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there has grown up quite an undergrowth of cherry trees, nearly concealing the house from the road. The barn stands west and a little to the south from the house, and in general appearances resembles the house, and to the casual observer it would seem to be the last place where a double murder would be committed for money.Williams’ murdered body was found as above stated, lying on its side, the body facing the west. His head had been nearly severed from the body, and the back part of the head lay between the shoulder blades. The instrument used by the assassin is supposed to have been a Granger hatchet, the width being three and one-eighth inches. The blow upon the top of the head must have caused instfnt death, but it is supposed that after Williams fell the assassin, to make sure of his victim, took hold of his head, bent it back, chopped it nearly otf, and left him as found.The assassin then went to the house, broke open the kitchen door, passed through into the sitting room, and to the family bedroom. Mrs. Williams had evidently retired, as she was but partially dressed. There is evidence that the little woman fought desperately with her antagonist, for finger marks show plainly upon her body in various places. But the assassin overpowered her and sent three terriftic blow’s of the murderous hatchet crashing into her head to the depth of four and one-fourth inches.There was but one theory of the murder. Wesley Johnson for several months past has been a farm hand of John II. Williams, an uncle of the murdered man. He left the residence of his employer Tuesday at six p. m. and returned between twelve m. and one a. m. The next morning he wras observed to be uneasy, refusing to eat any breakfast, and about eight a. m. he went out to work, drawing ashes from where Mr. Williams’ two barns burned up last Sunday night. After working an hour or so he quit. Going to the house lie packed his valise and came to Wauseon where lie was arrested for arson, being charged with the burning of John H. ‘Williams’ bams, but was released just in time to take the Lake Shore train. While at the depot he was seen to go into the water-closet and throw something up on a shelf and something else into the vault, and then hurry onto the train, that was then moving. One of the station men went into the closet and found a watch wrapped up in - rxnnar Ynfhintr was thought of this
Newspaper Details
Defiance County Express
Defiance, Ohio, US
Thu, Nov 01, 1883
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Dianne K.
USA 05 Sep 2016
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