davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
H0CH, WIFE MURDERER
ESCAPES THE GALLONS

police records of late years was that
of Knapp, the Cincinnati murderer,
who was executed at Columbus a
couple of years ago. convicted of the
murder of one Of his wives and sus-
pected of killing several other women
and young girls.
Hoch married Mrs. Mary Hendrick-
son under the name of Schmidt in
1908. He left her shortly afterward
and married a Mrs. Welker. Both
women lived in Chicago. Mrs. We'll
ker died amout a month after her
marriage, and 1t was charged that
Hoch poisoned her in order that he
might marry her sister, Mrs. Emile
Fischer. 1t was Mrs. Fischer who
proved to be Hoch's Nemesis. His
long career of marital duplicity was
halted by this German woman, who
had accumulated by years of frugal
ity the small fortune of $3.50. Mrs.
Fischer married Hoch in Joliet last
January, trusting in his words Of
promise and kindness, eight days
after her sister, Mrs. Welker-Hoch
had died a sudden and mysterious
death. The day after the wedding
Hoch decamped with all her savings.
Fifteen Wives in Ten Years.
The last Mrs. Hoch complained to
the police and an investigation was
at once set on foot. Steps were taken
to apprehend the fugitive should he
undertake to RETURN to Germany. The
progress Of the investigation develop
ed many startling discoveries tending
to connect Hoch with similar opera
tons with many women. The police
declared that he had at least Is wives
within 10 years, and among that num-
Der it was said that at least six of
them died under circumstances which
were regarded as suspicious. Three
of the women died in Chicago, while
the others disappeared mysteriously
from Milwaukee, st. Louis and one or
two other cities where Hoch lived
Mrs. Mary Becker-Hoch was said to
have died mysteriously in ST. Louis
in 1902, Mrs. Mary Schultz-Hoch dis
appeared from Argus. Ind, in 1900,
and Mrs. Lena Hoch died in Milwau-
kee about two years ago. Hoch was
positively identified as the husband
of all of these women, as well as of
three or four whom he married in
Chicago. His purpose appears to have
been in all cases to obtain the money
which his wives had saved. and in
the case of Mrs. Mary Steinbrecker,
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
(Scripps News Association.)

W
CHICAGO, Ill, July %. - With
scarcely more than an hour to spare
before the time set for his execution
Johann Hoch, the convicted wife muir
derer, was reprieved by Governor De-
neen until August 25. Fifteen min
utes prior to the announcement that
he would have additional time to pre-
sent to the supreme court his appeal
Hoch said.
These efforts to save me from the
hangman's moose are the natural out
come of the facts in the case. l have
put my trust in God and know he
Will treat me right. l am innocent
and will prove it before the highest
tribunal"
With the exception Of a slight at
tack of nausea early this morning
Hoch was in excellent spirits
throughout the morning. Up to the
hour set for hanging, when he learned
the money was raised to pay for the
appeal, he called for another cigar.
placed his feet on the table and said
At 1870 Hoch's attorney was as
sured by telephone that the governor
would issue another reprieve provid-
ing the effort to obtain money was
made in good faith.
At II o'clock Hoch received a ray
of hope that he was not to be exc
cuted for the murder of his wife,
Marie Welker-Hoch. He was schedul-
ed to hang between 10 and noon to-
day, but the execution was delayed
until the last moment pending the
result of the heroic efforts of friends
to obtain the $500 needed to complete
the $1100 necessary to make the ap-
peal to the supreme court.
DIR. l.. H. Montgomery, the we'll
known physician, and Mrs. May Will
son, a woman of wealth, called at
the jail at 1890 and announced they
had raised the amount needed by
Hoch. States Attorney Heady in
formed them he would communicate
with the governor. DR.. Montgomery
has taken an interest in the case from
a scientific point of view, asserting
his opinion that the analysis was in
correct and that Hoch could not have
committed the crime.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
SNAIL b01]
(AU5[ hot RUN

Small boys are again harrassing the
fire department by causing alarms to
be sent in, calling out the apparatus
for nothing.
The department this morning was
called for run to box 121. which is
situated at Tenth avenue and Hilliard
street When the apparatus arrived
at that place there was no fire. In
quiries led to the belief that some
boy had maliciously turned in an
alarm.
Chief Myers intends to have this
matter Investigated. The police in
the future will vigilantly keep watch
of the different boxes and offenders
will be given the full force of the law
If caught.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28

who died mysteriously in Chicago .
short time after her marriage to
Hoch 1t Is known that he obtained at
least $4,000.
Hoch's methods with such Of his
wives as he did not find 1t necessary
to otherwise dispose of was illus
trated in the case of Mrs. Anna
Schmidt Hendrickson Hoch, one Of
the women he deserted. He married
this woman In Hammond, Ind, in
1903 Two days later he fed with
$500 which she had saved. The day
after the marriage he went to her
and told her he was heir to an estate
in Germany. A few hours later he
hurried in with a fake cablegram
which read: Father Is dead. Your
brother William"
He told his wife that $4,000 was
coming to him from his fathers
estate, and that she must prepare
to leave for Germany with him the
next night. He said he had no money
for the voyage and succeeded in OBJ
tanning from her the $500 she had in
bank AS soon as he had secured
the money he left Hammond and his
wife did not see or hear Of him again
until his arrest
Arrest Through Woman.
Hoch's arrest was brought about
in an odd way. After his disappear
ance from Chicago the newspapers
of the country were flooded with his
pictures and accounts Of his alleged
crimes. Within a week woman CALI
ed at a police station in New York
city and told the officer in charge
that a man whom she believed from
the picture to be the missing Hoch
had engaged a room at her house. An
officer accompanied her home and at
once recognized the fugitive. The
woman said that within two days of
his arrival Hoch had learned that
she had a little money saved up and
had Immediately proposed marriage
to her.
Hoch was returned to Chicago,
where he was later identified by a
half dozen of the women he had mar
charge of numbering Mrs. welker-
Hoch resulted in speedy conviction.
The date of execution was several
times postponed by Governor Deneen
to give the man a chance to obtain
another trial, but the efforts in this
direction failed of success.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
FUNERAL OF
ENSIGN PERRY

SAN DIEGO. Cal, July 2s.-The
funeral OF Ensign Newman X. Perry,
the only commissioner officer killed
In the Bennington explosion. was held
at St. Paurs Episcopal church this
morning The services were attended
by Admiral Goodrich and all surviv-
ors OF the Bennington and the officers
and crews Of the flagship Chicago
and other warships in the port and
by city and county officials. Mrs.
Perry, her mother and sister attend
ed the funeral. The remains will be
sent to Stockbridge, Mass. for burial.
No new deaths were reported at the
hospitals this morning.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
WRIGHT FIRE TO
Be INVESTIGATED
BY GRAND JURY

glue. Fire broke out one day and
smoke.
Mr. Wright later went to Butte,
Mont, and there for time worked
as journeyman painter and paper
hanger. In 1895 he was in Anaconda
in the paper and paint business. He
sold out and came to Spokane, estab-
fishing the business here
Tried to Borrow $4,000.
Developments previous to the re-
cent fire also will be presented to the
jury. 1t Is understood Mr. Wright
was offered a bonus Of $4,000 If he
March last. He declined. In May he
offered to accept the proposition, but
his offer was declined. He then made
an effort to raise $4,000 and asked
assistance In floating a loan of that
amount. This proved unsuccessful.
ed his assets and liabilities would
have about balanced.
1t also is claimed that for several
days prior to the fire goods were re-
moved from the Riverside store to
the warehouse on Second avenue, not
in great quantities, but in sufficient
bulk to have been remembered after
the fire by persons residing in the vi
cinity of the Second avenue establish
ment.
Another matter which is considered
of Importance in the coming investi-
CATION Is the cancellation of certain
insurance policies just previous to the
against the incendiary proposition.
This, however, will be held to be a
shrewd play.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
FAVORED
MORMONS,
IS ASKED
TO RESIGN

WASHINGTON, July 2s.-Upor
the charge that Commissioner Rich
ards of the general land Office has
played into the hands of the Nor
mons in opening to settlement the
Uintah Indian reservation, the Gen.
tiles of Utah have demanded his re-
moval. 1t is asserted that Richards
statement accompanying the procla'
maticn said the land WAS practically
worthless. This was used by the
Mormons to discourage Gentiles from
taking up land.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
COL, BRYAN OPENS
The 1908 CAMPAIGN

as the opening gun for the democratic
campaign of 1908.
Besides Colonel Bryan, the speak
ers will include Il. Il. Ryan. demo-
cratic national committeeman for
Wisconsin,; Martin L. Lueck, repre-
senting the democratic state central
committee; ]. NJ. Crowley, represent
ing the democratic members of the
state legislature, and Congressman
Charles II, Weisse of Sheboygan.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28

decided to hit the one-way pike on the
"spliced" wagon.
Mr.. Parsons walked up to the office
of the Hotel Victoria. Wednesday,
and asked for 1t room. The next day
Miss Faus came and asked for a
room. Nobody had any suspicion
that the couple were even known to
each other until this morning when
Mr.. Parsons stepped up TO the clerk
and said he and Miss Faus had been
TO see parson.
The couple will remain at the Vic
toria for a few days, after which they
will continue their honeymoon, visit
ing the Portland fair and other points
ON the coast.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28

had been drinking for some time past
and 1t is thought he may have been
brooding over past sorrows.
Doyle has a wife and child at Leav-
enworth, WASH, but has not lived
with his family for some time. This
morning friends noticed that he act
ed strangely, but thought very little
of II until they heard the man had
attempted to take his own life. He
was seen this morning in several sa-
looms. where he chatted with his
friends, although always in a morose
manner.
The attempted suicide occurred in
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
CORONER SUMMONED TOO SOON
WOULD BE SUICIDE MAY LIVE

the Palace saloon shortly after 8
o'clock this morning. Doyle used his
right hand in attempting to fire
through his left breast and 1t is to
this fact that the physicians attribute
his failure to carry out his design.
After the shooting bystanders pick
ed the man up and carried him to a
nearby room, where he was left for
dead. Coroner Witter was summoned.
but on his arrival, finding the man
alive, turned the case over to the
county physician. DR.. w. F. Morrison,
who had the man conveyed to the Sa-
cred Heart hospital.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
VANDERBILT'S
NEW ROAD
(Scripps News Association. }

PITTSBURG. Pa, July 2s.-The
Vanderbilts have formed new cor
poration, the Bear Creek Extension
Railroad company, for the purpose
of uniting under one management
their various coal roads and prop
critics in Pennsylvania. 1t will short
ly put out an issue Of 100000
bonds. part OF which will be retained
in the treasury. for the extension Of
lines and development of coal prop
critics in the Bear Creek and Cherry
Run districts.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
COMMISSIONERS CLERK
BEFORE THE GRAND JURY

George II. Wallis. deputy county
auditor assigned to duties which
make him practically clerk OF the
board of county commissioners, was
before the grand jury this morning.
1t is not known whether or not the
visit was concerning the matter OF
the righteousness OF the dollar a mile
contract with DR.. w. Fumigator Nor
rison in Kidding the county of con-
tagion and protecting country dis
tricts from epidemic.
The jury is believed to he consider
ing several matters. One Of these Is
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28

the contract for kalsomining the
courthouse.
in the past couple of years of con-
shutting the chairman of the board
the absolute purchasing agent of the
county In matter of supplies to the
several offices in the courthouse.
There Is also the matter Of the
drawing by the commissioners of "A
lump sum OF $26 month for Eek
penses," which custom has been de-
clared contrary ii law by Prosecuting
Attorney Barnhart.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
TO DISCUSS
TELEPHONE
FRANCHISE

The Municipal league this evening
will hold meeting In the municipal
courtrooms at the city hall for the
purpose Of enabling citizens TO reply
to the objections offered by those OPP
posed to the new telephone fran
chise.
At it's last meeting certain members
pointed out that the city should not
grant franchise to new company
but instead should take steps to own
one OF its own.
Cyrus Happy and others will speak
and a warm session is possible.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
DENIES Land
FRAUD GUILT

PORTLAND, Ore. July 2S.-Van
Gesner. the partner and codefendant
of Congressman Williamson. took the
stand in his own behalf today. He
made complete denial of the alleg-
ed land fraud conspiracy.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
(Scripps News Association.)

NEW ORLEANS. July 2s.-Govern-
or Blanchard has returned to the
state capitol to perfect state or
ganization to combat the yellow fever
the suggestions of the medical au-
thorities this morning the ward or
CARNATIONS began a concerted move
ment to stamp out the disease. Every
new case is to be isolated and all
physicians are to be notified. The
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28

William Doyle. aged 35, who runs
a poolroom at Hillyard, attempted to
commit suicide this morning by
shooting himself In the left breast
with a IS caliber revolver.
Doyle did not succeed in his effort.
however, for the bullet apparently
struck one of his ribs and glanced
upward and outward. lodging near the
shoulder. The man is now at the
Sacred Heart hospital, where hopes
for his recovery are entertained.
No definite cause for Doyle's act
can be ascribed by those who know
him. 1t Is stated. however, that he
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
WHOLE DAY ALONE
WITH HIS FAMILY
(Scripps News Association.)

OYSTER BAY, N. Y, July u.s.
President Roosevelt and family are
picnicing today at some point on the
shore south of here. Not even secret
service men are included in the party.
No visitors are expected by the presi-
dent today.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
R[)[(T5 BRITISH Ortiz
Of HAVEN f0R THE J[W5

the British government for the COLI
onization of the Jews. While the
country is rich and could easily sup
port 10000 people. it was inaccessi-
BILE and surrounded by dangerous
tribes, The executive committee
undertaken.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
(Scripps News Association.)

BASLE, Switzerland, July 2S.-At
todays session of the Zionist con-
gress Leopold Greenberg of London
sent TO east Africa to explore the
country which has been offered by
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28

why don't you buy some stock in,
that new mining company"
What, in that company? Say.
don't you know that Ave of the d.
rectors are worth $2o.oo0,00o apiece.
two of them are leaders In the demo-
cratic party, two are republican
bosses and the other Is Sunday
| school teacher.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
BRIDAL COUPLE
AT The VICTORIA

Daniel Cupid. Esq, manufacturer
of matrimonial darts, promoter of
county revenue by the license fee
route, and general provider for poor
parson-meal- tickets, this morning got
busy in Spokane when $. o. Parsons
and Mary Faus of Whitefsh, Mont.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
ANOTHER
OFFICIAL
! RESIGNS
IScripps News Association.)

WASHINGTON, July 2s.-The res
ignation Of George T. Moore, chief
Psychologist in the department of
agriculture, was rendered Secretary
Wilson this morning and was immedi-
ately accepted. This act is taken as
a result of the filing of charges that
Moore exploited mir culture" soil
fertilizer, for his own Individual
profit. Accompanying the resignation
is lengthy statement in which
Moore defended his official conduct.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
(Scripps News Association.)

MADISON. Wis, July 2s.-Colonel
william j. Bryan, who is here to ad-
dress the Monona Lake assembly, is
to be given complimentary recep-
ton and banquet this evening by the
democrats of Wisconsin. 1t is be-
lieved that this occasion will be the
most important assemblage of demo-
Gratis in the northwest for many
years, and II Is regarded In way
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
PLOT TO
MILL SULTAN

LONDON, July 2S.-Advices from
Bucharest. Roumania, say a plot
against the life of the sultan of Tur-
key has been discovered at Kustenje.
a quantity of arms and explosives
were seized.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
RfFORMER APPOINTED
GOVERNOR GENERAL

governor is believer In the extern
sion of self government for Russia.
The appointment gives general salts
faction to all refor mforces. which
believe II 10 another step towards
Russian emancipation.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
new ORLEANS SHUT OFF
FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD

citizens committee has assessed
every business man in the city ac-
cording to his commercial rating
None refused. The yellow fever hos
pital is now filled with patients and
new cases are being received as they
develop. The quarantine is apparent
ly very effective.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28

(Scrlpps News Associatfon.)
NEW ORLEANS. July 2s.--The
state board of health has decided to
quarantine the state against New
Orleans. At IL o'clock this morning
two suspicious cases were discovered
in the American quarter The houses
were Immediately quarantined. The
marine hospital service today began
the examination of all steamboats,.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28

If Johann Hoch was guilty of half
truly deserved to be called the mod
ern "bluebeard." The only case af-
fording anything like a parallel in the
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28

reservists lynched 1s. There Is great
terror among the Jews, many Of
whom are panicstricken and are fee
ing to places OF supposed safety.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
Mill RUSSIAN JEWS

VIENNA, July 2S,-The persecu-
ton of the Jews is spreading in west
ern Russia. At wilma SO Jews have
been shot. At Czenstchau the army
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
(scripps News Association. }

(Scripps News Association.)
MOSCOW, July 2S.-M. Durnovo.
Former president OF the municipality
pr st, Petersburg. has been appoint
ID governor general of Moscow to
Pucceed General Kosliff. The new
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28

MOBILE, Ala. July 2s.-Dr Was
din of the marine hospital service has
just completed his investigation and
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-07-28
(Scripps News Association

reports no yellow fever in this city.
Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1905-08-12
BUILDING FELL
MANY KILLED

Albany, Aug. 9.-Over 100 persons,
large majority of them girls, were
buried beneath smother of brick
wood and plaster Tuesday morning
when the central portion of the large
department store of the John +. MEYERS
company collapsed from roof to cellar.
The wrecked portion includes nearly
one half Of the store. Scores of res
cuers searching among the ruins for
four hours had brought out only 25 in.
1ured. Three of these died after reach
ing the hospitals. At that time ITO
were unaccounted for, and it is certain
that at least half of these are still be.
meath the mound of debris. About 400
persons are on the firms pay roll, but
some of these are on vacations.
The building which collapsed stands
IN the heart of the shopping district,
ON North Pearl street. 1t is owned
partly by the company and partly by
the estate of the late David Orr. The
loss TO the company is estimated at be-
tween 100000 and $500, 900. The
bulldlngw ass very old, but until now
was considered perfectly safe.
The best account of the event that
probably caused the ruin is given by
the head of the crockery, glass and
drug department, which occupies the
| basement
The workmen were saving at a
wooden floor beam" said he, (which
runs under the orth end of pillars in
the middle of the store. Excavation
for the cellar was going on about the
base of this pillar, and | believe that
the Earring of the beam beneath it dis
placed the foundation of the pillar"
The pillars which gave way sup
ported the ends of two giant Orders,
and when it fell the main building was
gone
With noise that could be heard a
block away, and which shook the
buildings adjoining, nearly half the
great structure, from cellar to roof,
and extending from one sidewalk to the
other came grinding down.
When the fire department arrived
the firemen had plenty to do in rescu-
ing those who were pinned under the
top wreckage. In short time the
city's entire hospital and ambulance
force was on the scene, aided by half
hundred doctors from all parts of the
! city. The volunteers rescuers and fire.
men continued the work until ex-
hausted, when their places were stak en-
by "a wrceking force numbering 300
men from tne New York Central and
Delaware q Hudson railroads. These
delved to in the ruins all night, but
the work of rescue proceeded slowly.
When darkness came it was estimated
that nearly 80 persons remained in the
ruins and that not more than half OF
these could survive the weight press.
ing upon them.
Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1905-08-12

During an English farmers meeting,
the chairman had suggested that he
should instruct his transfers to hold
their wagons across the road when
autos were approaching at a furious
rate. He received the following anus
ing communication: "As | doubt the
power of the average farm laborer to
distinguish between the innocent and
the guilty, offer my services. | hold
a discharge as a sergeant from the
army, and am a trained shot. At
least fifty autos pass my house every
day. With an ordinary magazine rife
| could get about thirty daily, and
offer my trained services to the cham
Der at charge of six pence per head.
/ should like to know to whom to for
ward the heads. l could use explo-
sive or poisoned bullets If so de-
sired"