The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-11-18
ALMOST A MURDER
Well Known Farmer and His
Wife Robbed.
THEY BEG FOR BREAD
Then Strike Them Down in
Return for Hospitality.

= most dastardIy outrag. was commit
ted az the home OF a prominent farmer
and cattle man whose name Is Hutchin-
son and who IS wesi known in this city
and Andala. Mr.. Hutchinson lived west
OF AndaIe for a number Of years. He
became tired OF farming and went 10
Sherman county 20 go into the cattle
business on a large scale. he built him
self hut 70 live IN while there looking
after his interests.
On the night Of October q a man whose
name is Peter OFT called az the door and
asked for something TO eat, He was
given this and asked into the house. a
general conversation was struck UP be
tween OFT, Mr. Hutchinson and his wife
1t was interesting, all parties being ac-
ouainted with people and late news OF
general interest around AndaIe. Mr.. or
was invited 20 remain all night. The
next morning he left after breakfast.
During this day another man called and
asked for something TO eat He talked
and remained until after dark and was
invited 70 stay all night. Accommoda-
tons being scarce in the vicinity. II was
nearly O'Clock. Mrs. Hutchinson had
retired and the family were getting
ready 10 60 10 bed when the dogs in the
yard began 70 bark, and Mr.. Hutchinson
went 10 the door TO see what was up. He
opened the door and while standing on
the Threshold was knocked down by the
man who was on the inside. A deep cash
was cut II the head and. half blinded,
the old gentleman attempted 70 rise.
when the villain struck him a terrible
blow on his right arm, which he believes
has destroyed its usefulness for good.
The man on the outside rushed IN and
they bound the old man tightly with his
hands behind him. They then started
for Mrs. Hutchinson and bound her the
same way. The two men then proceeded
10 ransack the house going through
trunks and into everything they found.
They succeeded IN getting between 800
and $500. Then taking Mr.. Hutchinson
by the legs they dragged him around the
room and threatened 10 kill them both
II they made any noise, and finally left
During d short absence the old couple
tried TO release themselves. but Mr.. Hut
Crimson was afraid the men would come
back, and his fears were well founded, as
they did return with ropes and bound the
couple more securely than ever. Mr..
Hutchinson inquired OF them what team
they were going TO take and were in
formed that they would drive away with
the grays. The desperadoes said not 10
worry about the team. They would leave
It where it could be found, and drove
away. After they had gone Mr.. Hutch
inson and his wife managed to roll over
and over until they got together. and the
husband unfastened the ropes that bound
his wife with his teeth. Then his wife
released him and they started off TO their
nearest neighbor's 5. two miles away. They
found the team there and the men We're
nowhere to be found. Several persons
had seen them and remembered seeing
them on various occasions for three or
FOUR days hanging around the neighbor-
hood Word vas sent out, giving a de-
scription Of the men, and last tuesday
Sheriff Simmons arrestea one named
Peter OFT and placed him in the county
taiI Yesterday Mr.. Hutchinson and the
sheriff of Sherman county arrived ana
went over 10 the jail Sheriff Simmons
placed several man in A line and then in
vited Mr. Hutchinson 10 come in He
heard a voice before he saw any or the
men and remarked: That is the voice
! recognize il" When shown the seven
men who were standing in line he scan
ned their faces carefully. OFT having his
cap pulled down over his eyes. Mr.
Hutchinson did not take but a moment
20 pick out his man He walked straight
I'D 10 Peter OFT and said: That is the
man. 7 know him. He did f."
The sheriff and Mr.. Hutchinson then
Sheriff simmons to Andale
- try and get the other man who they
thought was located, but Mr.. Hutchinson
could not say positively that he was the
other one, so the party returned last
rtg4t and the sherman county sherfn /
the prisoner 10 his county
where he VIII be placed on trial Tor the /
attempted murder and robbery,