Gilded Age Newspaper Articles

MRS. SHEEDY IS ARRAIGNED

The Figure as Principal in Three of the Four Counts

THE CASE CONTINUED TO WEDNESDAY

Several Insurance Companies File Reports With the State Auditor Showing Business Transnoted the Past Year.

LINCOLN, Neb, Jan. 26.- [Special to THE BEE].- The equity court room in the court house, selected by Judge Houstan as the most available place for holding the preliminary examination of Mrs. Mary Sheedy, Monday McFarland and A. H. Walstrom charged with the murder of John Sheedy, was crowded to the very doors at 3 o'clock this afternoon, the hour set for the hearing. Many well dressed ladies, anxious to see the fair defendant, were present. On motion of County Attorney Snell the case was continued until 9 o'clock Wednesday morning.

The prosecution added three counts to the criminal information.

The first count charges Mrs.Sheedy and Monday McFarland as principals in striking the blow and by poisoning, and Walstrom as accessory.

The second count charges Mrs. Sheedy and Monday McFarland as prisiples in killing with the can and Walstrom as accessory.

The third count charges McFarland with killing with the cand Mrs. Sheedy ans Walstrom as accessories. The fourth count charges Mrs.Sheedy as principal in the poisoning and McFarland and Walstrom as accessories.

SHEEY HEARING RESUMED. ------ The Court Room Crowded and Many Un able to Gain Admission. ------ SEVERAL WINTESSES GIVE TESTIMONY.

The Opposing Counsol Engaes in a War of Words by the Way of Di version- What the Evi dence Shows. ------ LICOLN, Neb, Jan, 29.---[Special to THE BEE.]--The Sheedy murder trail is the only topic of conversation. The district court room, one of the largest halls in the city, can contain only the smallest fraction of the crowd that has poured into the court house today. The hearing was resumed at 10 a.m, but as early as 8:30 a.m. The corridors were crowded with pepole waiting for the doors to open.

When att last the doors swung open the maulitude rushed in pell melt, scrambiling for good seats. A large number of women were present and held seats in the dress circle, Standing room was at a premium. Most of the testimony presented today led up to the confession. Evidence was pre sented to show that no intimidation or undue influence had been used to get the confession out of McFarland. Mrs. Sheedy and one of her sisters, both attired in black, were imperturbale, Walstrom looked as though he had not slept well last night, his hair being unkempt and his eyes red, while McFarland were his usual grin, as though this was nothing but a picnic for him. There were numerous [?] between the opposing consel, Captain Billingaley, who appeared for McFarland and Walstrom, and F. M. Hall of the prosecution having particularly acrimonious debates. McFarland enjoyed there more than any one else in the room. Dennis Sheedy, jr., was called this morning. He said that during the evening he saw Mrs. Sheed sitting at the bedside, and thought the feeling eveinced was very friendly. Never saw anything other than a friendly feeling between them, nor anything that would lead me to think that Mrs. Sheedy wished for her husband's death. Marshal Mellck called. Know McFarland; heard a conference at my office between the mayor and others and McFarland, at Mellck's office in the city building. Thsi was during the afternoon, eighteen hours after his arrest. He was arrived by Melick and Malone without a warrant, at his place of business on P street; informed him that he was arrested for the murder of John Sheedy. This was about 8 o'clock Saturday evening. [As Officer Malone appeared to be a night-mare to Attorney Philpott, he was removed from the room at this time.] The mayor asked McFarland to make a statemement intimating that it would be better for him to make a clean breast of it and turn state's evidence. The mayor and Malone were present during the entire conversation; did not tell him he could have consel if he wanted it. Did not speak to him again until the next day in regard to this murder. He was left in charge of Officers Kinney for the night; do not remember of any instructions that no one should see him, Next day he was brought to my office. Dennis Sheedy, Malone, Holyoke and others were present; think a short hand repoters was concealed behind the curtain for the purpose of taking down conversation in regard to the murder of Sheedy. McFarland was informed of the pupose for which he was brought there---regarding the murder. Mayor Graham told Monday that they wanted to know all he knew about the Sheedy matter. All present acted as questioners; was informed that Monday made a sort of confession during the night in cell to Officers Malone and Kinney. Told Philpott that he could see Monday in about an hour, but refused to let him see him during the interview in Marshal's office. H. P. Love--Lived in Lincoln since July; B. & M. brakman; saw McFarland on the Monday morning after the Sheedy murder. Saw him near the Mack hotel and was pretty full. He said after runing against one or two men, " Get out of my way or i will use you as I did Sheedy," or as "they used Sheedy," at the same time flourishing a cane or stick. Have known Malone for six years, but am not related in any way. Dr. Holyoke: Stomacj of John Sheedy has been turned over to me and has been in my possession over since the autopsy. Have made arrangements with Prof. V. O. Vanghn of Ann Arbor, Mich., to take charge of work. I leave tomorrow with the stomach to deliver it to him for analysis. Prof. Vanghn is a chemist of national reputation. Detective Malone was called, and officer Kinney was removed during this time. A.m a police officer; have lately been acting as the detective of the force; have no regular best, but cover most of the city. Took Monday to marshal's office after being arrested, and told him there was no mistake about it as he was the man who hit Sheedy. He admitted to buying the cane, and identifed the one found as the one he had bough of Goldwater. I got the key and unlocked the cell and let Carder into the cell, when Carder told him to keep him mouth shut. Kept in same cell all the time; only spoke to him once during the night. Saw him next time on Sheedy morning. when Monday said he wanted to see me, and I told him that "no mob could get at him while we had him." Monday said, "It is the end of the road with me, and I might as well tell as not. " Dr. Beachley testified that if death is caused by concussion of the brain the effect is noticed very soon after the blow. Concussion of the brain is noticed by a disturbance of the particies or substances forming the brain. From the condtion of his heart I do not think it possible that the blow caused his death by shock. Officer Kinney called. Have been member of the force three years. Heared shooting on the night of Sheedy's murder. Was at the Burr block, and run to and down the alley. Saw no one and came back to Sheedy's house. Found cane on the porch of the Sheedy mansion. This was just after the shooting on Sunday night. Took it into the house to see if it belonged to Mr. Sheedy, and seeing Courntney gave it to him, and he turned ut over to officer Otto. John Klausner sworn: Have lived in Lincoln nine years. Work for Brown and go to business college. Mrs. Sheedy told me a friend from Buffalo would be her shortly and would like to have me room with him. Met Walstrom at Windsor hotel some time in October. He said he would like to get a room together and left it to me to pick one out. I did so, and secured room 9, Heater block. I carried notes from Mrs. Sheedy to Walstrom and from Walstrom to Mrs. Sheedy. Notice were not addressed. Carried about nine or ten. Also carried a basket of victuals two or three times. Got it at kitchen; Mrs. Sheedy told me to call and get it. It was put up by Mrs. Sheedy; sometimes she was helped by the hired girl. I also took a small satin pouch which Walstrom used to put his ring in. Carried a bundle from Walstrom to Mrs. Sheedy Saturday after Sheedy was killed. Carried no bundles from Mrs. Sheedy to Walstrom. Have known Mrs. Sheedy five years lived there about four years. Mrs. Sheedy told me she didn't think she would live with Mr. Sheedy long, as he had threatened to strike her, and she going to get a divorce. I roomed with him all the time he was not out of twon since I met him at the Windsor in October. Never knew of Mrs. Sheedy and Walstrom being together. Walstrom had been here once before and went from here to Omaha. He worked at the B. & M. yards as a machinist. Don't know who was boss, but worked about a month and a half after I knew him. He did nothing after that, but stayed in his room most of the time. He said he came her for his health. I paid $4 and he paid $8 per month for the room. He paid it all and I paid him as I could. Malone and a Chicago detective theatened to put me in jail if I didn't tell all I knew, but I could not tell any more than I have now. Mr. Carpenter once came to the business college after me to tell me that Mrs. Sheedy wanted me to carry a note. She told me to tell Walstrom that if he did not go to the funeral she would never think anything of him again. Mrs. Sheedy paid me during the time abbout $3 or $4. Walstrom said he was sorry and went on playing high-five. I went to the funeral with Walstrom. Dennis Sheedy, a nephew of decessed, testifed that he was at church when his uncle was struck. Got [?] about 9 o'clock. No one there but Mr. and Mrs. Sheedy. Stayed there all night. Saw Mrs. Sheedy washing blood off his clouth. She said he was not hurt very bad, would be all right in the morning. Dr.[?] gave him two or three doese in water, which were immediately vomited. The medicine was then gives him in coffee mad by Mrs. Sheedy. He went into [doze?] about 12 o'clock. I was awake all night: saw labored breathing about 4 or o'clock. Dr. Hart and Mrs. Sheedy and myself were present. Dr. Hart went for Dr. Everett about this time. only a small boy present beaden myself. Saw Mrs. S. take $10 or $15 in silver out of his pocket; no roll of bills. T. C. Mungee, a member of the coroner's jury, was next sworn, but the defense objectd to his telling what McFarlannd had said before the jury, and the attorneys were given until tomorrow morning to cite atuthorites. Charles Carpenter, who lives near Sheedy, testied to having hear the shooting and ran out in time to see Sheedy firing. He corroborated Klauaner's testimony as to notify-ing Walstrom of Sheedy's being assaulted and to carry a vertial message to the boy. He said Mr. Sheedy had made no secret of asking him to notify Walstrom. Mrs. Carpenter was also called. Her principal testimony was to the effect that Mrs. Sheedy and Walstrom had met twice at her house. Miss Norma Hood testified to having been told by Mrs. Sheedy that she and her husband had bad trouble and she was going to leave him becouse he had threatened to kill her. Had seen Mrs. Sheedy and Walstrom at the performance of the U and I company at the opera house. They had been at her house once. Mrs. Sheedy had been at her house once. Mrs. Sheedy had referred Walstrom as my sweetheart, Attonery Strode created some amusement and raised objections from the prosecution by asking if Mrs. Sheedy treated Walstrom with any more affective than other married women treated young men in town. Officer Kinney was the first witness examified this afternoon. He testified that while Monday McFarland was in the city jail, the negro requested him to come to his cell. He did so, As McFarland first confessed to Kenney, a great objection was made by the attorneys for the defense against any further testimony being admitted. They carried the day and the witness was excused. Mayor Graham was the second witness examined. He testifed that he was present when Monday McFarland mad his confession. Was invited to come bu Marshal Melick. All that McFarland said was taken down by a short hand reporter. Witness continued: " I spoke to McFarland first, I said: " I understand that you wish to make a clean breast of matter and I advise you to go ahead and tell me all you know of this matter. Commence at the beginning.' I did not offer any inducemnet to him to make a confession. He needed no inducemnet on this occasion, as he was anxious to make it." The next witness was Marshal Melick. It was understood by the defense that he was to submit the confession of McFarland in testimony and a bitter fight was entered against its admission. Numerous authorities were cited, whereby it was claimed that a confession made in the sweat box was not competent testimony. After a long controvery Judge Houston adjourned court until tomorrow to take the matter under adisement. The county commissioners objected to the sessions being held in the district court any longer an account of damage to the room by the great crowd. Accordingly the sessions will be held hereafter in the council charmber. ---------------- Don't experiment with you health. You may be sure of the quality of your medicine, even if you have to take much of your food upon trust. Ask your druggist for Ayer's Saraparilla and take no other. It is the standard blood purifer, the most effective and economical. ------------------ GRAND MUSLIN UNDERWEAR, SPRING WHITE GOODS, NEW GINGHAMS AND DRESS GOODS OPEN NEXT MONDAY MORNING AT THE MORSE DRY GOODS CO. ----------------- SOUTH OMAHA NEWS. -------- Under the Car Wheels. Night Car Inspector Sidney Leadbetter of the Union Paciffic force had a narrow escape from being ground up by car wheels. Mr. Leadbetter placed his blue landtern, the signal to every person not to move a car, by the side of the track and then crawled under the cars to inspect them. While lying down on the roadbed between the ralls, buslly at work, some one removed his lantern and soon thereafter a locomotive coupied onto the train and started to haul it out. The firsy move of the car caught Mr. Leadbetter and rolled him over, and, but for his throwing one of his arms up and over a brake bar, he would have been ground to death. Mr.Lead better was bruosed, but not seriously hurt. ---------------- Reception to Mr. Coinon. Friends of Mr. J. E. Coinon will tender him a farewell reception in the rooms of the South Omaha club this evening. The programme is as follows: Mayor Williams G. Sloane, " South Omaha---Past, Present and Future." Mr. J. E. Colnon, " What Made Us Such!" Mr. John A. Doe, " More Light on the Same Subject. " Mr. Samuel P. Brigham. " The Press. " Mr. W. B. Cheir, "Our Rallroads." Mr. Eill H. Doud, " The South Omaha Club." Supper will be served at 10 o'clock in the dining room. -------------------- Krnetson-Patterson. Rev. Robert L. Wheeler, Pastor of the Presbyterian church, on Wednesday evening offciated at the marriage of Mr. Charles Patterson and Miss Marry Kruetson at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Huston. The ring service was used and Rev. Mr. Wheeler was assisted by Elder M. G. Zerbe. After the ceremony a pleasant social evening was spent and an excellent lunch served. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson will be at home to friends at their new home, Thirty-third and R street. ----------------------- Notice About the City. Miss Cora Schlegel of Plattsmouth is visting friends in the city. Attorney James H. Van Dusen is in Lincoln on professional business. Lee Turitt of the commission firm of Boyer &Truitt is out after a short illness. Alexander G. Schlegel, formerly of the Tribune, left last night for the Black Hills. The Hight Five club will meet next Tuesday evening at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. A. Powell. An infant son of Mr. and Mrs. John Allen, Twenty-fourth, south of L street, died Wednesday night. John Mullong, formerly of this city , who has been in Chicago during the last six months, has returned. Fred W. Gosmann, formerly with commission firm of George Burke & Frazler, has formed a copartnership with W. R. Dudley and opened a commission office in room 49, Exchange building. ------------------------- McKinley Biamaroke's Disciple. BERLIN, Jan. 29--The correspondent in Washington of a German newspaper has sent an interview with Mr. McKinley to his paper in this city. During the course of this interview Mr. McKinley is quoted as saying that Prince Bismarck's policy of limited protection, Which in twenty years brought Germany up to her present state of prosperity, "induced him to taken the tariff question in the United States." " Mr. McKinley is said to have added that he intended to visit Prince Bismarck in order to express personally his admiration for that statsman and for his policy. -------------------------- A Millionaire's Money Troubles. ATCHISON, Kan, Jan. 20.--- [Special Telegram to the BEE]---James W. Parker yesterday afternoon gave deeds and mortgages covering real estate in this city and county aggregating $60,000. It is reported that the recent bank troubles in Atchison were the cause. Mr. Parker is president and practically the sole owner of the National Mail company, which has mail contract in nearly every state in the union. Several years ago he was a defendant in the famous star route suits, but escaped a judgment. Mr. Parker has been estimated as millionaire. ----------------------- F. M. Davis, who was arrested upon a charge of obtaining money under false prentenses, was fined $10 and costs yesterday in police court.

THE SHEEDY MURDER TRIAL.

Mrs. Sheedy and the Negro McFarland Hold Without Bail.

DESPICABLE PLOT AGAINST A PRIEST.

The Alleged Murderess Seeks to Besmirch the Character of Her Spiritual Advisor--Lincoln News Notes.

LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. SL.--[?]Special to THE [word?][?]--This morning the arguments of the attorneys in the Sheedy murder case were heard by Police Magistrate Houston. To Colonel Philpot was deputed the work of asking that the charge against Monday McFarland be withdrawn. Philpot was at first appalled at the idea, but entered with such spirit into the argument that he astonished himself and the large crowd assembled.

Attorney Stearns made the plea for Mrs. Sheedy's discharge. He thought the court erred in admitting the testimony. He also thought that the confession itself was frail and with so little merit that his honor could well hesitate and pause before he committed a person like Mrs. Sheedy to a dungeon cell and put the stigma of a felon on her, which would blast her life forever. He characterized it as assassinating character upon superficial evidence. He thought it the bounded duty of the court to turn these people loose.

The judge refused to admit either of these two defendants to bail, and he ordered them. sent to the county jail to await the session of the district court.

It is understood that the indictment against Mrs. Sheedy will be quashed if the analysis of the stomach shows no signs of poison. The prosecution claim that they have not yet showed all the testimony they have, but gave only enough as they thought to secure the binding over of defendants.

Ever since it was announced that Rev. Father Walsh had been deposed from the priesthood by the bishop, speculation has been rife as to the causes that led to the serious and hitherto inexplicable result. Owing to Father Walsh's prior appearance before the coroner's jury with a recital of testimony rather damaging to Mrs. Sheedy, current speculation has been to the effect that his dismissal was due to his connection with the case. Yesterday facts became more or less generally known that tend to confirm the theory, or rather which conclusively prove it. It will be noticed that in the testimony of Father Walsh at the preliminary examination yesterday afternoon, he said that after his appearance before the coroner's jury he received a notification from Mrs. Sheedy that unless he modified his statements she would make it hot for him. It would appear that she has made good her threat. It is said that the testimony given by Father Walsh before the coroner's jury nettled Mr. Strode very much. Monday afternoon Bishop Bonacum met Mrs. Sheedy in the county jail in the jailer's office. Father Walsh, Mr. Strode and the jailer were also present. Mrs. Sheedy denied the statements made by Father Walsh. She also informed the bishop that Father Walsh had said some things reflecting on the bishop.

Father Walsh listened, astounded at the statements of the woman, and declared that she was not speaking a word of truth. Turning to Father Walsh, the bishop said:

"Pack your effects and get out of my house before night. Like Caesar's wife, you were above suspicion before you came to my home, but you have brought scandal and disgrace upon it."

Father Walsh declared that he was innocent of the charges made, and insisted that the only reason he had testified was that he believed he would be party to the murder if he attempted to screen the murderers.

"This is a foul conspiracy," said he, "concocted by this woman and her lawyer, Strode, and I will undo it."

But the bishop would not listen to him, and that night Father Walsh was turned out of doors by his superior. It is rumored that the bishop has also suspended him from the ministry for five years. Father Walsh has a host of friends who will not believe Mrs. Sheedy's charges, and who believe that he is the victim of a conspiracy.

THE SHEEDY MURDER TRIAL.

Mrs. Sheedy and the Negro McFarland Held Without Bail.

DECPICABLE PLOT AGAINST A PRIEST.

The Alleged Murderess Seeks to Besmirch the Character of Her Spiritual Advisor--Lincoln News Notes.

LINCOLN, Neb, Jan. 31--[Special to THE BEE.]--This morning the arguments of the attorneys in the Sheedy murder case were heard by Police Magistrate Houston, To Colonel Philpot was deputed the work of asking that the charge against Monday McFarland be withdrawn. Philpot was at first appalled at the Idea, but entered with such spirits into the argument that he astonished himself and the large crowd assembled.

Attorney Stearns made the plea Mrs. Sheedy's discharge. He thought the court erred in admitting the testimony. He also thought that the confession itself was fraud and with so little merit that his honor could well hesitate and pause before he committed a person like Mrs. Sheedy to a dungeon cell and put the stigma of a felon on her, which could blast her life forever. He characterized is as assassinating character upon superficial evidence. He thought it the bounded duty of the court to turn these people loose.

The judge refused to admit either of these two defendants to bail, and he ordered them sent to the county jail to await the session of the district court.

It is understood that the indictment against Mrs. Sheedy will be quashed if the analysis of the stomach shows no signs of poison. The prosecution claim that they have no yet showed all the testimony they have, but gave only enough as they thought to secure the blading over of defendants.

Ever since it was announced that Rev. Father Walsh had been deposed from the priesthood by the bishop speculation has been rife as to the causes that led to the serious and hitherto inexplicable result. Owing to Father Walsh's prior appearance before the coroner's jury with a recital of testimony rather damaging to Mrs. Sheedy, current speculation has been to the effect that his dismissal was due to his connection with the case. Yesterday facts became more or less generally known that tend to confirm the theory, or rather which conclusively prove it. It will be noticed that in the testimony of Father Walsh as the preliminary examination yesterday afternoon, he said that after his appearance before the coroner's jury he received a notification from Mrs. Sheedy that unless he modified his statements she would make it hot for him. It would appear that the testimony given by Father Walsh before the coroner's jury nestled Mr. Strode very much. Monday afternoon Bishop Bonscum met Mrs. Sheedy in the county jail in the jailer's office. Father Walsh, Mr Strode and the jailer were also present. Mrs. Sheedy denied the statements made by Father Walsh. She also informed the bishop that Father Walsh had said some things reflecting on the bishop.

Father Walsh listened, astounded at the statements of the woman, and declared that she was not speaking a word of truth. Turning to Father Walsh, the bishop said:

"Pack you effects and get out of my house before night. Like Caeser's wife, you were above suspicion before you came to my home, but you have brought scandal and disgrace upon it."

Father Walsh declared that he was innocent of the charges made, and insisted that the only reason he had testified was the he believed he would be party to the murder if he attempted to screen the murderers. "This is a foul conspiracy," said he," concocted by this woman and her lawyer, Strode; and I will undo it."

But the bishop would not listen to him, and that night Father Walsh was turned out of doors by his superior. It is rumored that the bishop has also suspended him from the ministry for five years. Father Walsh has a host of friends who will not believe Mrs. Sheedy's charges, and who believe that he is the victim of a conspiracy.

SHE MAY BE ALLOWED BAIL

Mrs.Sheedy's Attorneys File A Motion, Well Based, for Her Release.

VEXATIOUS DELAY OF THE CHEMIST

Coroner Holyoke Impatient for the Analysis- Court Notes - Snow Blockade- State Fair Date- Odds and Ends

LINCOLN, Neb, Feb. 27.- [Special to THE BEE]- Mrs. Mary Sheedy, by her attorney J. B. Strode, filed last evening a motion that she be discharged from custody of admitted to bail. This is supported by an affidavit of Mrs.Sheedy by the police judge before whom the preliminary examination was held charging her with murder, on which charge she was arrested on January 18 last. That notwithstanding several weeks have passed, no grand jury has been summoned or held its sessions as provided by law, and that the county attorney has not filed any information as required, nor has he given any reasons therefor. She says she is not guilty of the crime charged, and having been confined as a prisoner for forty-one days without anything being done, she asks that the county attorney be ordered to file his information and that she be either discharged pf admitted to bail so that she can prepare for her defense.

Dr. Holyoke has tired of waiting for the result of the analysis of the contents of the stomach of John Sheedy and has written to Prof. V. C. Vaugh, the chemist at the university of Michigan, to whom was deputies to work of analysis. Today the coroner received a stating merely that the work is not yet completed. A request was made that Prof. Nicholson of the state university here send Prof. Vaughn his analysis of the embalming fluid taken from the body pf Mrs. Dr. Robbins, as it is claimed will greatly expedite the work of analysis undertaken by Prof. Vaughan. it is not therefore known how soon the chemist will complete the analysis which will in a great measure determine the fate of Mrs.Sheedy