The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1926-12-07
By InternatlOnal News seryics

PRAIRIE DU CHEN, Wis,
Dec. The search for Erd-
man Olson, 18-year-old Gale
College student was intense to.
day, following the corcner's IN
quest, which named the youth
as the slayer Of pretty Clara
Olson, 22-year-old farm girl,
whose body was found in .
shallow grave near Rising Sun,
Wis
Lover Blamed
Less than is minutes after the
last 81 fifteen witnesses had tes-
titled 1t the inquest over the
girls body, the jury reported the
girl had come to her death by
violent blow administered by
Erdman Olson on the left side
of her head, causing fracture of
the skull, probably in the early
morning Of September 10, 1926"
Child Mentioned
A letter found on the girls body,
alleged to have been written by
young Olson, had much weight
with the coroner's jury. This let
ter outlined plan for an elopment
on the night OF September 8. The
letter implied that the girls ex-
pected child would have a name
and advised her, IF you wish to
avoid disgrace. do as | say and
keep mum"
A sister OF the murdered girl ties.
titled the handwriting was that OF
Olson's. The letter was unsigned.
Text of Letter
The letter was dated "Ferryville,
Wis, September g. Clara got it
at 2 o'clock in the afternoon of
September Q, some 10 hours be-
fore she left her home for the walk
from which she never came back.
1t addressed the girl as dear
friend" and read as follows:
II suppose you think me aw-
fully neglectful, but l haven't.
have been to the hospital for
while. Had a couple of opera
tons.
Il have decided that the time
for US is ripe to show action.
Now wen not leave for good, hut
over with and then come back
in a week or so and let them
know If they don't know. Of
course, we'll have to disappear,
you know. so l thought we could
skip. You'll have to coax your
brother to take you down to
Seneca to the dance September 8,
and / will get you there.
All on 20. IT,
Then we go to Hendrum.
Mimi. which is the same as
Winona. Do not take any more
clothes than what you wear, as
taking more will cause suspicion,
but try to get as much cash as
possible, as that is necessary II
you wish to make 1t a pleasant
trip. have some, myself, of
course.
Il will be It Seneca between .
and 10 o'clock and when you see
me, leave the hall and walk up the
street until lind you ana remenl-
Der that everything is on the
@. T. Also write note aid leave
some place where it can be found
in a day or so and say that you
are going away for a while, but
not to worry as you'n he back
some day, but don't mention why
you are going nor mention my
name.
Told to Act Hard
"If you can't come to the dance,
sneak out Of the house about 1890
and come toward the road If
I'm not there, keep on going until
meet you. Don't let anyone sec
you. Please destroy this letter
and all my other letters and act
hard toward me to your folks.
do as l have asked you to do
and everything will be y. X. II
you don't, your chance might be
shot and l might make a scarce
hubby. So IL you wish to avoid
disgrace, do as / say and keep
mum. See you tonight. AS ever.
Continued on Page 5, Column ~
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