Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-02-27
ELDRIDeE BECKER KILLS GIRL
WHO REJECTED HIM
AND THEN HIMSELF
MT. PLEASANT TRAGEDY
Whole Town is Mortified by Murder
and Suicide - Miss Florence Allen,
Becker's Victim, Was Popular and
Beautiful Young Woman - Was
Teacher In Howe's Academy.

Teacher In HoWe's Academy.
Mt. Pleasant, Feb. 24.-Miss Flor
ence Allen, the beautiful and accom-
plished daughter Of Doctor and Mrs.
L. B. Allen, was shot down and muir.
dered in cold blood in her home last
night, by Eldredge Becker, disap-
pointed lover, who was found later, In
his room, dead, with self-inflicted
bullet wound in his forehead. Mrs.
Allen was slightly wounded by Becker.
No tragedy has SO shaken the citi-
zens of this community as the murder
and suicide of two popular and promi-
nent young people. The affair has
cast a gloom over the town and the
wrath of the people when they first
learned of the bloody crime has turned
to a feeling Of sadness and futile de-
spair.
Murdered In Her Home.
Miss Allen was sitting at home with
her mother, both having just returned
from visits, when g.. loud knocking was
heard at the kitchen door, shortly aft
er 10 o'clock. Alarmed at the unex-
pected noise, the mother and daughter
retreated to an inner room. The visit
or meanwhile had forced an entrance,
and according to report, pursued his
hall.
Becker fired one shot, the bullet
striking Miss Allen in the shoulder,
passing down through the lung. Mrs.
Allen received flesh wound, the bull
let grazing her arm before hitting her
daughter.
Frustrated over the shock Mrs. AL.
len lies In a critical condition.
Neighbors soon arrived, and DR.. AL
len, who was In town, was hastily
summoned Everything possible was
done for the girl, but death came
shortly after. Mrs. Allen had been
calling on Mrs. Margaret Perrine near.
by, awaiting the return of Miss Allen
from Howe's academy, where she had
gone to attend recital,
Murderer Kills Himself.
1t Is learned that young Becker, aft
er the tragedy, returned to his rooms
several blocks away, and fired bull
let into his forehead, using the same
weapon with which he killed Miss AL
len. He was found on the floor some
time later by City Marshal Anderson
who was aided in the search. for the
slayer by Mayor Caster Of Burlington
who was in the city on visit.
A 38 calibre revolver was used, the
pistol, now in charge Of the police
having two chambers empty. Becker
! was alone in the house at the time, the
family occupying the residence having
moved out yesterday and his room
mate was away in the early part of the
evening.
Miss Allen Well Known.
Miss Allen who was but 20 years ole
is well known and popular girl. She
studied in the schools and colleges
here and had remarkably cultured
voice. She was in demand at many
gatherings where her singing was al
ways admired. For the past year o.
more she was an Instructor in Howe,
academy and was there last evening
prior to the tragedy.
| She was a tall, slightly built cir
and had a beautiful face and graceful
figure. She had many friends in Mt
Pleasant and throughout the state.
She left the institution shortly be
fore 10 o'clock and proceeded to he
home, whether alone or accompanied
is not known. Her mother who is ,
sister of Attorney r. G. Gaylor of thi
city, was awaiting her and togethe
they sat down for a short talk befor,
retiring.
Becker Called on Girl.
It was evident that young Becke
was the theme discussed, as it wa
learned he had called at the house tina
i afternoon and also for few minute
! after the supper hour. Mrs. Allen,
Is said, objected to him as q sutton 70
her daughter.
1 Becker first met Miss Allen at tn
academy year ago. He had entere,
1t as a student, and no doubt soon los
his heart to the fair teacher. But. /
Is said, his affection was unrequited
and Miss Allen never encouraged hi
attentions.
The young man resided short dis
lance southeast Of town, and is tn
son of rich and prominent Henr
county farmer. About 81 years of age
4 he possessed fine personality and wa
a handsome specimen of sturdy mar
hood.
Was Also a Musician.
/ Like Miss Allen, he was fond q
music and played the violin in skille
, manner Becker, evidently broodin
over his trouble, decided to end tn
: lives of BOTH Where he secured hi