Drunken Man Shot To Kill

DRUNKEN MAN SHOT TO KILL

Farmer's Wife Nearly Murdered by Hired Man

ON FARM NEAR MILAN

While Thomas Wilson was Being Initiated by Milan Odd Fellows, Hired Man Shot His Wife

Milan, Mich., March 18.- An attempted murder occurred near Cone, a few miles from their village, last night. While Thomas Wilson was in this village being initiated into the lodge of Odd Fellows, his hired man, Frank Ward, emptied both barrels of a shotgun at Mrs. Wilson, one shot taking effect in her hip. While Wilson was absent from home in Milan, his wife accompanied by the hired man, Ward, went to Britton to do some trading. While in the village Ward got drunk, and when they returned to the house he became abusive and offensive. Mrs. Wilson became frightened and at about the hour of 9 in the evening he entered the home and said he would "shoot the heart out of her." At this she made an effort to go to a neighbor's, Ed Auten's home, about half a mile away. She says that when about half way between the two houses Ward came up behind her and fired the two shots at her. The shot took effect in one hip, but did not cripple her so but what she could continue her journey. Mr. Anten heard the shots and going out met Mrs. Wilson, helping her to his home. When she arrived there she sank on the floor in an exhausted condition. Ward appeared at the door later and asked to see Mrs. Wilson. He was admitted, and seating himself on the floor beside her began to cry and protested that he did not mean to do it Mrs. Wilson protested that the man certainly did not know what he was doing. It is said that Ward, after doing the shooting, sat in the fence corner for at least ten minutes before going to Austen's house, brooding over his act.

Dr. Patton was called and stated that the wound received by Mrs. Wilson was not of a serious nature and that she would recover easily. She remained at Mr. Austen's house during today, suffering considerably from the shock.

Deputy Sheriff Wm. Britton was notified, and went to the scene. He placed Ward under arrest, and took him to Adrian on the midnight Wabash train. He went along peaceably.

Mrs. Wilson is a lady about 27 years of age, has two children of 5 and 7 years, and is considered an estimable woman. She cannot understand why Ward should have done such a deed.

Ward is a man about 37 years of age, unmarried, and had been at work at the Wilson place about two years. He was considered a good workman, but considerably given to hard drinking. The community here is mystifled over the affair, and cannot understand why it should have happened.

At the jail in Adrian Ward admitted doing the shooting, but cannot tell why he did it. He is very reticent and seems to be ashamed of himself. A thorough investigation will be made.