ELLIS, Charles attack wife
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 18-Mar-1914 p1
Mrs. Ellen Wilkinson lies at her home on East Market Street suffering from a wound in her head that may cause her death and Charles Ellis is held in jail awaiting the outcome of the woman's injuries. A drunken row in the neighborhood just east of the Monon station about 8 Tuesday evening resulted in the probable murder. The wound was inflicted with an Indian club hurled by Ellis. The drunken man threw the club at his cousin, Fern Ellis but the missile went wild and struck the defenseless woman who is Fern's mother.
The region where the trouble occurred is about five squares from the courthouse. It is alleged on what seems to be the most reliable reports that a half dozen bootleggers have been doing a thriving business in the dirty hovels on the hill, the common name for the acre of ground across the tracks from the Monon station.
Charles Ellis was one of these. Early last evening some one kicked in the back door of his home. Fired by intoxicants the man went on a wild rampage, first kicking in the door of a house occupied by one of the Parker brothers. He then went to the home of Steve Robbins where Fern Ellis, his cousin has been staying. Swinging a heavy Indian club over his head he threw the club at Fern. The young man dodged the weapon and Mrs. Wilkinson mother of Fern was struck in the forehead, the sharp edge of the club splitting her head open for almost six inches.
The injured woman was taken to her home, 216 E Market Street and physicians were called. Every attention was given her in an effort to save her life. Ellis was arrested by Chief Stewart and Officer Alexander near the Monon Station. He was led to jail by Officers Alexand and Northcutt. He was intoxicated when jailed.
Fern Ellis, cousin of the assailant had been drinking when the trouble occurred. He declared that he and the cousin had not had trouble and said Charles came to the Robbins home to start trouble. Fern Ellis is of small stature while the jailed man is a big, husky fellow. The son of the injured woman wept last night as he decided that he would have killed his cousin if he had not been placed in jail.
Charles Ellis has been in trouble before and has served two terms in the state prison. He was convicted on a larcey charge a few years ago and was later sent up for breaking into the General Lew Wallace home a few months ago, he was fined in police court on a charge of selling liquor to minors. He will be held in jail until the condition at Mrs. Wilkinson is determined. If the injured woman dies a charge of murder will likely be filed against the man and he will probably be charged with assault and batter with intent to kill if Mrs. Wilkinson recovers.
Chief of Police Stewart admitted today that the condition in the region where the trouble occurred has been deplorable. He said an effort would be made by the police department to clean out "the hill" and drive the alleged law violators from the spot.
Dr. Faye O. Schenck who was called last night to attend the injured woman sated that her condition was still uncertain late this afternoon. She was conscious today and it is not believed her skull was fractured. However her head is so severely bruised that death may result at any time. Her condition still remains, doubtful for a few hours yet it is thought when she will undergo a change for beating or worse. She was very weak today and seemed to be suffering much pain.