Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1909-07-15
ILLINOIS DOCTOR, WHO KILLED
CRESCENT CITY BANKER,
IN JAIL.
FRIENDS BELIEVE VICTIM SILENT
FOR YEARS BECAUSE OF
DAUGHTER.
STRANGE CIRCUMSTANCE THAT
FAIL TO SUPPORT SELF DE-
TENSE THEORY.

Watseka, H., July 14.-That J. B.
Saylor, the Crescent City banker, who
was slain Sunday by Dr. w. R. Miller,
remained passive for the sake of his
17-year-oId daughter, Goldie, while the
talk of alleged intimacy of his wife
and Miller was rife-not only in his
homo town but in other parts of the
country, is asserted by the decedents
closest friends.
On this theory alone are they able
to account for the bankers uncom-
planning silence during the last two
years, during which, it is said, Miller
has, with growing frequency, been
Mrs. SayIor's guest at her home, and
her companion on long drives, rambles
through the woods and on hunting
expeditions.
Saylor idolized his daughter, Goldie.
Two years ago he sent her \"
neighboring town of Onarma to attend
a seminary, in order, it is now said,
that she might not witness the do
nestle tangle which was coming into
general notice.
According to w. r. Nightingale
cashier of the bank of which Saylor
was vice president, the devoted father
determined to suffer in silence rather
than take any action which would in.
vOlve his child in nOtOriety.
HE seemed to fear some tragic so
luton of the situation said Mr.
Nightingale yesterday. whenever
he left the city during the last year
or so, it was his habit to seek privacy,
after which he would reappear with a
bulky envelope containing papers.
Should anything happen to him, he al
ways told me, was to open the packet
and to follow to the letter the instruc-
tons contained therein. After each
trip. but the last, he destroyed the
papers upon his return. He was away
q little while ago, but when he came
back, he failed to follow this practice.
That packet, | believe, is locked in
his private box IN the banks vault.
Whether it will shed any light on the
tragedy which ended his life, | can
not say. The coroner has the key and
will open the box later"
Miller's defense is that he shot only
when attacked by the banker with a
hatchet. Evidence casting shadow
on this statement was given at the
inquest.
The tragedy occurred about 10
o'clock Sunday night. Mrs. Miller,
wife of the doctor, had left few days
previously to visit her parents at
Sharon, Pennsylvania, and Miller was
taking his meals at Saylor's table,
sleeping at his own home. There
were also at Saylor's home, John Q.
Grunden. father of Mrs. Saylor, and
Ira Grunden. her brother. The older
Grunden came recently from Ard
more, Oklahoma, to become an in
mate of the soldiers home at Dan
Vile. near here. Ira Grunden came
Sunday morning from his home az
Sheldon, Illinois, John Grunden's ar
rival was on the previous day.
The whole party, including Mr.. Say
lor. took breakfast together. but
thereafter the latter had nothing to
do with the others At noon he did rot
appear for dinner, and ate supper
alone. Miller, Mrs. Saylor and her
father and brother being absent look
ing al some horses. Later the others
returned and had their evening meal.
Mr.. Saylor being out en- the lawn.
John Grunden later asked Saylor to
Join the party in a game of cards,
they two against Miller and Mrs. Say
lor. SayIor refused, somewhat sharp
". His refusal. Mrs. Saylor states,