6acc2ccfFull suspension, Books examined
Other: Receiver appointed; indictments for embezzlement of president and cashier; later dividends paid to creditors.
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WESTERN COUNTRY BANKS. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Nov. 18.-The First National Bank nt Anderson, Ind.. suspended this morning. OLAVENCE, In., Nov. 18.-On the 14th inst., the banking-house of Bent & Cottrell, of this place, was closed on au execution by the Sheriff, who has placed a guard over it.
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The West. Stits are about to be commenced against the Illinois Central Railroad, by parties in Delaware and Buchanan counties, Iowa, whose wheat stacks were deetroyed by fire which caught from locomotives. THE First National Bank of Anderson, Ind., has suspended. A SPECIAL statement of the condition of the Pacific Mail Steamship Co., made to the new Board of Directors, shows the receipts from May 1st to October 1st, 1873, to be $3,012,300, and expenditures $2,900,555. leaving a balance of $62,000 as the earnings in five months. In this exhibit it is understood no allowance is made for insurance and wear and tear. It is said that recent investigation into the disposition of the millions earned annually by the company showed fraud, corruption and mismanagement and a necessity for the reorganization of the concern. THE great prize fight between Tom Allen and Ben Hogan. which was broken up by the St. Louis authorities a few weeks since, came off at Pacific City, Ia.. on the 18th and was broken up by the friends of Hogan after theee rounds had been fought. It is claimed that, had the fight gone on, Allen would have come off the victor. The referee declared the tight a draw, and the stakeholder save one of the meu must win the money in order to get it. So that it is likely that the mea will get together again before long. THE flouring mill of Wagner & Co., at Donelson, Iowa, has been demolished by the exlosion of the botter Four and a boy were in the mill, but esca ped with slight in juries, EFFORTS are being made in Joliet to secure from Governor Beveridge either a pardon or commutation of the sentence of the colored wife murderer, who is to be hanged ou the 12th of next month. SEVERAL men were arrested in East St Louis for the robbery of freight cars on the Chicago and Alton and other railways center ing there. Other parties will probably be arrested, and it has been ascertained that parties in that city are implicated in the matter. A large amount of dry goods and other property have been stolen in the past few weeks, THE Modocs, 153 in all, arrived at Omaha by special train, under from Special the West Commissioner charge of Wilkinson. The Indiana are all looking finely after being well ted. They started for the Indian Territory via Kansas City,
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The West. SUITS are about to be commenced against the Illinois Central Railroad, by parties in Delaware and Buchanan counties. Iowa, whose wheat stacks were destroyed by fire which caught from locomotives. THE First National Bank of Anderson, Ind., has suspended. A SPECIAL statement of the condition of the Pacific Mail Steamship Co., made to the new Board of Directors, shows the receipts from May 1st to October 1st, 1873, to be $3,012,300, and expenditures $2,900,555, leaving a balance of $62,000 as the earnings in five months. In this exhibit it is understood no allowance is made for insurance and wear and tear. It is said that recent investigation into the disposition of the millions earned annually by the company showed fraud, corruption and mismanagement and a necessity for the reorganization of the concern. THE great prize fight between Tom Allen and Ben Hogan, which was broken up by the St. Louis authorities a few weeks since, came off at Pacific City, Ia., on the 18th and was broken up by the friends of Hogan after theee rounds had been fought. It is claimed that, had the fight gone on, Allen would have come off the victor. The referee declared the fight a draw, and the stakeholder says one of the men mustwin the money in order to get it. So that it is likely that the men will get together again before long. THE flouring mill of Wagner & Co., at Donelson, Iowa, has been demolished by the exlosion of the boiter. Four men and a boy were in the mill, but escaped with slight in juries. EFFORTS are being made in Joliet to secure from Governor Beveridge either a pardon or commutation of the sentence of the colored wife murderer, who is to be hanged on the 12th of next month. SEVERAL men were arrested in East St Louis for the robbery of freight cars on the Chicago and Alton and other railways centermg there. Other parties will probably be arrested, and it has been ascertained that parties in that city are implicated in the matter. A large amount of dry goods and other property have been stolen in the past few weeks, THE Modocs, 153 in all, arrived at Omaha from the West by special train, under charge of Special Commissioner Wilkinson. The Indians are all looking fitely after being well fed. They started for the Indian Territory, via Kansas City.
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indiana NEWS. The Democrats of Knox county will meet in convention on the 12th. The State Convention of Universalists will meet in Lafayette next Wednesday. The people of Mishawaka have determined to have their town supplied with water works. Louis Burk and wife, who reside near Richmond, celebrated their golden wedding on That kegiving Day. The proprietors of lands in Keneer township, J asper county, are talking of organing a drainage company. One family in Chauncey contains a father and four sons who cover 298-8 feet when stretched out in a line. A little child of O. B. Wise, of Lockport, Pike county, was scalded to death on the 20th. by coffee. pulling over upon herself a boiler full of The farmers of some portions of Spencer county expect, owing to the superabundance of mast, to fatten their hogs on half the usual amount of corn. The stockholders of the Lafayette Opera House are worried over a little debt remaining due on that institution and are considering ways and means to pay it off. Mrs. McCool, of Cass county, was run over bya train of cars at the Wabash bridge, on the 22d. Her skull was crushed, and her water. right foot cut off. The body dropped into the A young man named Chance, of Washington township, Grant county, was kicked in the head by a horse a few days ago. His skull was badly broken, and hischances for recovery are very limited. The Seymour Times says a washer woman in that town "had twelve shirts stole from her clothes line the other night. And it is a curious coincidence that at least two of the editors of the Democrat had on clean shirts the next morning. f The public schools*st Anderson will not be affected by the recent failure of the First a National Bank, where the school funds were deposited. Major Henderson, Treasurer, having made arrangements to pay the teachers as their salaries become due. The Brazil Echo says: "At a mass meete ing of the miners last Thursday, it was agreed to accept the proposed reduction of ten cents s h ton on digging, and all the mines, so far as we have been able to learn, are working at the re o duction. This makes the general price through out the district $1.00. n At Zionsville, on the 29th, & young mar n named Charles Yoh was stabbed in the right side by a boy named Heath. The attending surgeon savs the wound is a deep one and time is necessary to determine the result, Th at trou ble grew out of an old fead. H The Brazil Manufacturer and Mine y sp aks of coke made from the coal of the "ne Strain mines, made without an oven, by cov ering it with ashes, which is bright and pur as the best Pittsburg coal, and would com mand the highest price in market. is The Warren County Republican publishe its a partial list of the sufferers by the abso ondin d. of Clay Dawson, istock dealer of that county ce They reside in Warren, Tippecanoe and Be ar ton counties, over twenty-four in sumber, an represent $29,940 of claims. Dawson 4a no es, residing in Montgomery, Nebraska, it is said The Washington Gazette announces th sudden departure-destination unknownnd the Deputy Marshal, and charitably adds the phe always appeared to be "a self-sacrificin Ar gentleman, willing to do everything in h ut power to accommodate, even to leaving th old town for its good, if such a great sacrifice o be his part became necessary." reThe folly and cruelty of Afting childre he by one hand, and any convenient hold, w H illustrated at Evansville last Friday by Mr for Epstein, who lifted her infant child from 11 floor by taking hold of one of its mins, Oi rse of the bones of the forearm was fracture ace near the wrist. asThe panic prevented the officials of tl oss Southern State Prison from turnishing ti ved or usual turkey dinner on Thankegiving day. o account of this slight, probably. two of ti ue; the prisoners attempted to escape during the afte the noon, but after luing under the shop floor s of night came out Friday merning and gave the selves up the ors, Mr. Elias Taylor, one of the oldest res the de nts of Michigan City, died on the 23d ul lan, in the 85th year of his age. Before a whi for man had settled in Michigan City, he carri inn Traito for
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A TRAGEDY IN INDIANA. Killing of Mr. Thomas N. Stillwell by John E. Corwin-The End of an Old Feud Between Prominent CitizensDrawing the Pistol and Perishing Thereby. ANDERSON, Jan. 14, 1874. A most painful tragedy took place here this afternoon, at about the hour of five P. M., resulting in the death of Thomas N. Stillwell by a pistol shot at the hands of John E. Corwin. The facts are substantially these -Stillwell has been for a number of years past a prominent polttician in this place. having successively been elected to the State Legislature and member of Congress. He was appointed by President Grans Minister to Venezuela. BANKING IRREGULARITIES. Since his return from South America he has been actively engaged in banking, holding the responsible position of President of the First National Bank at this place. some few weeks ago the First National Bank suspended, and for certain Irregularities the Grand Jury saw fit to find bills of indictment against Stillwell, as president, and A. B, Kline. as cashier, for embezzlement. The matter so preyed upon Stillwell's mind that his friends induced him to take a trip in the country. Upon his return certain paragraphs in the State papers were shown him, which appear to have greatly incensed him, and he proceeded to the office of John E. Corwin, between whom and Stillwell there has existed an old feud, and charged him as the instigator of the prosecution. THE ARGUMENT OF PISTOLS. The altercation had not assumed the dignity of a quarrel when Stillwell drew a revolver and said "This has to be the last of you or me," firing at Corwin, the snot taking effect in Corwin's groin. Corwin instantly drew a pistol and fired two shots at Stillwell. each taking fatal effect in the brain of the deceased, both shots penetrating the skull near the right ear. The First National Bank, of which Stillwell was lately President, has been in the hands of a receiver, and Stillwell's bonds upon the charge aforesaid had been fixed at $10,000. STILLWELL'S DEATH A PUBLIC LOSS. The affair has cast a general gloom over the community, as both parties to the tragedy occupied the highest position in society. In Stillwell's death the city of Anderson loses one of its most useful and energetic citizens, he having in the last few years contributed more than any other one citizen to the material prosperity of the place.
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THE ANDERSON TRAGEDY. Col. Thomas N. Stillwell's Arrest for Embezzlement. His Death at the Hands of John E. Corwin. Special Dispatch to The Chicago Tribune. INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 14.-The Sentinel's special gives the details of the Anderson homicido as follows: Aterrible tragody occurred here this afternoon about 5 o'clock, by which the Hon. Thomas N. Stillwell, a prominent politician and banker, was BHOT DEAD by a pistol in the hands of John E. Corwin, likewise a resident of this city. The facts in the matter, as nearly as can be glenned amid the excitoment which prevails at this timo, are as follows: "Last December, the First National Bank of Anderson, of which Mr. Stillwoll WAS President, suspended payment, and its affairs were placed in charge of a Recoiver. Oif account of some alleged irregularities in its management, Mr. Stillwell was, at the last term of the Circuit Court, INDICTED FOR EMBEZZLEMENT. IIo gave bail in the sum of $10,000, and was set at liberty. Smarting undor the diagrace brought upon him, Mr. Stillwoll imagined that arrested, Corwin although had been this instrumental is not generally in having believed. him It may be stated, in passing, that both of these individuals, for a year or more, have been on unfriendly terms, and much bad feeling has existed between them. This afternoon Mr. Stillwell, at the hour named, proceeded to the office of Corwin, and, as BOOIL as he gained entrance, remarked to Corwin, 'This is to be the LAST OF YOU on ME; and immediately drew a revolver. Corwin jumpod upon the counter, and, as reported by two gentlomen present, entreated Stillwell to put up his weapon. No heed was given to this, however, and Stillwoll discharged his weapon at Corwin,-tho ball from it striking him on the right eido of the groin; but the wound was prevented from being a porhaps dangerous one by the presence of some silver coin and keys in the pocket of Corwin. The parties then, it is thought, clinched, when Corwin drew his pistol and fired twice,-both balls entoring the back part of Stillwell's head, near the right ear. He fell to the floor and EXPIRED IMMEDIATELY. Corwin delivered himself upat once into the hands of the Sheriff, to await the result of the inquest by the Coronor's jury, which is now in session. The affair, as may be imagined, has caused much excitement among our citizens, from tho positions heretofore occupied by the parties. COL. STILLWELL has resided here for some eighteen years. At the time of his death, he was in the 47th year of his age. In 1864, he was elected a Representstive in Congress from this district, on the Republican ticket,-dofenting McDowell, the Domocratic candidate. In 1808, ho was appointed United States Minister to Vonozuela, under President Jobnson,-serving nearly ono year. Sinco then, he has occupied no official position. His death is generally regretted. Ho was a man of many noble traits of character, possessed of energy and liberality, and respected by his neighbors and fellow-townsmen. MR. CORWIN is a nativo of Middleton, N. Y., but has resided hero some five years, having married a daughter of the late Allen Makopenco, whose estate he line been managing for somo time. 'From what can be learned by your corrospondent, the shooting by Corwin is viewed by public opinion as an AOT OF SELF-DEFENSE, although the circumstances, when brought out by the Coronor's inquest, may be some what modilled."
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The Killing of Hon, T. N. Stillwell at Anderson, Ind. (Special telegram to the Chicago "Times.") ANDERSON, IND., January 14.-A terrible tragedy occurred here this afternoon, in which T. N. Stillwell, a prominent citizen and banker, was shot dead by John C. Corwin, likewise a resident of this city. The facts in the matter, as near as can be gleaned amid the excitement which prevails at this time, are about as follows: Last November the First National Bank of Anderson, of which Stillwell was president, suspended payment, and its affairs were then placed under the charge of a receiver. For some alleged irregularities in its management, Stillwell was, at the present term of the circuit court, indicted for embezzlement. He gave bail in the sum of $10,000, and was set at liberty: Smarting under the disgrace thus brought about, Stillwell imagined that Corwin bad been the intigator in having him arrested, although this in not generally believed. It should be stated in passing that both of these individuals. for a year or móre, have not been on friendly terms, and much bad feeling has existed between them. This afternoon Stillwell, at about 5 o'clock proceeded to the office of Corwin, and as soon as he entered remarked to Corwin "This is to be the last of you or me;" and immediately drew a revolver. Corwin jumped upon the counter, and, as reported by the gentlemen present, entreated Stillwell to put up his revolver. No heed was given to this, bowever, and Stillwell discharged his revolver at Corwin, the ball striking him who wight wide of the givin, hut was prevented from inflicting a dangerous wound by the presence of some silver a coin and keys in the pocket of Corwin. The parties then, it is thought, clinched, when Corwin immediately drew his revolver and fired twice, both balls entering is the back part of Stillwell's head, near the d right ear. He fell to the floor and expired immediately. Corwin delivered himself up at once to the sheriff, to await the verdict of an inquest by the coroner's jury, p which is now in session. The affair, as may be imagined, has caused much excitement among our citizens, from the position heretofore occuti pied by the parties. Col: Stillwell has rep sided here about eighteen years, and at o the time of his death was in the fortyat seventh year of his age. In 1864 he was a elected a representative to congress from th the district on the Republican ticket, deal feating McDowell, Democratic candidate. o In 1868 he was appointed United States minister to Venzeuela, South America. by Andrew Johnson, serving near one th year. Since then he has occupied no offire cial position. His death is generally regretted. He was a man of many noble ol traits of character, possessed of energy, genosity, and recognized as a good fellow W among his neighbors; but through unbu fortunate habits of dissipation, for a year th or so past has dimmed what might have tb continued to be a useful life, and brought m him it is thought to a premature grave. la Corwin is a native of Middletown, New York, but has resided here some five years having married a daughter of the late Allen Makepeace, whose estate he has been managing for some time. From what could be learned by your correspontio dent, the shooting done by Corwin is conest sidered by the public as having been in ha self-defense, although the facts, when Io t bz the coroner's inquest may
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THE ANDERSON (IND.) TRAGEDY. The Killing of Col. Stilwell by Mr. Corwin. The Circumstances Which Lod to the Homicide. Anderson, Ind. (Jan. 14), Correspondence of the Indianapolis Journal. When the panic struck the country, the First National Bank of Andorson [of which Col. Billwell was President), like all other similar Institutions, felt the pressure, and owing to a run upon it, which continued for several wooks, was floally obliged to sucoumb, and on the 16th of November, Saturday, THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. On the 17th, the Hon. M. L. Bundy. National Bank Examiner, took poscession, and shortly afterwards, by a petition of A majority of the depositors, Mr. Thomas McCullough, of Oxford, Ohio, an uncle of Mr. Stilwell's by marriage, WGB appointed Receiver. A statement of the condition of the bank was called for the 12th of September, by the Comp. troller of Currency, and It was published shortly afterwards, showing the assots of the bank to be about $223,000. After the suspension, another statement was published, which showed the assets to be somo $50,000 or $60,000 loss than on the 12th of September. This Intior statement included $80,000 of Venezuolan bonds not shown in the formor, but it 18 stated that the amount was credited to bills receivable in the first statement. This discrepancy and great depreciation in the amount of the bank's assets created suspicion, and some of the depositors, of whom the bank had 143 at the date of B118. pension, became exceedingly indignant, and openly charged fraud in the management of the bank; that Stilwoll had overdrawn his account, etc. or course this came to the GATE of the Grand Jury, when that body mot last week, and an Investigation was commenced. This resulted in the FINDING OF TWO INDICTMENTS, one against Col. Stilwell, as President of the bank, and another against Alfred B. Kline as Cashier. Col. Stilwelf is charged, under the Na. tional Bank law of 1805, with embezzling the funds of the bank and thosedoposited with it for safe keeping. As shown on the back of the indictment, 1 was returned into open court Jan. 8, but 110 ar rest was made until Saturday, the 10th. Judge Cravens, the presiding Judge, realizing the fact that nothing but a nominal bond was necessary for Mr. Stilwell's appearance, fixed it at $1,000 but afterwards raised it to $10,000 at the in stance of the defendant himself. Ball WA/ promptly given, Richard Lake, W. R. Piorce J. M. Dickson, and Lee M. Trees no surety On Sunday morning Col. Stilwell went to the to-day. country to visit a friend, but expected to roturn On Thursday night, MR. KLINE, the Cashier of the bank, who has been doing nothing since the suspension, started to Visi: two sisters in Southern Indiana, near Cincinnati, not having the remotest suspicion that an indict mont against hjm WAS under consideration by the Grand Jury. In fact, the indictment was TO turned the day he left; but the first be know of It was yesterday morning, when he saw In a Citicinnati paper a statement to the effect that Col. Stilwell had been arrested for embezzle ment, and that he had only escaped arrost by fleeing the country. Immediately on sooing this statement he took the train for Auderson, arriving here at 1 o'clock this morning. The indict mont against Mr. Klino charges 11lm with know. ing and permitting the embezzlement by Col Stilwell, the law holding such an official equall: guilty with the other. At noon to-day he won before Judge Cravons, and gave bail in the sun of $10,000, with Lee M. Trees, George Kline and Edward Honderson as sureties. THE TROUBLE BETWEEN CORWIN AND STILWELL In 1805, Thomas N. and Jacon G. Stilwell, the engaged in banking, gave their receipt to Allei Makepeace, then the wealthest resident of the county, for $14,000 in 7-30 bonds, said to be de posited with them for safe keeping. This WM an arrangement not at all creditable to eitha party, as it is understood the $14,000 was It greenbacks, and not in bonds, the receipt fo: them boing given in that form for the purpose of allowing Makepeace to erade taxation or that portion of his wealth. Mr. Corwin formorly a resident of Indianapolis, mar ried a daughter of Mr. Makeneace, and on the Intter's death, which occurred some two years since, was appointed administrator of his estate, and has since managed it. Lately he bar sued to recover $20,000 on this receipt, the 86,000 over and above the original deposit being claimed as interest. Col. Stilwell denies the claim, setting up that the bunds in fact wore never deposited, and that the currency was drawn long ago. The Case will come up for trial at this term of the court, and opinion is divided as to the issue. The report that Mr. Corwin was instrumental in securing the indictment against the Colonel is denied by those bost able to know. as is also the report that he used improper influoncos to move the jury. The friends of the banl assort, however, that the loss of confidence in its integrity, which led ultimately to closing its doors, 18 due to Mr. Corwin's influence, but that must be taken with due allowance for the somo what excited state of mind under which they are now laboring. LATER-THE KILLING OF COL. STILWELL. When the above WRB written, the writer little dreamed of the tragle denouement which was BC soon to come. As was stated, Col. Stilwell had been in the country several miles, visiting 4 friend, Bon. Sobrel. In company with that gontleman, he started for town about noon, arriving in Anderson before 4 o'clock. They stopped at a barber-shop, Mr. Sobrol wanting to get sliaved, whou they met Mr. Jones, ex-Mayor of the city. Mr. Sobrol ovidently realized the danger of allowing Col. Stilwell to meet Mr. Corwin in hit present condition, knowing that he was under the impression that Corwin was instrumental in procuring the indictment against him, and ro. quested Stilwell not to leave the barber-shop nntil he (Sebrel) had been shaved. This the Col. onel promised to do, and sat down with Mr. Jones. The latter gentleman soon loft the shop, and the Colonel immediately followed. Ho went straight home, however, where your correspondent had another Interview with him. The Col-
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THE STILLWELL HOMICIDE. The killing of Col. Thomas N. Stillwell, exmember of Congress, at Anderson, Ind., by Mr. J. E. Corwin, has produced much excitement in that State. The facts leading to the homicide may be briefly stated: Stillwell was President of the First National Bank at Anderson, which, after a long struggle, was forced to close its doors on the 17th of November, a Receiver being appointed. According to the regular report of the condition of the bank made Sept. 12, before the panic, the assets of the institution were stated to be $223,000. After the suspension, in November, the statement then made of the assets showed some $60,000 less. This led to charges of mismanagement and of fraud. The Grand Jury. which met in the first week of January, investigated the matter, and indicted Stillwell, and also Mr. Kline, the Cashier. The first knowledge Stillwell had that an investigation was in progress was when the bill was found, and he at once gave bail. This was on Saturday, Jan. 10. On Sunday Stillwell went into the country. As long ago as 1865 Col. Stillwell, then a banker, had some transactions with a man named Makepeace. Makepeace deposited $14,500 in greenbacks, and took a receipt for that amount of 7-30 bonds, in order to escape taxation. Mr. Corwin, then a resident of Indianapolis, married a daughter of Makepeace, and, upon the death of the latter in 1871, became administrator of the estate. He sued Stillwell for the $14,000 bonds and accumulated interest; Stillwell denying that he ever had any bonds, and claiming that Makepeace had drawn his currency long ago. The trial of this case was to take place at the term of the Court at which Stillwell was indicted. The suit itself was an impeachment of Stillwell's integrity, and he assumed that the indictment was instigated by Corwin, and openly denounced him therefor. Stillwell returned'from the country at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, not only greatly excited, but especially embittered against Corwin. His friends endeavored to quiet him. After S brief visit to his own house, where he detailed to a correspondent of an Indianapolis paper the condition of the affairs of his bank, and showed the impossibility of his having embezzled $60,000, as charged in the indictment, he proceeded to the office of Mr. Corwin, in the same neighborhood, which he entered, closing the door after him. In a few minutes pistol-shots were heard. 5 It seems that on entering the office be said to e Corwin, " We may as well settle that difficulty now;" that the parties grappled that Core win held him by the pistol-hand, and e that when Stilwell's pistol was fired the ball entered Corwin's pantalooons pocket, doing t him no injury : that Corwin then swung Stilln well's body round and fired two bullets into the d back of his head. Stillwell fell dead. d There can hardly be a doubt that Stillwell 5 sought Corwin intending to have a fight with y him, if not to kill him. That the latter simply e defended himself against a murderous assault is e clearly established.
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THE INDIANA STATE SENTINEL. TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1874. I had not seen it he would marry for money. At one time of to do his hellish work without a sign of inHOMICIDE. copy of the Ser his residence here, he was taken sick and terruption. room had disa N. STILWELL. THE FEUD. was tended by the landlady of the house where he boarded. From his relations and though shortly RESULT OF A HOW IT STARTED AND HOW IT WAS AGGRAVAsend it to his wit actions in this particular a good deal of scanSTILWELL SHOT VATED, ENDING IN A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY. Flemming, a el dal came. After this he joined the First PresThe feud, the outcome of which is the terCorwin address byterian church, but was generally regarded Sentinel.] the rible death of Colonel Thomas N. Stilwell, as rather a weak brother. This is a specigentleman of th 14.-A terrible tragemen of the reputation he established while is one of years standing. Five years ago ABOUT afternoon, at about here. He was not esteemed by any and disJohn E. Corwin came to Anderson, where The deputy e trusted by those who had business relations Hon. T. N. Stilwell, he married the daughter of oneofthe wealthsaid: "I think t with him. In Anderson, since his residence banker, was shot there, he has, if report is to be believed, iest citizens, Mr. Allen Makepeace. Colonel pursued was a so hands of John E. made few friends and many enemies, being Stilwell has been Anderson's leading citizen, one, and Mr. Still this of resident generally distrusted wherever he is known. its head and front in social, political and ought to have be the matter, as business circles. With the wealth acquired THE ROOT OF THE EVIL. already about by his marriage with Miss Makepeace, Corleaned amid the THE DEAILED INDICTMENTS. win, who bore no enviable reputation beI am deputy cl at this time, are The First National Bank of Anderson, of fore this, and whose career has made many of thie county. November, the first Mr. Corwin du enemies and few friends, determined, if poswhich the murdered man was president,s of which Mr. sible, to supplant Stilwell and wrest frequently say, pended November 15, with assets exceeding from him the prominence which he the people have 1 uspended payment, liabilities. The published statement of the he SO well deserved. To this end me." I asked l placed in bank showed $223,000 of assets, minus some Corwin bent all his energies; dropwhile he was up on account would describe pirfg insinuations here and there Venezuela bonds. Upon various chargesthe against Colonel Stillwell's business integrishooting was do egularities in its matter was brcught before the grand jury, ty, emphasizing his manner of life. running imation, and rep where indictments were found upon alleged was, at the prescounter to him in everything, and placing fray without any abstractions, amounting to the following court, indicted for the thousand and one obstacles in his path impress the liste sums, at various times: that a man can when he determines on such room inst now vi bail in the sum of
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AN ATROCIOUS HOMICIDE. MURDER OF COL. T. N. STILWELL. A FEARFUL TRAGEDY-FATAL RESULT OF A FEUD-COL. THOMAS N. STILWELL SHOT DEAD BY JOHN E. CORWIN. [By Telegraph to the Sentinel.] ANDERSON, IND., Jan. 14.-A terrible tragedy occurred here, this afternoon, at about five P. M., by which the Hon. T. N. Stilwell, a prominent politician and banker, was shot dead by & pistol in the hands of John E. Corwin, likewise a resident of this city. The facts in the matter, as nearly as can be gleaned amid the excitement which prevails at this time, are about as follows: Last November, the first national bank of Anderson, of which Mr. Stilweil was president, suspended payment, and its affairs were placed in charge of a receiver, on account of some illeged irregularities in its management. Mr. Stilwell was, at the pres"ent term of the circuit court, indicted for embezzlement. He gave bail in the sum of $10,000, and was set at liberty. Smarting under the disgrace brought upon him, Mr. Stilwell imagined that Corwin had been instrumental in having him arrested. Although this is not generally believed, it may be stated, in passing, that both of these individuals, for a year or more, have not been on friendly terms, and much bad feeling has existed between them. This afternoon Mr. Stilwell, at the hour named, proceeded to the office of Corwin, and as soon as he had entered, remarked to Corwin This is to be the last of you or me." and immediately drew a revolver. Corwin jumped up on the counter, and, as reported by two gentlemen present, entreated him to put up his weapon, No heed was given to this, however, and Stilwell discharged his weapon at Corwin, the ball from it striking him on the right side of the groin, but which was prevented from being a perhaps dangerous wound by the presence of some silver coin and keys in the pocket of Corwin. The parties then, it is thought, clinched. when Corwin immediately drew his pistol and fired twice, both balls entering the back part of Stilwell's head near the right ear. He fell to the floor and expired immediately. Corwin delivered himself up at once into the hands of the sheriff to await to verdict of the inquest by the coroner's jury, which is now in session. The affair, as may be imagined, has caused much excitement among our citizens from the position heretofore occupied by the parties. Col. Stilwell has resided here for some eighteen years. At the time of his death he was in the forty-seventh year of his a age. In 1864 he was elected representative in congress from this district on the republican ticket, defeating McDowell, the democratic candidate. In 1868 he was appointed United States minister to Venezuela, S. A., by President Andrew Johnson, serving near one year. Since then has occupied no official position. His death is generally regretted. He was a man of many noble traits of character, possessed of energy and liberality, and respected by his neighbors and fellow townsmen. Corwin is a native of Middletown, N. Y., but has resided here some five years, having married a daughter of the late Allen Makepeace, whose estate he has been managing for some time. From what can be learned by your correspondent, the shooting by Corwin, as viewed through the medium of public opinion, is that of self-defense, although the facts when brought out by the coroner's inquest may be somewhat modified. THE SCENE. THE OMEN, OF ANGER-COL. STILWELL'S RETURN-HIS CALMNESS UNDER THE VILE CONSPIRACY-THE DEATH. Each step in the lamentable tragedy is marked with a vividness which will leave its record burnt on the brain of this deeply shocked community. On the first rumor of the unscrupulous machinery set in motion to damage the murdered man and destroy his financial and social standing, friends of the colonel prevailed upon him to go to the country until his high painful agitation had subsided. It was naturally thought that one SO impetuous as he would give himself unnecessary unrest over the outrageous insinuations put out against him with such damning plausibility by his enemies who have brought him to his death. It was on Saturdav after giving bail on his formal indictment, that this prudent step was carried out at the instance of his friends. He went off in the country with a Mr. Benj. Sebrel, ex-sheriff, and:Mr. Jones, a neighbor. There the party remained until this (Wednesday) afternoon. On returning to his home, the colonel was first informed of the atrocious calumnies circulated, and the pyramid of indictments piled up by the agency of his enemy. Naturally of quick temper, he restrained all outward token of rage. The whole wretched story, embellished by the ingenuity of malice and personal hostility, was repeated to him. and he listened with seeming calmness. When the wretched narration had been concluded, he arose, and without removing his overshoes, put on his overcoat and left the house. He was apparently calm and collected when he left, and it never OCcurred to any one to put him under surveillance in apprehension of violence. He walked rapidly down to the next corner, turned into the street, where Corwin's office is situated. about the middle of the next square. He walked on past Corwin's office, and after a few steps turned and entered. Corwin was behind his office counter, and
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VATED, ENDING IN A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY. The feud, the outcome of which is the terrible death of Colonel Thomas N. Stilwell, is one of years standing. Five years ago John E. Corwin came to Anderson, where he married the daughter of oneofthe wealth. iest citizens, Mr. Allen Makepeace. Colonel Stilwell has been Anderson's leading citizen, its head and front in social, political and business circles. With the wealth acquired by his marriage with Miss Makepeace, Corwin, who bore no enviable reputation before this, and whose career has made many enemies and few friends, determined, if possible, to supplant Stilwell and wrest from him the prominence which he he SO well deserved. To this end Corwin bent all his energies; droppirfg insinuations here and there against Colonel Stillwell's business integrity, emphasizing his manner of life. running counter to him in everything, and placing the thousand and one obstacles in his path that a man can when he determines on such a line of conduct, however impregnable be the position of his opponent. When Corwin's father- in-law, Makepeace, was alive, he was a depositor in Stilwell's bank, and from what can be gathered, it seems that Makepeace was in the habit of obtaining in place of currency he had deposited certificates of bonds to that amount, to avoid taxation; after the returns were made out he would surrender the bonds and be credited with the currency. One of these recent certificates for $14,000 it seems Makepeace obtained as usual, but did not immediately surrender it; and it is said by some, though this part of the affair is as yet obscure. that Makepeace went on checking his deposit out whenever he needed, and Col. Stilwell regarding the whole affair as a matter of honor between him and Makepeace did not interpose. Affairs in this shape Makepeace died, and this certificate for $14.000 worth of bonds fell into Corwin's hands as executor. With this advantage over HIS ANCIENT ENEMY, Corwin pressed Stilwell for payment of the certificate, and Stilwell declared that the money for which this certificate had been given to Makepeace for his accommodation, Makepeace had checked out. But Corwin threatened an exposure of Stilwell for fraudulent practices in the matter. and demanded the money. The affair did not come to issue, for while it was in statu quo Stilwell's bank suspended. Just before the failure a published statement gave the assets of the bank at $220,000. or thereabouts. The suspension came in November, as is well known. A receiver was appointed, and a statement of assets then published. made the showing some $50,000 less, although it was known that a large amount of Venezuelan bonds were included in this statement which did not appear in the published report made before the suspension. This excited the wrath of some of the creditors, whom, it is believed, largely owing to the influence of Corwin, were very bitter in their expressions against Colonel Stilwell. At any rate Corwin in this, as in all opposition to Stilwell, bore a leading part, and it is thought he wasinstrumental in getting the indictments against Stilwell. These were some sixteen in all, recounting in various shapes the same charge ofembezzlement. Before these were registered, and immediately on giving bail, Colonel Stilwell went out of the city for a few days, and on his return, the indictments meanwhile having been registered, he learned for the first time the nature of the chaages against him. In this he thought he saw, whether correctly or not, the hand of Cowin, who was thus cap. ping the climax of his long opposition to Stilwell, by bringing disgrace upon him. Coupled with this the fact that the main spring of Corwin's action was the receipt for the bonds which he held, and which it is supposed he knew he could not claim as a matter of honor, but was forcing Stilwell to pay that amount by threat of legal prosecution, it bit and rankled in Stilwill. death. Fiushed with anger he started out to his COLONEL THOMAS N. STILWELL. SKETCH OF THE MURDERED MAN. Colonel Stilwell was a native of Ohio. At the time of his death he was a little over forty three years old. He was educated at Oxford and College Hill, and in 1852 came to this state, where he was admitted to the bar and began the practice of law. In 1856 he was a member of the state legislature. In 1864 he was elected a representative to the thirty-ninth congress. Under Johnson's administration he was appointed minister to Brazil. While here he became prominent in prosecuting a claim of the United States against the Brazilian government, which, by his energy and ability, was finally allowed and paid. With the incoming Grant's administration Colonel Stilwell was of recalled and thereafter entered private life, engaging in banking in Anderson. On the death of his father, which occurred about a year ago, he became in his stead president of the First National Bank of Anderson, which position he held at the timeof his own death. In early life. Col. Stilwell married Miss Conway, in this State, a lady of rare culture and refinement, and the daughter of wealthy parents. Col. Stilwell leaves a wife and five children-three daughters, two of whom are grown, and two sons. Col. Stilwell and his family may be said to be part of the social life of Indianapolis, for here they were known and loved ciety. and respected by the best elements of so THE ASSASSIN. ANTECEDENTS OF CORWIN-HIS APPEARANCE IN THIS CITY-CHARACTER, ETC. John E. Corwin, the murderer of Stillwell, is a massive figure. He is about thirty. eight years old. He was born in Binghamp ton, New York, about 150 miles from New York city. He has led a roving life; when quite young coming to Cincinnati and Louisville and thence going to Vermont, where for two or three years he had charge of a marble shop. From Vermont in 1860 he came to this city. He was firstemployed by Tousey, Byram & Co. in their retail store on Washington street, where he had charge of the carpet department. In the spring of '64, Messrs Hume & Adams employed him as salesman and traveling man. Here he stayed till sometime in the fall of '65, then he went to Chicago Philadelphia where he staid only a short time, going to
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The Latest Western Tragedy. tragic ending of a long feud beThe two leading citizens of Anderson, tween Ind., was briefly narrated by character telegraph. of spite of the leading" details of In actors in the affair, the dethe quarrel and its results reveal a pressing the amount of rather commonplace rascality. story begins with the rivalry E. of The Thomas N. Stilwell and John of a Col. for the social leadership Corwin of some 5,000 or 6,000 inhabitants. contest, town This seem a petty enough much init may was prosecuted with as had been but tensity as if half Col. the Stilwell, nation moreover, of on-lookers. of mark beyond the commanded limits was a man He raised and durAnderson. regiment of Indiana Volunteers member of the a war, he was a in 1867 ing the Congress, and him MinThirty-ninth Johnson appointed which, withPresident Venezuela, a post he filled ister out Senatorial to confirmation, for a year. the period of his return found from About America, Col. Stilwell South Corwin, a native of Bingham- of John E. Y., married to the daughter citizens, ton, N. Anderson's wealthiest of supone of with the ambition and possessed him in the social, political, that planting and commercial Stilwell leadership succeeded of his community. President of the First Nation- a free fellow al father Bank as of Anderson. among He was a large liver, a popular general public, and very class of the his dealings with his had deposi- been loose in Corwin's father-in-law bank was actors. the latter, and the taxes one of in assist him in evading at stated customed deposits by certifying in bonds on his that it held his money of greenof periods the United States instead for backs. the death of the wealthy had citizen been On whose benefit this fraud his son-in-law annually perpetrated, of one of the cercame of 7-30 the bank to have been had leged by greenbacks represented tificates into by for possession $14,000 which bonds, actually Corwin, allong before refused been drawn to accept upon. this expla- the however, and entered suit the against money. nation, for the recovery of to bank The case was about to be on brought the bank to trial when, the late owing panic, to a it run was forced to a statement in of the Currency were suspend. during According Controller furnished bank Sep- to the the assets of the the cember, According months to stated of the Receiver, statement assets were some later, in the September. Thereupon of the deat $223,000. part $60,000 two ensued less much than indignation on the fraud against positors, an indictment by Grand Jury, of the bank Stilwell, and allegations charging $150,000 of him with the em- the bezzlement of late some year Stilwoll has been funds. in most of his added that he his When it is the question of mere ing a great became a the unsucceesful ruin Of deal, obviously took enterprises. to drink- ultimate of time. Smarting failure, under he matter of repeated his convenient misfortunes found a in the hostility indictment followed rival consciousness when explanation of his Corwin. of At bankruptcy, length his rage against monomania. assumed the character of a talk about One afternoon, after Stilwell some started from his misfortunes, in crossing the his his seen revolver home, was in his overstreet to place after to coat pocket, the office of Corwin. raised enter and immediately Stilwell The parley in there was brief shoot; enough. Corwin, who is his pistol more to powerful man, succeeded directed the much his arm, and where grasping of his adversary downward, a bundle of pistol intercepted by seized its shot in his was pocket. Then Corwin of his coat, keys by the collar of his assailant round till the back turned in line with the pistol him with apparent he had his the deliberation, in head his was right hand, shot him and, twice through of brain. has Col. Stilwell, in the ajust middle and Thus a life that might have death been of a rabid honored one, died has the his rival brought be cur, and thus the bar of justice to act himself issue of whether tried on justified on before the grounds deliberate his of selfcan be whether it was with it a very obvious moral. murder. defense, or The story carries
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CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL. DISHONESTY AMONG THE EMPLOYES OF THE REDEMPTION AGENCY. WASHINGTON, Wednesday, Nov. 18. 1874. The Redemption Agency of the Treasury Department has been beset with difficulties from the time it was started. The last misfortune which has befallen it is the discovery of dishonesty among its employes. Either from inexperience or incapacity 111 its manage ment. there has not been an efficient system of checks and balances. At the close of each day the financial condition of the Agency has not always been ancertained, and now it is discovered that the Bureau 18 short at least $4,000. Three clerks have been discharged. and it is probable that others are to follow, but unless there is better organization the same thing is lifely to occur again. What action the Secretary of the Treasury will recommend in his report to Congress is not known, but it is evident that he will not report that the system has been a success. He has bad nothing to do with its organization, and it is known that if he is to be held responsible for the administration of the Treasury, be desires to have the control of it in his own hands. He also favor the establishment by Congress of the number of employés and the rate of their pay instead of leaving the subject to the regulation and government of the Treasurer. It the persons discharged were found guilty of embezzling the funds belonging to the National banks and 111 the custody of the Government, they ought to be turned over to the officers of the law; but if any arrests have been made, the fact is not known. The Dames of the persons discharged have not been made public. THE REVISED STATUTES. The text of the Revised Statutes. including the table of contents by chapters and subjects, marginal references, and citations of opinions. is now in print. The work on the index, under the direction of Judge C. W. Jaines, 18 advancing as rapidly as possible, consistent with the degree of accuracy which is sought. This cannot be finished before January. Meautime, it is proposed to furnish the courts and many of the principal officers of the Government with copies without an index, and the distribution of these incomplete volumes can begin at once. The index will be the most complete of any ever prepared by the Government. It will cover 400 pages, and contain about 20,000 entries. The Revised Statutes contain 5.600 sections, and the minimum mumber of references in the index to each section is three, while in other instances they run as high as 18 references to a section of 14 lines. THE CASE OF SATANTA, In regard to the recent dispatch sent by order of the President to the Governor of Texas, it is stated that without forming or expressing any opinion as to whether or not Satanta had violated his parole, the President and Secretary Delano, fearing be might be executed before the evidence could be fully collected, considered it merely just to delay his execution. to-day ascertained that during Gov. Davis's incumbency the sentence of Satanta was commuted from death to imprisonment for life. Under this commutation he has lately been placed in the Texas Penitentiary. DIVIDENDS TO CREDITORS DECLARED. The Controller of the Currency has declared a final dividend to the creditors of the Farmers' and Citizens' National Bank, Brooklyn, of four per cent, making in all 96 per cent; and also a dividend to the creditors of the First National Bank of Anderson, Ind., of 15 per cent. THE RECEPTION IN HONOR OF COL. FRED. GRANT. Among the guests invited to the card reception given last evening by the President, at the White House, in honor of his son, Col. Fred Grant, was Richard Harrington.jr., now on trial in the Supreme Court of this District for conspiracy with the officers of the Secret Service Bureau and others to break open the safe in his own office and convict an innocent man of the crime. The party was a very select one, very few except members of the Cabinet, officers of the army and navy, Senators, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and ex-officers of the District Ring having been invited.
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NATIONAL MATTERS. National Bank Dividends-More Talk of an Extra Session-Gold and Silver Prospects According to Secretary McCulloch, WASHINGTON, D. C., Feb. 28.-Rear Admiral Jewett, commanding the North Atlantic station, has been instructed to send a vessel of his squadron to relieve a number of destitute American citizens in the vicinity of Living. ston, on the west coast of Central America, where they bad gone for the purpose of engaging in work on the projected railroad. It is estimated that there has been a decrease of a little more than $3,000,000 in the public debt during February, The Comptroller of the Treasury has declared dividends payable to the creditors of insolvent National Banks as follows: The First National Bank, of Anderson, Ind.. third dividend, 14 50-100 per cent., making in all 39 50 100 per cent.; Hot Springs National Bank, of Hot Springs, Ark., second dividend, 20 per cent., making in all 50 per cent.: City National Bank of Chicago, Ill., final dividend,of 512 1,000 of one per cent., making in all 77 512-1,000, Senator Fair succeeded to-day in calling up and of having passed the bill reimbursing Harris Boy le and Mr. Babble, settlers on Duck Val ey Indian reservation, in Nevada, for the value of the improvement taken and appropriated by the Government for public use, amounting to $5,400. On motion, Senator Fair also bad passed, under a suspension of the rules, a bill providing for the payment of $9,021 to John M. Dorsey and William F. Shepherd, for beef sup. plies furnished the troops engaged in quelling the Indian disturbance in 1860 in that portion of Utah now the State of Nevada. =The probability of an extra session is again the subject of comment among Congre-smen. The Senate Committee on Appropriations has before it as much for three and a half days, including Sunday, as it would undertake to perform in as many weeks if the session were a long one. Members of the committee express the hope that they will be able to present the remaining bills to the Senate in time for action, but to do so will require them to work night and day. Two of the remaining bills, the Deficiency and Sundry Civil, are measures of indefinite detail, and their careful scrutiny at best by sub committees is held to be an imperative duty. Committee meetings will be in progress all day to-morrow and every night-perhaps ali night-until the final djournment. Secretary McCulloch said to-night, in speaking of the silver question, while be regretted the action of the House, he thought there was no danger that the country would be brought to the silver standard at an early day. "The condition of the country now," he added, "is favorable for the maintenance of the gold standard, inasmuch as the balance of trade is in our favor, and there are no prospects of its being against us for some months to come, Besides, there is 8 large amount of goid in this country outside of what is held by the Governmentand banks. and there is little disposition on the part of the American people to hoard their money.' The grand jury returned an indictment for embezzlement against D. W. Middletón and 8. E. Middleton, of the late firm of Middleton & Co., bankers of this city, The same jury found a number of indictments against Daniel Carrigan, late Chief Clerk of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery of the Navy Department, for making and using false vouchers.