Fullen - William
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 30 August 1895
Under a clump of thorn trees just beyond the last house of notorious Black Hill at noon last Friday, a man breathed his last. He was William Fullen, of Ladoga. One man was present when he died. By his side lay of pint bottle of laudanum. Out of this Fullen drank his everlasting portion—more than half of it. Undoubtedly he was going to finish himself while he was at it. He did.
A few days ago Fullen came here and went straightway out to Black Hills. This demonstrated that he was foolish. A day or so after, he left for Michigan with the notorious Annie Curtis. Then he was a fool. He was gone until Thursday when he and the woman returned. They took up headquarters with that old hag, Betty Plush. Last Friday Fullen was seen on the streets with Betty, and he seemed to be in a very pleasant humor. At about 11 o’clock he left the Plush dive saying he was going down under the trees and if anybody called for him to tell them he was asleep. To all appearances he had once been a sensible fellow. His forehead was high, surmounted by a heavy growth of red hair. He wore a short, stubby red mustache and is, of course, sandy complexioned. He was neatly dressed and wore a coat and vest of navy blue, grey trousers, tan shoes and a neat derby hat. On one of the fingers of his left hand he had a costly gold ring. He had a fine gold watch and chain and some money.
People are at somewhat of a loss to understand why he should take his own life. It certainly could not be on the account of the woman in the case, for she has been in the asylum a time or two and has no other estimable qualities. She has been married three times before. She seemed to know nothing or care nothing for Fullen, for when told of his death only grinned and would not go to where he was. While standing by the side of Fullen’s dead body, screechy voices of the Plush gang could be heard in maudlin song at the house near by.
Coroner Barcus was called upon and made an examination of the body and also held an examination at the Plush house. It is said that there was some sensational evidence brought out but this could not be obtained. – thanks so much to “S” for all the wonderful typing for this page
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 30 August 1895
The remains of William Fullen were taken by undertakers Carver & Perry to Ladoga, where, after a short service at the grave, they were interred. Word was received that it was impossible for his father, Rev. S. P. Fullen, of La Cygne, Kan., to be present at the funeral the coroner’s report has not yet been filed. It will develop no more facts, however. Fullen lived a very fast life, throwing his money to the winds, spending several hundred dollars in the last two weeks before his death. He carried a life insurance policy in the A. O. U. W. for $2,000, in favor of his father. – thanks so much to “S” for all the wonderful typing for this page