Paddacks - William
Source: Crawfordsville Evening Journal 17 Oct 1883
William A. PADDACKS, nephew of John Nicholson, and, formerly a photographer in this city, was shot and instantly killed by his brother-in-law, Andrew J. Mason at his home on the corner of Paulina and Walnut Streets in Chicago last Sunday evening. Paddacks was married to Eva Mason on July 1, 1880. Owing to the temperate habits of Paddacks the marriage was strongly opposed by his wife's family and since then a feud has existed between them. He was, however, supplied with means to establish himsel fin business in Chicago. After remaining there a short time he came here, his wife accompanying him, and with his brother-in-law, bought the photograph gallery of M.V. Chapman. In a little while he returned to Chicago. A short time since he again came back to Crawfordsville obtaining employment with JW Clemson as a printer. This he likewise gave ujp and returned to Chicago, his vicious habits and associates making it impossible for him to attend to business with any regularity. Last July, his wife finding it impossible to live with him, returned to her father, Chalres Mason who keeps a boarding house at No. 49 Walnut St, Chicago. Two children had been born to them, one only of which is living, a daughter now about 13 years of age. After his last visit to Crawfordsville, about one month since, Paddacks obtained a position as photograph in EJ Lehman's "Fair." He had held no communication with his wife since their separation until Sunday morning when he sent a card to the house stating that he would call at 5 o'clock in the evening to see his daughter. To this his father-in-law objected, but agreed that the child might be taken to see him by some person not related to the family. He had written a note at the same time to AW Quanston, also a son-in-law of Charles Mason, asking for an interview and naming the corner of Wood and Lake streets as the place of meeting. Quanston met him there accordingly, at the time appointed. During the interview Quanston said that Paddacks drew a revolver form his pocket which he said he had bout before coming to Chicago and expressed a regret that he had not killed his father-in-law, whom he called the "old man." He also stated that he was going that evening to see his child. Previous to this Quanston had seen Paddacks enter several saloons, and at the time of the interview he was greatly under the influence of liquor. It was subsequently learned that he had spent the greater part of the time that day in the saloons on Lake street. Anticipating the call AJ Mason had remained at home. About half past 7 Paddacks left the house with a boarder, from whom he separated shortly after. Mason passed down Paulina Street and met Paddacks near a barn in the rear of the premises. Paddacks came out of an alley, it is supposed and with an oath placed his revolver close to Masons face saying, "I've come to see Eva and if you stand in my way, I'll blow your brains out," Mason, who was unarmed said, "Don't, Will," at which Paddacks pulled the trigger of the pistol. The weapon missed fire and Mason, wrestling it from him, attempted to leave the man. Paddacks, however, followed, and when Mason saw him still appraching him, he fired three shots at him. At the last Paddacks fell and died almost instantly. A police officer, who heard the firing, came at once and asked, "Who did the killing?" Mason, who was still holding the pistol replied that he did, and was at once taken into custody. Paddacks received two wounds, either to which would have caused his death, one above the left eye and the other in the region of the heart. The body was removed to Moffett's Undertaking establishment and was buried on Wednesday afternoonat Franklin. John Nicholson, Jr. of this city, went to Indianapolis on Monday and accompanied his aunt, mother of the deceased to Chicago. She is in feeble health and all knowledge of the affair had been kept from her until her arrival in the city. She returned from Franklin with her nephew on Thursday night and is now in the city at the residence of her brother, Nicholson. - transcribed by kbz