The daily sentinel., 1903-02-21
Sad Case.

morning against James A. Layton,
one of the pioneer settlers of the
Grand Valley and an old time and re-
spected citizen of Grand Junction.
A complaint was sworn to before
Judge Walter Sullivan this morning.
charging that James A. Layton was a
per son so distracted and distorted in
his mind. as to endanger hi; own per-
son and property, or the person and
property of another or others. if al
lowed to 90 at large.
The complaint was sworn to by Or
son Adams. Jr., the cashier of the
NJ ,sa County bank, at the request of a
number of the very nearest friends of
Mr.. Layton and it was done as last
resort, after threats of bodily harm
made upon bis wife.
The gentleman was not placed in
Jail for safe keeping. but given in
charge of person deputized to act in
the capacity of a deputy sheriff. ia
cob Baker.
Mr.. Layton has but recently arrived
home from Battle Greek. Michigan,
WHeTt nt Wtnu W sCCulC III
the famed sanitarium of that city.
He did not seem to be much benefited
by the treatment. Previous to going
to Battle Creek. Mr.. Layton took
trip to Oregon for the change, but
even here he did not find restorative
that he wa, seeking.
1t has been nearly year and a half
since Mr.. Layton first began to be ill.
His sickness IS developed while he was
register OF the land office at Montrose.
The cares of this Office seemed to
weigh heavily upon him. together
with disagreements which he had with
the receiver and several months ago
he sent his resignation to the presi
dent. David r. Crosby of this CITY
succeeded him.
The entire community is in full
sympathy with Mr.. Layton and his
family in their present trouble. ].
A. Layton has always been Ii man of
affairs and this affiiction coming upon
him in the evening of his life is re-
gretted by all. There is not one of
his friends who would not do all in
their power to have averted the pro-
ceedings which have been begun. but
they found it necessary considering
his condition. On the other hand
Mr.. Layton blames these friends for
interfering with him. contending
that he is just as sane as they are.
He charges his wife and his children
with being in conspiracy against
him. together with several of his very
best friends Old friends who were
almost like brothers to him are now
under his suspicion. He charges
them with aiding and abetting his
wife and those who have thought
best to take him into custody.
According to the law he has ten
days in which to answer the charge of
lunacy made against him. He has
taken advantage of this time and has
Samuel N. Wheeler to defend him in
the courts. He has stated to several
persons since this complaint has been
made that he will fight the charge to
the bitter end and that if he is insane
it will have to be proven to him. He
stated further that he would rather
be laid away on Orchard Mesa than
to have to go to an asylum
Mr.. Layton has been around the
city considerable since his arrival
from Battle Creek and those who have
been thrown in his way but a short
time have not noticed any material
change in him. However. his actions
at home and to his warm friends are
such that it was deemed prudent that
he be kept under the care of the law.
There is not person in this city
who will not hope that the charge
will be disproven in the courts. Mr..
Lavton has been man prominent in
affairs and it is to be regretted. if it
is true that his mind is failing.