The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1912-03-08
Former Schoolmate, Mrs.
Fred Meyers, Of Richmond,
Recognizes Him from Pal
ladium's Description.
ONCE SCHOOL SUPT.
OF WASHINGTON co.
Became Dissipated and Three
Years Ago Left His Wife
and Children. - He Once
Was Minister.

Confronted by an old schoolmate, Jo-
seph c. Bush, aged ~, of Salem,
Washington County. Indiana, the
would-be-suicide who has been coniin.
ed at the county Jail three days during
which time he made three attempts to
end his life, broke down this morning
and admitted his identity and asked
piteously for his wife and four chill
dren, who he has not seen for over
three years. Mrs. Fred Meyers, Asy-
lum avenue, who, al Miss Katherine
Co1glazier, lived In Salem, when
child. 15 years ago. and knew both
Bush and his wife. read OF the man
confined at the Jail In last evenings ID.
sue of the Palladium, and recognizing
him from his description went to the
county Jail this morning and identined
him.
Bush has been confined In the coun-
ty Jail. raving most Of the time. since
he jumped from moving train 1t
Campbellstown. O., last Tuesday night.
Deserted His Family.
Disgraced because In q short time he
had dissipated his wife's inhoritance OF
$4,000 or $4,000. Bush. once supsrin-
tendent of schools Of Washington
county, left his wife and fou~ children
three years ago, Mrs. Meyers stated.
He toured the southwest, 6nally reach
Ing Texas, where his family ! year aex
ter his disappearance once heard oe
him, lecturing on Chautauqua plat-
forms.
Later Bush became travelling sales
man, selling all kinds OF novelties In
the middle west He also worked 40
day laborer.
Coming from Cincinnati to Eaton
last Tuesday night. his mind. weaken
ed by alcoholic excuses and worry.
broke under the strain. He imagined
enemies were pursuing hira for tho
fancied murder OF his father. Having
passed his station. Eaton. he was
touched on the shoulder by the conduc-
tor who notified him Of the fact. He
jumped to his feet and running to the
yestibule hurled himself from the
train. He was literally scalped by con-
tact with the gravel roadbed. and was
brought to this city q ravinE maniac.
Since his incarceration at the county
jail he has tried to cut his throat, hang
himself, and Jump from the second tier
of cells to the cement floor He raved
for the arst two days but since then
has grown quiet.
Asks For Minister.
This morning after admitting to Mrs.
Meyers his identity. he asked for 4
minister One was admitted to the Jail
- &H~s- ~
showed signs of becoming violent
again and the minister withdrew from
the cell. He seems worried over his
identity being disclosed. and although
he stated to Mrs. Meyers his desire TO
see his wife and family again, he now
fears to go home.
| Back in the little town OF Salem tho
faithful wife. frm In the belief that the
husband would return and .asain help
support the family. has worked, II u
said, since his sudden disappearance.
three years ago. over the washtub.
earning pittance, sufficient TO keep
the children In school. The Oldest II
now nineteen years old.
| Strange il the story Of Bush's HE.
He started ont as farmer. educated
| himself. and at that time, before hin
marriage, was considered one of the
brightest men in Washington county.
! After his marriage he ran sor the Of
fee OF Superintendent Of schools of his
county and was elected Later. N Ii
j said, he became Christian minister.
Then he started drinlinE and fhe
bright mind, weakened by the aIco-9