The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1897-06-04
A Montpelier Tragedy.

er, daughter of Luther S Wheeler of
East Montpelier, and then shot her.
self. Both girls were enamored of
John Wheeler stonecutter in the
employ of Frasier 4 Broadfoot in this
city. Current report says that Wheel
er was formerly attentive to Miss
Brewster, but that recently he had
been visiting Miss Wheeler, which had
caused Miss Brewster to become insane.
ly jealous. Miss Wheeler was ser.
want in the employ Of c. E. Bugbee
on Liberty street and had an engage
ment to attend memorial services at
Barre Saturday with Wheeler. Miss
Brewster learned of this fact and early
Saturday morning went to Mr.. Bug
Lees house, where she had long talk
with Miss Wheeler and started to
walk with her to the home of the
young man, from which place they
were to leave for Barre. Just before
reaching the Wheeler house Miss Brew.
ster drew 80 caliber revolver from
her pocket and shot Miss Wheeler be
hind the left ear. Some neighbors
heard the shot and saw Miss Wheeler
fall, but before they reached the spot
Miss Brewster turned the revolver and
shot herself in the head. The bullet
entered just behind the right ear. Both
were taken to Heaton hospital uncon.
scious, and it was given out that there
was no hope of their recovery. Miss
Wheeler died Saturday afternoon at
the hospital without regaining conscious
ness. Her body was taken to the
home of Luther S. Wheeler, her father,
at East Montpelier were funeral SER
vices will be held Monday afternoon at
2 o'clock.
Miss Brewster regained consciousness
Saturday evening, and passed a rest
full night. Her mind was clear this
morning, and she convered cheerfully
with DR.. E. G. Chandler, her attend
ing physician. She realized fully what
had occurred yesterday, and expressed
regret that she had not been successful
in taking her own life. She declares
that she does not desire to live, but ex-
pressed no remorse or penitence tor the
deed she has committed. Her ply
stefan is of the opinion that unless in
sets in her chance for re.
covery is fair. The doctors probed un.
successfully for the bullet, and it is
still lodged in her head. Wesley
Brewster, her father arrived Saturday
noon and since that time has been at
her bedside. Mr.. Brewster is wealthy
farmer Of Huntington and feels keenly
the terrible position in which his daugh-
ter has placed herself. H, declared
yesterday that he hoped and prayed
she would lHver regain consciousness.
Since Miss Brewster has been in Mont.
pelier her father has repeatedly sent
her money; sometimes as much as $50
at one time.
Although Mr.. Wheeler and Miss
Wheeler bear the same name they are
not relatives. Miss Brewster had re-
Gently made threats to Wheeler and
Miss Wheeler that she would kill them
both, and it is understood that she lay
in wait for Wheeler Friday evening at
the armory, where he was drilling,
but his brother accompanied him on
the way home, and they were not mo
Tested. Mr.. Wheeler was perfectly
willing to talk with the reporter and to
answer any questions that were asked
him. He denied the truth of the re-
port that he had ever kept company
with the Brewster girl. He said that
she had often tried to thrust herself
upon him and to make engagements
with him, but that he never fancied
her and never had anything to do
with her. He said he was engaged to
Miss Wheeler and had told Miss
Brewster. Mr.. Wheeler resides OH
Sibley avenue with his aged mother,
who recently came here from Montreal.
Before the coming of his mother
Wheeler and Miss Brewster had board
ed at the residence of John F. Good.
enough. A lady who knew Miss
Brewster we'll in Huntington told the
reporter that her father was well to dc
and that the young woman was not re.
quired to work out. She was grad
uate Of Burlington high school and had
taught school several terms before
coming to Montpelier, but she disliked
the restl aints of the schoolroom and
perferred to come to Montpelier, where
she was employed in the tailoring es
Establishment of Ledden q Campbell.
The scene Of the shooting showed pools
of blood still on the ground and crowds
of people visited the place during the
forenoon. The revolver was found ly'
ing on the ground by Policeman De
Merritt and is now in his possession.
The father and mother of Miss Wheeler
Al \