The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-10-17

Governor Stubbs today offered n -e-
ward of $500 for the arrest and cor
viction of the murderer Of William
Snowman and family.
Ellsworth. Kan, Oct. 1.-THE murder
Of man and woman and their three
children which was discovered here at
O'Clock Monday afternoon is believed
by the townspeople to be the work OF
an ex-convict who was released on pa
role from the Kansas penitentiary lit
tie more than year ago. There is a
story on the streets here today that
he was seen here the evening Of the
murder but this cannot be confirmed.
If the theory now accepted by most
Ellsworth people is true the threat made
by Charles Morzyck at the time has
been but partially executed. When n,,
was taken to the penitentiary he de-
cared according to reports today. that
ne would not only kill his wife. who
turned against him at the trial. but
every witness in the case when ne wus
released. At the time of the trial Mr.
and Mrs. Snowman, who were killed
Sunday night, ere firm in the stand
they took against the convict. Mrs.
Snowman was the sister OF Mrs Nor
zyck and accused man was very bitter
towards her.
More Murder Is Attempted.
w nat mikes the lneufN more general
~ accepted is the fact that during tho
night on which the quintruple murder
occurred some one tried to break into
the home of the city marshal but was
frightened away. The city marshal was
one of the witnesses in the case against
Morzyck.
Shortly after her husband was con-
victed OF theft and sentenced to prison
Mrs Mcrzyck obtained a divorce from
her husband and married James NOpat.
a farmer from whom it is charged the
theft was committed. They reside upon
farm near here. At the time Of his
arrest Morzyck was IN the employ @f
Vopat and at his trial made charges
against Vopat and his wife.
Seen I'm Ellsworth Year Ago.
After getting his parole the man now
suspected in Ellsworth of having caused
five deaths for revenge, was seen on 4
westbound train here. This was about
a year ago. Where he has spent the
time since being seen here. OF his pres
ent whereabouts is unknown. He has
no friends or relatives here who would
be likely to know anything about him.
The rumor that he was seen hero
Sunday night can not be traced to its
source.
Murderer Left on Freight.
Bloodhounds were brought here FROM
Abilene Monday night They were sep
scene of the murder. He took a trail
from the house and followed il to the
crossing of the Missouri Pacific and
Union Pacific railroads. Further he
refused to go.
This dog was then returned and two
others taken to the house of death.
They took a trail which led TO the same
spot and also refused 20 go further.
This caused the theory that whoever
did the killing caught a freight which
leaves here between and o'clock a
the morning or Wichita. Wichita OFF,
cials have been furnished with deacrip-
tions and notified Of the killing.
Former Wife Terror Stricken.
Shortly after the discovery OF .he
murder Mr.. and Mrs. James Nopat were
notified of the crime They asked no
questions but at once prepared to leave
their residence. which Is about i've
miles from this city They spent the
night with the family of a friend AMI
declare they will not return to their
home t. stay until the murder mystery
is cleared M.
Everything is being done 70 estab-
lish the correctness or falsity OF .he
present generally accepted theory or
the killing. Otherwise there is not the
slightest clue to work on. Both Show
man and his wife have lived all their
lives in Ellsworth. There was nothing
in their courtship to cause a theory
of murder because of jealousy. They
were in very moderate circumstances
and lived in a small two roomed house
(Cor.s---ed on Page EiEht1