The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-05
Then Becoming Dependent Because
She Left Him Fired a Bullet
Into His Brain.
MAN WITH A CHARMED LIFE
ELMER FIELDS HAS LUCKY ESCAPE
FROM FATAL SHOTGUN CHARGE.
Suicide of Young Man Who Was
Tilted by Sweetheart-Beckwi
Career-Indiana Crimes.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
SHERIDAN, Ind, Aug. 4.-Charles Rob-
erts, a young man about twenty-seven
years old, who has made his home with
William Sample, Of this place. shot himself
through the temple. causing instant death,
at o'clock yesterday morning. He was
at the home of his father, about eight
miles west and south of here at the time.
The suicide was brought on by a one-sided
love affair and a forced marriage on the
part of Roberts to the eldest daughter of
Mr.. Sample. For about six years Roberts
had lived in the Sample house as friend
to the family, part of the time as hired
man and part of the time junior part
ner in business with Mr.. Sample. All the
while Roberts was very attentive to Miss
Sample. who liked him very we'll as
friend. But it seems that she never really
loved him and at different times refused to
marry him. OF late Roberts had been very
persistent in his attentions and last Friday
night. when Miss Sample visiting
friends near Kirklin, he went to see her.
He told her that her aunt, who lives in
Owen county, was dangerously ill and that
her parents had sent for her to come home
while they went to see the sick woman.
She hesitated at first, but he insisted, and
they went away together. When they had
gone about two miles Roberts produced two
revolvers and told her if she did not prom
Use to go to his fathers home that night
and then go with him the next day and
marry him he would kill her. The young
woman was very much frightened, and see
ing no chance of escape, promised all he
had asked. He then took her to his fathers
house, where she was not allowed to tell
anything of her troubles. The next morn
ing, as they were on their way to Mobiles
vile, where they were afterwards married,
she told him she would rather die than
marry him. He became enraged, and plac-
ing revolver against her breast, told her
with an oath she would die or marry him.
After they were married he took her again
to the Roberts home, where she was forced
to appear contented. On Sunday the young
woman secured an opportunity to talk with
her husbands brother. who was member
in the same lodge with her father. Imme-
diately on learning her predicament he be-
gan to plan for her relief. This he finally
accomplished Monday, when he coaXed
Charles Roberts to accompany him to their
brother-in-law's, Mr. Bairds, near Ter
hume. AS soon as they were fairly on
the way the brave girl started and walked
to Sheridan. She was almost exhausted
when she arrived home. She told r story
and her father assured her she s.. ,uld not
return long as he lived to protect her.
Roberts became respondent and evidently
crazy when he returned home and found
that his wife had run away. He determined
to kill himself and did so yesterday morn
ing. He went to the barn with his brother
to feed the stock. When the latter returned
to the house for breakfast the respondent
man remained at the barn. His brother had
scarcely reached the house when he heard
shot, and suspecting what had occurred,
ran back to the barn. He found his brother
in the hay-loft dead. The affair has caused
great grief among their friends. Miss Sam
pie is an excellent young woman