The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-11-08
Rev. R. E. Howell Commits
Suicide at OIathe.
Last Chapter in a Scandal Be-
gun at a Revival.
HIGHLY SENSATIONAL
Is the Story of the Tragedy of
Four Lives.
Left a Letter Asking His
WrOnged Wife's Forgiveness.

OIathe, Nov. S.-Rev. R. E. Howell, a
well dressed man, about 40 years old,
committed suicide late yesterday after
noon at the Avenue hotel, this city, by
taking carbolic acid. He came here
from NeOshOa. Mo, at o'clock in the
morning, and called at Mrs. Whites
boarding house, where Mrs. Cora Hen
derson, of Columbus, Mo, a beautiful
and intelligent woman, about % years
old, had been boarding for a week, her
husband joining her last Saturday night.
Howell made inquiry for Mrs. Hender-
son, saying he was her husband and in
sisted upon being shown to her room,
it being about o'clock and before she
had arisen.
When Mrs. Henderson was awakened
and told that her husband was at the
door wanting to see her, she was trap
ped. For more than an hour the three
talked in their room, each man declar-
ing if he had a revolver he would kill
the other. At last Howell came down
the stairs to the parlor and told every
thing to Mrs. White and declared he
would kill himself before night.
He left and first went to Hotel Olathe
and then to the Avenue hotel, where he
registered as r. E. Howell Decatur,
Ill, and left call for o'clock when he
was found dead in his room.
Howell, in his story to Mrs. White,
said he had been a preacher and was
holding revival meetings at Warrens-
burg, Mo, last summer where Mrs.
Henderson attended services. They be-
came infatuated with each other and
he deserted his wife in Decatur and
Travelled with Mrs. Henderson. He re-
ceiVed letter from her yesterday while
at NeOshO, Mo, full of affection, but
entreating him not to come here. He
could not bear to be away, however, so
he came and learned for the first time,
he claimed, that Mss. Henderson had
living husband.
The husband claims to be a stockman
and gave his name as William Hender-
son and his residence as Columbus Mo.
He and his wife left at 10 o'clock this
morning for their home. Howell left the
following note:
1T may seem strange for me to do
such thing as this, but I have been
basely deceived by one I loved better
that loved my own life. I would ask
that you telegraph to my father, John
T. Howell, Decatur, Ill; also to my
brother, H. T. Howell, and J. W. Sud
deith, Warrensburg, Mo.
L nave two grips at Mrs. Whites
private boarding house. She can also
furnish you some information as to the
cause of this crime. I also desire you
to publish the attached letter, which
will help to explain matters. I leave
myself in the hands of a just and mer-
ciful God. hate to break the news to
her. but also telegraph to my wife, Mrs.
r. z. Howell, Eureka, ILL.,, whom have
so cruelty WrOnged, and tell her I ask
her forgiveness. I trust this will be a
warning to all men not to trust in the
smiles and batteries of a deceitful wo-
man. There viii be a button with my
picture on it come here for Mrs. Cora
Henderson. VIII someone please be
kind enough to get it out of the office
and mail to my wife at Eureka. III. %
Coroner Williamson has notified his
wife.