The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-03-25
HIS THROAT CUT
John Nicholson, Covered With
Blood, Staggers From Home.
Was on Trial Charged With
Statutory Offense.

With a ragged cash in his throat and
his clothes covered with blood, John
Nicholson, SO, on trial charged with
committing a statutory offense against
his own daughter, staggered from his
bedroom in his home at 126 Evans
street this morning, mumbling inco-
herently that he had done some
thing" Physicians were called and he
was rushed to st. Francis hospital,
where it is believed he will recover.
Because the defendant will be un-
able to be in court for several weeks,
Judge George Whitcomb this morning
discharged the jury from further serv-
ice. 1t was explained, however, that
he may be tried next term. While
authorities who investigated the case
say there can be little doubt but that
Nicholson attempted suicide, his at
torneys intimated that they believe
there has been foul play.
Razor Cannot Be Found.
The instrument with which the man
is alleged to have cut his throat is not
known. His razor, which ordinarily
.reposed in a. cupboard in the house,
cannot be found, however. 1t was ap..
parent that Nicholson went out OF
doors before O'Clock and that he
committed the deed while sitting on
the board walk leading to the out
buildings. A great quantity OF blood
may be seen there. Around the cor
ner of a shed, a few feet away, are
two more pools of blood. not SO large
as the first. 1t seems that most or the
bleeding occurred while Nicholson was
out of doors. In the house, on the
floor. was the bloody imprint of two
hands, as if the man had been down
on his hands and knees.
His brother, Tom Nicholson, was
the first to see him as he came from
his bedroom. He Immediately called
Dr. o. L. Erickson and DR.. r. B.
=. N n
hospital, where the wound was sewed
up. The physicians were then called
to the court house to give their test1-
mony. They stated that the instru-
ment had severed only the smaller
veins of the neck and the wind pipe,
and that the large jugular veins were
not touched. Stitches had to be taken
in the windpipe. After hearing the
evidence, the court made finding
that the defendant was unable to be
present and dismissed the jury.
To Ask Investigation.
Rad Lee, who, with Elisha Scott.
was defending Nicholson in his trial.
also made an investigation of the case
and stated that he would ask authori-
ties for a thoro investigation. There
had been much feeling, it was stated,
between C. w. Hulick, st. Joe bar
ber, and the Nicholson family. HUI
lick was adopted several years ago
into family by the name of Morse,
at Garnett Mrs. Morse. Hulick' S
adopted sister. who is now deceased.
had Bertha Nicholson, the 18-year-
old girl whom Nicholson is charged
with wronging. in her possession for
some time. Lee stated that Hulick
had several times tried to get Nichol-
sons property and had offered to
make a home for Bertha. Hulick tes-
+! titled against Nicholson in the trial.
Had Much Trouble
! Nicholson's attorneys stated that
! Nicholson had had a great deal of
| lives, are both about 80 wears old. His
| mother is bed-ridden and he has taken
| care of her for many years. it was
: stated. Lee said Nicholson told him
! Thursday night that his head was
not right and that he could not re-
member things he testified to when
he was on the witness stand in his
own defense Thursday afternoon.
! Nicholson admitted in court that he
/ took his daughter to DR.. J. q. Arm
strong, who he said he had read in
/ the newspaper, had performed an IL
T! legal operation upon Mrs. Lille Ham
| ilton about a year ago. He said he
/ paid Doctor Armstrong some money
but denied that it was for an illegal
! operation. He said he did not believe
at the time that his daughter was in
+! trouble.
had accused her father several months
all his property to his son and either
giving himself up to officers. or '.jumr
in the river