The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-11-03
Enough Arsenic in Bissonette's
Liver ts Cause Death.
Mrs. VermiIya Must Answer to
Charge of Murder.
TWO VICTIMS NAMED.
Richard Smith Who Died While
ROoming at Her House.
Had Taken Out Life Insurance
in Her Favor.

Chicago. Nov. 3-Professor Walter
Haynes, of Rush Medical college, re-
ported to Coroner Hoffman today thai
he had found abundant arsenic in Pc
liceman Arthur Bissonette liver "a
cause death
Immediately after the announcement
that BissOnette's death was caused by
poison, Chief of Police New eeney pre-
pared to swear out warrant for Mrs.
Louis Nernilya, charging her with the
murder of Arthur Bissonette and Rich
ard Smith. an Illinois Central cOnduc-
tor. who died mysteriOusly while 4
roomer at Mrs. Vermilya's home
Dispatches from Peoria quoted
Thomas II. Burlington. brother-in-la
of Richard Il. Smith, who died at Mrs
Nermilyas home as saying that Smith
had taken out life insurance policy for
s.. 600. making her the beneficiary lie
also told OF an agreement with Smith
made years ago. that if either of them
died suddenly the other would lnNeStl-
gate HIS death
The first thread in a poison mys-
terry that the police say is likely to
reveal a series of murders, more VIII
ful and cold blooded than any in po-
lice history here. was unraveled with
the announcement that BiSSOnette had
been poisoned. BiSsOnette died sud
denly q week ago, after becoming ill
at the home of the widow, Mrs Louis
Nermilya, with whom he boarded The
examination Of his viScera showed
arsenic in more than sufficient guam
tity to cause death.
Eight other deaths within the last
few years of persons related or close
" associated with Mrs. Nermi1ya were
recalled by the police. Smith died a
year ago while a boarder at her home.
Mrs. Nermilya for the last few days
has been under close police guard at
her home. According to plans she will
be taken at once TO q police station,
although her physician declares she
is seriously i'll.
The other Deaths.
Others deaths were:
Fred Brinkamp. first husband Of
Mrs. vermilya, left $4,000 to the
Charles vermilya, second husband.
died two years ago, leaving $4,000.
Frank Brinkamp, son of first mar
rage died a year ago leaving mother
$1,000
Harry ]. Vermilya, stspson, died
year ago after a quarrel with his step
mother over the sale of a house
Lillian Brinkamp, granddaughter of
Fred Brinkamp died 1906 at home OF
Mrs Vermilya-
Richard 7. smith died year ago
while rooming at her home Reputed
to have left her $4,000 life insurance
and declared by some to have been a
third husband
cora Brinkamp, daughter, died
when years old, at former home
harrington. Ill.
Florence Brlnkamp, daughter, dleu
at 4 years old a t Darlington.
Decide to Arrest Her.
The decision to arrest Mrs. Nermilya
was made after a conference of two
hours by the examining doctors, Cor
oner Hoffman, Chief of Police Nc
Weeney, State Attorney Wayman and
other officers of the police who have
examined her.
Previous to the examination Coron-
er Hoffman had declared he would
cause to be exhumed the bodies of at
least a part Of the others to see if
arsenic could be found.
Did Not Know of Engagement.
Marshall, Mimi. Nov. 3.-AIiss Lydia
Rivard. to whom Policeman Arthur
Bissonette left his estate on his death
in Chicago lives about five miles south
of here Relatives here did not know
the girl was engaged to the officer.