The herald., 1897-04-13
DRINK DID 1T
Ezra KOhkanOur in Jail
Charged With Arson
He C0NFESSES HIS CRIME
ATTRIBUTES HIS DOWNFALL TO
THE USE OF WHISKY
Wanted to Get Money in Order that
He Might Visit His Mother
Back in Ohio
ATTRIBUTES HIS DOWNFALL TO
THE USE OF WHISKY

Ezra N. Kohkanour, a man of about
30 years, was brought to the county
jail Yesterday morning by Constable
DAVIDSON of Azusa, charged with arson.
About II o'clock Sunday night the house
of John Baxter Of Duarte was destroyed
by fire, together with all of its contents.
Mr.. Baxter and family left two days
previous for San Bernardino, and the
origin of the fire was shrouded in mys-
terry until about 4 o'clock yesterday
morning, when Kohkanour knocked at
the front door of the officers house at
Azusa, and, after giving his name, stated
that he had just a few hours before
burned a house at Duarte, and asked to
be locked up. At first the officer was
dumbfounded by the strangers confes-
sion, but upon investigation his state
ments were found to be true.
Kohkanour, who by his own confess
sion, has long term In the penitentiary
staring him in the face, was seen at the
county Jail yesterday, and admitted his
guilt. He said: Il came to California
nearly three years ago from Small
town near Columbus, Ohio. During the
past two years 1 have been working Tor
Mr.. Baxter on his ranch. l had some
money owing me by Los Angeles party,
and 1 decided Friday night to start the
next morning for the city to collect it..
Just before going I called at the post
office and was handed letter which
was from my widowed. mother in OHIO.
Among other things she stated that my
sister had just died and that she was In
need of money. Shortly after reaching
here 1 got my money, and later came
across some friends from San Pedro
They invited me to drink, and in the
course of a few hours was very drunk
Later in the evening I thought of the
letter 1 had received from mother, and
her appeal for help seemed to ring in
nv ears continually. I thought of the
money had Just squandered, and knew
I had no more with which to purchase a
ticket to Ohio. I became more despond-
ent, and decided that would get money
somewhere In order that might be at
my mothers side.
'I went to Duarte. and on Sunday
night 1 called at Baxter's home, for
knew he would assist me in any way |
desired. Not finding him there, I be-
came desperate and broke into the
house. Lighting a lamp. made
search in the closet. I placed the lamp
on the floor, and while my back was
turned some of the clothing caught fire
The flames spread rapidly. coon getting
beyond my control, and l hastily left
the premises. The matter preyed more
and more on my mind. and was not sat
isfied until had called upon an officer
and told him what had done. was
taken before Justice Cook at Monrovia
yesterday morning and bound over in
the sum of $4,000. 1 know have done
great wrong, and when my poor mother
hears of it am sure she will be heart
broken. This is the first time have
been drunk for seven years. am not q
drinking man, but the temptation Sat-
urday was greater than could stand.
and now / am not only a ruined. but a
disgraced man. ! hope this terrible
deed will be a lesson to other young
men,"
Kohkanour told the story of his down.
fall in a straightforward manner in the
presence of several other prisoners,
many of whom were moved to tears.
Some believe that he is losing his mind.
Mr.. Baxter and family are left home
less. having carried no insurance on
their place.