davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07
WEIRD STORY OF MRS.
REXROAT'S SLAYER PURE
FABRICATION-HALPIN
Chief of Chicago Detective Bureau Brands Henry Spencer
Consummae Faifier-Fantastc Murder Tales Creation of
Drug STEPPED Mind Claim Authorities Story of Muir
der of Dancing Teacher Believed Authentic

Chicago, October 6.-Of the 10
murders Henry Spencer, slayer of
Mrs. Mildred Allison Rexroat, swore
he had committed, the police tonight,
after investigating his alleged crimes
in various cities, we're able to fix upon
him only one murder, or possibly two.
Captain Halpin, chief Of the detec-
tive bureau, announced his conviction
that Spencer in giving his long cir
cumstantial confession of fiendish
crime was consummete falsifier.
-Four of the murders he says he
committed were perpretrated while
Spencer was in the Illinois state peni-
tentiary at Joliet. OF IL of the al
legged murders, the police in this and
other cities have no record. In one
case described by Spencer, police rec
ords show that body was recovered,
but the detectives have as yet estab-
lished no connection between Spencer
and the crime.
Pure Fabrication
Except for possibly two murders, Spen-
GERS weird story of killing people by ham
mering in their skulls and singing their
bodies in lakes seems a pure fabrication" /"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07

said Captain Halpin tonight His imiga-
ton, stimulated by drugs poured out one
of the most fantastic tales of murder that
has ever come from man whose mind
is given to dreams of crime"
Captain Halpin declared tonight that
he has complete proof that Spencer muir
dered Mrs. Rexroat and is almost equally
confident that he murdered Mrs. Annabel
Wight. Mrs. Wights house was robbed
December L. 1912. and she was beaten
SO badly that she died in the county hos
pital July Is, 1918.
The body of Ida Oliver. recovered from
the drainage canal May 20, 1912, may cor
respond to the foreign woman whom Spen-
Ger said he lured along the canal and
killed after robbing her Spencer was
Ia the penitentiary when Policemen PEN
nell and Devine We're killed, August H.
1902. He also was in prison in 1908 when
Fannie Thompson was killed, and when
Emmett McChesney was killed in Sep
tember, 1911.
McChesney was slain in the rear of
2600 State street and the murder was at
first thought to correspond to the man
Spencer said he killed under the South
side elevated structure.
Denials We're received today from police
authorities in other cities mentioned by
Spencer that many of the boasted crimes
were committed.
Identification Complete
Complete Identification of Spencer as
the murderer of Mrs. Rexroat came from
several sources today, while at least two
->~~~~-~>~~~~-~>>->->
Continued on Page Eight
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07
FOUR CHARGED
WITH USING THE
MAILS TO DEFRAUD

Memphis October Cd. M. Mcdonald,
formerly of Kansas City. but now con-
nected with banking institution at La
Kemp, Okla. o. e. Helton of Shattuck
Okla, E. r. Odley of Memphis and e. L.
Hendry. formerly president of the All
Night and Day Bank of Memphis, but
now of Lonoke county. Arkansas, were
placed on trial here today charged with
using the mails to defraud in connection
with the operation of the American Trust
company of Memphis, of which they were
officers.
Charges against w. f. Churchman Of
indianapolis and George F. Toenges of
Chicago, directors, were dismissed at the
request of United States District Attor-
ney Casey Todd. who declared the evil
dence in their cases insufficient to war
rant a trial.
The American Trust company was or
ganized' I'm June, 1911, those most active
in the organization being men promi-
nently identified with the now defunct
All Night and Day Banks in Memphis,
Kansas City and other cities of the south
and west. 1t is alleged by the govern
ment that while prospectus was sent out
giving the authorized capital stock as
$500, 600 and reports made to commercial
agencies and others placing the paid up
capital stock at amounts between s49. 900
and 100000, practically no stock had ever.
been issued and paid for In actual money.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07

Washington, October GA start was
made by President Wilson today on his
antitrust programme for the December
session of Congress- He had long pre-
liminary conference with Senator New
lands Of Nevada, chairman Of the inter-
state commerce committee, which ham
dies trust legislation in the Senate.
The President expects to confer also
In the near future with Representative
Layton. chairman of the House judiciary
committee, as well as with other members
OF the two congressional committees,
which will be directly in charge of the
legislation.
senator Newlands said after the confer
ence thar he expected the President to
transmit .scme Recommendations to his
committee carly in the December session
These probably will materialize afte, the
President consuits Attorney General Nc
Reynolds and some prominent lawyers
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07
WILD BEASTS CAUSE
GREAT DESTRUCTION
Government Forced to Aid in Ex-
terminating Beasts in Noun
tains of Styria

Vienna. October 6.-Destruction of
floeks and herds in the mountains of
Styria. Austria. by pack of wolves,
lions and hyenas which escaped from
a menagerie last month has been so
enormous that the Austrian govern
ment has organized an expedition to
kill the beasts.
Terrified Syrian mountaineers ap-
pealed personally to Emperor Francis
Joseph for assistance. His majesty di-
rected the ministry of the interior to
report to him personally on the best
way of exterminating the animals The
government Immediately offered a re-
ward of $3.50 for the head of the lioness
and smaller rewards for those of her
cubs and the other animals and sent
out squad of government foresters
to trail them.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07
NOME, ALASKA, IS
ALMOST DESTROYED
BY FEARFUL STORM
Famous Gold Camp Practi-
cally Wrecked-L0ss Is
Estimated at a Million
and Half Dollars
FIRE ADDS TO HORROR.

Nome. Alaska, October 6--Fire
has broken out in the storm
stricken city of Nome and the
flames have attacked the pa
cific Cold Storage plant. where
is stored the chief supply of
meat for the winter. The fire
apparatus was DESTROYED in the
gale.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07
TO STRAIGHTEN
DISTRICT ATTORNEYSHIP
Aabamans Call Wilson in Effort Solve Alabama Patron
/ age Muddle- -Stallings Urged Assistant
/ Secretary of Interior
by c. e. STEWART

Washington. October 6.-tSpeciaI)
Senator Bankhead. Representatives.
Claytonl Burnett, Dent and Abercrom-
bic called on President Wilson this
morning In the interest of Thomas B,
Stallings, who was formerly the secre-
tary TO Senator Johnston and VINO now
seeks TO be assistant secretary of the
interior. Mr. Stallings also has the
support of Senator Chamberln, who
succeeded Senator Johnston as chair
man Of the military affairs committee.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07
1000, ,000-GALLON
OIL TANK ON FIRE
100000 Loss Estimated as Result of
Big Oil Fire in San Diego,
California

San Diego, Cal, October 6.--Burning
at the rate of five inches an hour. the
100000 gallon crude oil tank of the
Standard Oil company, which caught
fire yesterday, still was. blazing today
and will be at noon tomorrow accord
ing to present estimates. Tank after
tank of naptha, stove oil and 1istillate
has been consumed and the loss, it is
said. will be 100000.
A tank containing 250,000 gallons of
gasoline was momentarily expected to
explode today. s-f
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07
Presidents Remarks on the
Situation Considered
Significant
ENDEAVOR TO HURRY
PROGRESS OF BILL
Wilson to Begin Conferences With
Senators Today to Ascertain
Cause of Delay--Glass Is
sues Statement

Washington. October 6-Presldent Will
son will begin conferences tomorrow with
democratic senators looking to the ac-'
celeration of the administration currency
bills progress through the Senate.
The President has been Informed that
some members of the Senate banking and
currency committee plan to continue the
hearings two weeks longer and consume
month thereafter in working over the
bill He looks upon this programme as
likely to throw the currency discussion
into the December session of Congress
and postpone vote indefinitely, and will
endeavor to ascertain from members Of
the committee and democratic senators
generally what are the causes of delay.
At the White House il was stated to-
day that the President would feel justi-
fled in using every legitimate means TO
forward the progress of the bill toward
the statute books before the end Of the
present session.
Objection From Bankers
Significant in the days developments
on the situation were remarks which the
President made to callers to the effect
that objections to the administration bin
proceeded chiefly from big bankers be-
cause they feared that the control or
the country's financial system would be
taken from their hands by the new meas
ure. Referring to large number of tele-
grams and letters from bankers through
out the country regarding the bill, the
President called particular attention to
the fact that some of these bankers had
requested that their names be not made
public. He also told some of those with
whom he discussed the subject that IL
the people of the country knew the real
state of affairs with reference to the OPP
position to the currency bill they would
regard it as ridiculous.
Various rumors were current at the
capitol when the Presidents views be-
came known there.
One report had it that Mr.. Wilson con-
templated issuing a statement in the
near future with special reference to
the relationa between th big bankers and
small bankers who had voiced their OPP
position to the administration bill. dur
ing the recent hearings. There was no
confirmation of this at the White House.
No announcement was made tonight of
the particular senators with whom the
President will discuss the currency situa-
tion. Senators Hitchcock of Nebraska.
Reed of Missouri and O'Gorman of New
York are the democratic senators who
have expressed desire to continue the
hearings and get more information be-
fore beginning work on the bill. The
other four democrats on the committee
Senators Owen, Pomerene, Hollis and
Shafroth-are declared to be willing to
start work at once on the bill itself.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07

and Senator Martin OF New Jersey.
Several Alabamians also called on the
President today in a further attempt to
straighten out the district attorney
ship of the middle district. Representa-
tive Clayton and Frank p. Glass both
are interested In this muddle. the out
come of which is still uncertain
No meeting of the privilege and cleo
tions committee of the Senate can take
place for two weeks, according to u
senator who is member of that com
mittee. The Clayton case therefore VIII
not be settled soo-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07
IDA LEEGSON WAS
LURED TO DEATH BY
A TELEPHONE CALL
Police at Work on Slender
Clue Which May Solve
Big Murder Myster.
Hunt for Auto

Chicago. October 6.--Mss Ida G. Legg-
found on the prairie west of here yes
terday, was lured to her death by some
man who telephoned to her in response
to her advertisement for a place as n
nurse This was the conclusion of the DO
lice tonight after more than "a hours
search, which resulted. the police admit,
in no trail that can direct them to the
murderer.
The thin silken fish line found near the
body and the bruised circle it left around
Miss Leegsons neck, showed them the
manner of her death Her tattered
clothes strewn for half mile along the
road approaching the prairie and the
bruises the body Indicated that death
had come only after she had made hard
struggle. but there was nothing found to
show by whom Miss Leegson had been in
duced to visit the lonely spot on the
western outskirts of the city
After giving up her position as a school
teacher in Mason City, Ia, September %.
Miss Leegson came to Chicago and en-
gagged a room with Mrs. James F. Bur
nett. saying she was going to try to earn
more money to continue her art studies
Saturday she inserted an advertisement
in paper asking for place as trained
nurse.
Lured by Telephone
Saturday afternoon telephone cali
came from Mr.. Wilson, who when
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07
UNIDENTIFIED MAN
LOSES MEMROY
Kansas City Authorities Baffled as to
Real Identity of Professor
Harry Lawrence

r. Kansas@City, October ss.-Auihorities
In the city hospital today announced
themselves baffled in their efforts to
identify a patient who registered at a
local hotel as Prof. Harry Lawrence,
New York; on September 25, and was
picked up unconscious in the street
next day.
The patient recovered consciousness
at the hospital, but his memory of past
events was gone. Papers and circu-
lars found led to the belief that he is
a professional hypnotist and that his
home is in Alexandria, Tenn.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07
TODAY'S AGE-HERALD

1-Sulzer attorneys begin defense.
Nome Alas. almost destroyed
Bankers object to currency bill
Hobson bitterly attacks Underwood.
2-Ask Underwood to speak in Admission
3-Manufacturers interested In currency
bill.
Editorial comment.
5-Many visitors here for Masonic re-
union.
Freeman leaves for Ohio today.
Cunningham will get into race.
Courts open for fall term.
6--Society.
7-Sports.
S-No taint of commercialism in meet.
ings, says pastor.
9-Markets
Pirates bIanked in first contest.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07
Gilbert Parker Honored

Montreal, October 6.-Sir Gilbert Par
ker was given the degree of doctor of laws
by MHGll university today
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-10-07

Henry of
Chicago
revolving
startled the Chicago authorities
of
His the
and Rex
the and husbands
Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1913-09-30

NJ. c.. Bells has been laid up several
days With the grippe.
Harvest Home services will be held
in the Universalist church next Sun
day morning at 1920 O'Clock.
The Story & Clark Piano Co., will
remove in few days from the Kry-
shak building on Third street to the
vacant building at 208 Washington
street, four doors east of the Marathon
county bank.
Miss Dorothy Woodward was oper-
ated upon at st. Mary's hospital last
Thursday morning for broken collar
bone, which has been troubling her
since she attended school at Mt.
Holyoke college at South Hadley,
Mass, two years ago., at which time
it was broken. Miss Woodward is
getting along nicely.
The Nineth District Medical society
held its annual meeting in this city
on Thursday evening. A banquet was
given at 1870 O'Clock, which was fol-
lowed by a number of addresses.
Among the principal speakers were
DR.. Peter Bassoe of Chicago, and DR..
+. A Southwick of Stevens Point
DR.. VIM. A. Fricke read a paper on
medical and Surgical Aid Under the
Workmen's Compensation Act"
Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1913-09-30
BOWLING LEAGUE.

A banquet was given at the Wau-
sau club house last evening at $50
O'Clock by the Bowling League at
which sixty were present and it was
a very successful event. When the
gentlemen reached the cigars, matters
for the good of the club were taken
up and also a business session held.
1t was voted to make captains re-
sponsible for all scores before the
same are given out; that all new
members, who have not established
an average must play ten games be-
fore Oct. 10Th in order to secure their
standings. The following schedule
committee was appointed:
Fay Marshall, Will Spencer and
Roscoe Young.
The matter of Ladies' Day was dis
cussed and it is thought one after
noon each week will be given to the
ladies.
A subscription was made by those
present amounting to $500, the same
TO go towards defraying expenses.
The games will commence on Oct.
10. The alleys have been placed in
very fine condition and they are now
the best in the city and with the new
automatic pin-setter which has been
dut in everything is very convenient.
1t is expected that there will be eight
teams. The league is otficered as
follows:
President. Nj. montgomery.
PreS.-Herbert Smith.
Sec and Treas.-Geo. Robicheau.
Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1913-09-30
w. d. KIRKWOOD PASSES
AWAY WEDNESDAY

After an illness of six months with
cancer of the stomach, W. d. Kirk
wood passed away at his home on
East Third street Wednesday evening
at the age of So years, his death, al
though there were no hopes enter
tanned for his ultimate recovery, com
ing as shock to his many friends.
During the day before his death,
Mr.. Kirkwood, as was his habit, walked
down town unassiSted and to the as
sociates he met his greeting was UNI
usually cheerful, expressing hemself
as feeling stronger and better than he
had for many days previous. In the
same spirit he retired to his room af-
ter dinner, Wednesday, to take a
little rest and when visited by his
wife shortly after he was found lying
upon the bed unconscious. Medical
aid was hastily summoned but their
efforts for resusitatiOn were without
avail and he passed to the great be-
yond at $50 in the evening without
regaining consciousness.
Deceased came to Marshfield two
years ago last May from Wausau
where he had been a trusted office
employe of the Curtis 81 Yale Co.
for many years and purchased the
Fair Store, formerly conducted by
Robert Gerth. With his patrons and
business associates he was a man
trustworthy and kind and held in the
highest esteem. Besides his grieying
wife, he leaves to mourn his death one
sister, Mrs G. e. Lutsey of New
London.
| Short services, conducted by Rev.
Ambrose. pastor of { Presbyterian
church, and Rev. Joseph Brown, were
held from the home at 1000 O'Clock
Friday morning, the remains being
taken over the 1906 Northwestern to
Kaukauna where interment was
made Saturday morning.
Among the relatives from out of
town in attendance at the funeral
were Mrs. G. E. Lutsey of New Lon
don, Mr.. and Mrs. S. NJ. EnghOlt of
Kaukauna and d. r. Watson of Fond
du .-Marshfeld Herald.
The many friends of Mr.. Kirkwood
of this city will mourn his death. He
| resided in Wausau some twenty years
or more and was beloved and respect
ed by all who had his acquaintance.
He held a responsible position with
the Curtis & Yale Co. and several
years ago on account Of poor health
he resigned, hoping to get into some
business by which he could become
well again, but he gradually became
worse and when last in Wausau it
seemed that there could Se no relief
Tor iiIi,n.
Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1913-09-30
ADDITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
NOTES.

The high school last Wednesday
sent the following dispatch TO Miss
Bucklin who was about TO be united
in marriage to NJ. w. Sweet;
"a happy home, a blissful life,
Model Husband, Perfect Wife.
Heartiest congratulations and best
wishes from the high school"
The following books has been re-
ceived at the high school library;
problems of Vocational Education
Language Teaching in the Grades
1.-THE Home School" "Dies and Dye
ing' "Forge Work" ;"Service with
Third Wis. Inf" "Wis. st Shiloh
wis. Women in War Between States
Chattanooga Campaign makers oil
History" % volumes, and new En-
cyclopoedia I volumes, History OF
Marathon county, several books III
teaching of spelling, composition and
history.
Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1913-09-30

Julius Zuhse has purchased the
John Bopf grocery store on Scott
street.
The rummage sale given 10y the st.
Monica's society of st. James church
last week was a success. Sl2j was
cleared.
The weather on Sunday was just
perfect and such as TO induce every
one who had rig or automobile to
get out in the country,
Have you taken the time to look
over your storm windows? If not, dc
so at once and call on c. G. Pier, OF
ring him up. Phone No. 1909. adyt.
A large number of skat players
went over to Athens Sunday 10 take
part in the tournament. John Stark,
won lst prize and f. G. Kretlow
second
Orlando Holway, of MERRIAM, has
been appointed Adiutant General of
the Wisconsin national guards by
Gov. McGoyern. He succeeds General
Charles Boardman.
The holiday season for the Jews,
which begins. on October l, with New
Years day and ends. on October 23
with the Shemini Atzereth, or Feast
of Conclusion, will be observed in
Wausau. The day of atonement is an
other big Jewish holiday which falls
this year on october IL.
Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1913-09-30
COUNTY CORRESPONDENCE
SCHOFIELD ITEMS.

Chas. Mattke who is employed at
Deerbrook spent Sunday with his
family.
Miss Aurelia Wepdorf, who is teach
ing school in the town of Maine,
came home Thursday evening to at
tend the wedding of Herman Wendorf
and Miss Gertrude Dehling.
Mrs. VIM. Giles and daughter Leona
spent Sunday visiting Wausau friends.
Mr.. and Mrs. Albert Bretzke visited
in the town of Texas Sunday at the
home of Mrs. Weinkauf.
Mr.. and Mrs. Ed. Radtke spent
Sunday at Wausau visiting friends,
Miss Rose Egdahl who is teaching
school at Brokaw spent Sunday yisit-
ing her parents.
Mrs. John Gihake and sister, Mrs
Fred Block, who have been visiting
in Schofield and Wausau for the past
month left for their home at Arbc!
Vitae Saturday morning.
The Sewing society of St. Peter:
church meets with Mrs. VIM Wen
dorf, Wednesday Oct. lst.
Miss Margaret Kamke, who la,
been employed at Arbor Vitae Ia.
arrived home again.
Mrs. Fred Hartwig who has beer
visiting at the home of Aug. Zank
Sr., for the past month left for hel
home in Chicago Saturday noon.