The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1911-11-30
CHARGED WITH RAPE
Andrew Thornton Is In jail for As
saultine Aged Lady of Morgan
Township. Admits Guilt.

Andrew Thornton, a young man
about 23 years of age, living with
his father on farm just east OF
Spring Valley, in Morgan township,
is in Jail in this city, having been ar
rested Tuesday night by Sheriff An
drew on a warrant sworn out by
John Thomas of Morgan township,
charging him with the heinous crime
of rape, the victim being Mr.. Thomas
sister, Miss Anna Thomas. The al
legged crime was committed last
Thursday evening about $3.50
o'clock.
Miss Thomas, who is an elderly
lady about 6S years old, resides alone
in a small house just a short distance
from the home of her brother near
Spring Valley. Last Thursday even
ing as she was just ready to retire
she was Mortified to see big burly
man, six feet tall suddenly appear in
her bedroom, having gained entrance
by cutting out a screen and raising
the window. The brute lost no time
in making the assault. Miss Thomas
who is a delicate woman who mas
been sick a great deal struggled with
all her might to defend her honor,
and the big burly fellow only partial
ly accomplished his purpose, his VIC
tim being left in a precarlous con-
dition, and at this time grave fears
are felt for her. Before leaving the
house Thorton made the frightened
woman promise to forgive him for
his act. Her condition was discov-
cred the next morning, as she was
quite i'll and she was removed to the
home of her brother and cared for.
The facts in the case were not fully
learned for a few days owing to her
condition, but when finally learned
Mr.. Thomas swore out a warrant
for young Thornton before Justice
Lowrance, on Tuesday, and county
attorney Sharp and sheriff Andrew
we're notified. They made a trip to
Morgan township Tuesday evening,
and it is rumored that they arrived
there none too soon, for number
Of the residents of that part of the
county were just about ready to take
the law in their own hands.
Young Thornton was found in bed
at the home of his father, and placed
under arrest. He was taken to the
home of John Thomas, and Miss
Thomas picked him out from a num-
Der Ol SLTduSE1S duu AuCAC1ACu AaAA1
as the man who had assaulted her.
When questioned in the presence
Of number Of parties he admitted
he Was guilty Of the assault: He is
a skunk hunter and had been hunt
ing that day, going finally to Line
Vile, and was on the way home
when the thought of committing the
crime occurred to him. He went
some distance out of his way to
reach the home where the unpro-
tected lady resided, and said he re-
turned home and went to bed after
committing the crime.
It is probable that county attor-
ney Sharp Will invoke the new law
which permits an Indictment to be
returned without going before the
grand jury, and that speedy Justice
will be meted put to the fellow.
Miss Thomas has resided in Nor
gan township for many years and is
a lady most highly respected by all
who know her Much indignation
is openly expressed in the neighbor-
hood over the 'Grime, and there were
many good farmers of Morgan town
ship who we're gathering to talk the
matter over when sheriff Andrew
reached the scene. Had his arrival
been delayed there is no telling what
might have happened.