The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-07-16
WOULD LIKE TO HANG HIM
Coda sayIer's Attitude Towards Her
Fathers Slayer Changes.

Watseka, Ill, July 16.-Following
the discovery of important documents
in the vaults of the Crescent City
First National bank, which are be-
lieved to shed much light on the mys-
terious shooting of Banker James
Byron Sayler. the 17-year-oId daugh-
ter of the dead man. Coda Sayler,
| declared she was convinced her faith
er had been murdered in cold blood.
She vowed vengeance against Dr.
William r. Miller, who is in the Iro-
quois county Jail, charged with the
crime, and said she would like to
see him hanged"
The young girls attitude toward
the slayer of her father is believed to
have been caused by a letter found
among the dead bankers papers in
the vault. 1t is said this letter ex-
plains fully the circumstances of
Doctor Miller's intimacy with Mrs.
Sayler, and to have expressed the
fear that the writer would meet his
death at the hands of the physician.
II know now that my father was
murdered" said Coda, "and I would
be glad to see, Doctor Miller hanged.
hate him so much that I would be
only too glad to pull the rope myself.
If papa left me any money or prop
erty I will spend every cent of it to
send his murderer to the gallows."
Brothers Open Vault.
The private box in the vault was
opened by Thomas and Will Sayler
brothers of the dead man. in the
presence of state Attorney Pallissard ,
and William Nightingale, cashier of
the bank.
The Importance of the documents
found was such that the utmost
secrecy was observed regarding their
nature 1t was said however, that !
one of the letters was addressed to
MY Daughter, Coda" and contained
valuable information to be used in
prosecuting Doctor Miller and his al
legged accomplices.
Early in the day Will Sayler tele-
phoned Sheriff Heikes: Coda viii
call you up in a few minutes" said
he" and She will want to see her
mother. Don't grant her permission
under any circumstances"
Shortly after this conversation the
girl telephoned the sheriff. He in
formed her kindly that he could not
grant the permission she asked. She
did not seem to be angry at the re-
fusaI.
Before the Say1er brothers went to
the bank for the private box 1t was
noticed that Coda was searching for
something in the desks and bureaus
Of the residence. When asked what
she was looking for. she replied:
Papa left letter for me and I'm :
ime ago that he would leave me some
hing which I should read carefully.
we looked through all the desks In :
he house and I cannot find IT,"
silent on Letters Contents.
Maybe he left it in his private box I
n the bank vault" it was suggested.
Shortly after the vault was opened
[ was declared that the letter written
Y the banker was placed in the hands
f the daughter. She refused to discuss .
he document found in the vault. as
id all of those who were present at
he opening of the private box. III
I'VE cannot say a thing now, said /
tate Attorney PaI1issard. Il will adj Il
nit that the documents and letters left
v the dead banker are of great i'm
ortaace.
saThey are so important that every
ne present was put under oath not to II
eveaI their contents When first II
mink there would be anything In it of III
Importance, but I have changed my II
lind now" MI