Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1896-01-04
A LAWMAKER SLAIN.
Member of the Illinois Legislature
Shot Dead.
Postmaster Pace, of Weldon, ILL.,, Kills
DIR. w. II. Taylor, Alleged Despoiler
of His Home-CIaims Self
Defense.

Weldon, Ill.,, Dec. 30-Postmastet
John A. Pace shot and killed DIR. w. H.
Taylor, member of the Illinois legisla-
ture, in the post Office here at eight
p. IN. Sturday because of family
troubles. People who were on the street
at that hour in the vicinity of the post
office heard the shots. Then they saw
Postmaster Pace dash out of the door
and run down the street, revolver in
hand. CHANGING to meet the town mar
shall he stopped and said that he had
shot DR.. Taylor. The marshal rushed
to the post Office and found Taylor lying
in the back room of the Office with his
own revolver clutched in his right hand.
Postmaster Pace explained that he
was working at his desk, when he heard
the back door open and saw Dr. Taylor
standing Mt, or near the inner door, lead
ing to the main Office. He demanded of
Pace q letter written by PAGES wife to
Pace; and, the postmaster declares, also
offered to give him $500 to Withdraw a
suit now pending for damages for
breaking up his family. Pace ordered
him out of the Office, saying he wanted
nOtn1nB 10 90 WITH MIN.
Taylor then drew revolver and said
he would blow Pacc's brains out if he
did not give up the paper. He went on
| to say that he had come there to talk
with him and was going to stay. Pace
went to the desk apparently to get his
| papers, and, reaching into his drawer,
| got his revolver. 1t is a self-cocker.
He began at once to fire and Taylor fell
dead near the hack door of the office.
The trouble which eliminated in the
shooting of DR.. Taylor is of long stand
ing. DR.. Taylor came here from Indi-
ana several years ago. He began the
practice of medicine and was very sue
cessful. He was ncighbor of the
PAGES and for years the men were
warm friends. About year ago the
skies became clouded. Pace became
very jealous of his wife, who finally
left him. He tried to get her to re-
turn without success. He then charged
Taylor with having alienated her affec-
tions. He brought suit for damages
based upon this allegation. This was
the trouble that eliminated in the
tragedy.
DR.. Taylor had practiced medicine
here for 2s years, and was popular with
all classes. He was genial in his man
ner, approachable at all times, and
made Losts of friends by the many
kindnesses n physician is enabled to eX'
tend to those not extensively blessed
with this worlds goods His home life
was model one, he being a man ot
domestic tastes, and widow and three
children have been plunged into the
deepest grief by the sudden taking Of
Of the husband and father. The very
fact that his habits were so domestic
leads his friends to scout the story
that he had ever given occasion fol
jealousy to Mr.. Pace.
DR.. Taylor had long been prominen
in republican circles in this part of III,
state and gained an envlable reputation
by his work in the Legislature. II,
was the father of the tireman's in
surance relief bill and had sponsore,
other measures of great public value
Among his close friends were Senator
Cullom and John r. Tanner.
Pace was acquitted Sunday morning
by coroner's jury. The ground TO
acquittal was self-drfense. 1t was nee
essary to impanel second jury; th
first one after being in :ession all nigh
and failing TO agree, was discharged.