
| Upon discovering no cause for the dis
turbance she once more retired. The
wretch, who afterward was recognized
by her as Leroy Bracus, straping
young man of 81 years of age weighing
some 200 pounds, then went to the wood
shed, and breaking the fastening off
the door commenced an assault upon
the door leading into the house. By
this time the thoroughly terrified
woman waited with bated breath his
further move.
After gaining access into the house
after forcing the first door, he proceed
ed to break down two other doors that
were between him and his intended
victim. When he succeeded in reach
ing the old lady he had stick of wood In
his hand, and threatened to kill her if
she made any noise. AS the light In
the sitting room was burning and fear
ing she would recognize him, he put his
hand over her eyes, while with the
other he grasped her wrist, dragging
her across the floor and blowing the
light out. He demanded money, at
least ten dollars. The poor woman on
ly had 30 cents and gave him the pocket
book. He then dragged her to the bed,
and despite her pleadings ravished her.
Then again he compelled her to accom-
} pany him while he searched drawers
and every possible place of finding
J money.
| Failing to find any money, he
} once more accomplished his hellish pur-
pose. The poor woman by this time
had become so terrorized that she
promised the brute that if be would let
: her go she would secure the money for
him. This he agreed to do and went
out of the house with her. She stag
CARED across the street to neighbors
residence, and in her feeble condition
J managed to arouse the inmates. Bracus
, it seems did not have the nerve to
await results and escaped.
, When the alarm was given it was but
/ short time until he was apprepended.
: To furthur prove the guilt of Bracus,
: silver ten cent piece was found on his
person that had been presented to Mrs.
Kershaw by her nephew, Bert Bowel,
7 of this city and which was in the pocket
book. At the time he gained possession
} of it.
: The record established by Leroy
Bracus, wo uld fill quite large book.
He has been noted for his devilish
disposition. He has served term in
the reform school, and all his actions
seenYto designate the brute.
He was hustled out of Argos
and brought to Plymouth Sunday,
and it is considered fortunate for his
carcass that the move was made, as
soon as it was, or the indignant citizens
( of that community would have in their
righteous indignation put him where
he would have other business to per-
form.
Mrs. Kershaw is reported as prostrate
by the cruel treatment, and being SO
old it may prove fatal.
Subscribe for THE INDEPENDENT.