The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-21
Ellsworth f. Weir, n Prominent AT
torney Of Laporte, Ind.' "ou
by Joseph w. Brill.
LATTER A WEALTHY MINER
WHOSE WIFE AND DAUGHTERS RE-
SIDE IN CLEVELAND.
Wanted Weir to Sign a Statement nnd
Shot Him When He Refused-Ihe
Wound Possibly Fatal.
ciaI 70 the Indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
LAPORTE. Ind, Jan. Ellsworth E.
Weir SON of ex-senator Morgan II. Weir,
and late candidate for judge of the Thir-
ty-second Indiana judicial circuit, was prob
ably fatally shot at $40 o clock this evening
by Joseph w. Brill wealthy mine own
err of Oaxaca, Mexico. who makes his
home when in the States at Cleveland, o.
The attempted murder occurred in the
office of Dr. George NJ. Dakin. Domes-
tic troubles of the Drills is said to be
the cause. For some time there has been
an arrangement between Mr.. and Mrs.
Brill, and a short time ago Mrs Brill. who
lives in Cleveland, consulted the law firm
of Weir, Weir & barrow. Of this city, re-
garding the case. Z. Z. Weir was in Cleve-
land last week and conferred with Mrs.
Brill. At noon to-day Mr.. Brill reached
here from the East. where he had been
on business and, after spending the aft
ernoon with friends. called at DR.. Dakins
office, from which place he sent a mes
senger for Mr.. Weir, who quickly re-
sponded. After the exchange of a few
remarks. Mr.. Brill, according to the story
told by DR.. Dakin. demanded that Mr.. Weir
(Weir) had been intimate with his (Brilrs)
wife. This the attorney refused TO do,
denying that any such relationship ex-
listed. Brill emphasized his demand by pro-
ducing a revolver and telling Mr.. Weir he
would kill him unless he complied. Weir
still refused to sign the statement and
protested his innocence. Brill then pointed
the revolver at Weir's heart and pulled the
trigger, but the reflex action of the dis
charge caused the bullet to go just above
the heart, passing through the collar bone
and coming out in the back. Though no
vital organs were pierced it is feared ne
cannot survive. DR.. Dakin prevented Mr..
Brill from shooting the second time.
The wounded man was removed to his
home and Brill was taken into custody
Efforts to secure his release tonight on
refused to consider the matter pending the
outcome of the injuries. Mr.. Brill was
locked In cell in the county Jail on ad-
vice of his attorneys. Brill refused to talk
except to say that ii was an unfortunate
accident.
Brill is about thirty-five years old and a
native OF Virginia. He came to Laporte
about twelve years ago, and while attend
ing Parsons Institute married the adopted
daughter of +. c. King, a wealthy manu-
facturer. After conducting a large jewelry
house here for years he failed for $4,000
after which he went to Mexico and made
strike in silver mining. He is said to be
worth about million dollars. E. E. Weir
Is one of the most prominent members of
and one daughter.
CLEVELAND, o., Jan. 21.-Joseph w
6rill, who is under arrest at Laporte Ind
for shooting Ellsworth Z. Weir, lives in a
fine house on Euclid avenue, in this city.
He has been in Cleveland about three years.
The neighbors credit him with consider
able wealth, and he is said to be the owner
of silver mine in Mexico. He has never
been prominently known in business here
His family consists of his wife and three
little daughters. His wife is Frustrated by
the news from Laporte.