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Newspaper
Indianapolis Sun
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
Date
May 19, 1908
Page
1
John McGaughey, a former Marion county official, chose suicide rather than testify before the grand jury. He faced Tuesday’s appearance to discuss evidence from prior grand jury sessions and potential future indictments against associates. The death caps a series of recent tragedies tied to his controversial career.
Martin Hugg testified that McGaughey, under illness and strain, feared grand jury action after indictments against John McGregor and Thomas Spafford. He described repeated calls seeking assurances, mental deterioration, and a final, devastating grand jury appearance. Prosecutor Baker denied any push for immunity or cooperation.
Attorney Martin Hugg lambasts a grand juror after learning of John McGaughey’s death by suicide while under indictment in the Atlanta bribery inquiry. John McGregor, a former county commissioner associate, says McGaughey was honorable and feared disgrace from the grand jury. He notes McGaughey never admitted intent to die but feared possible indictment.
John McGaughey former Marion County commissioner, 56, reportedly shot himself at 6 am at his Irvington home amid graft investigations tied to an Atlas Engine works boiler contract. He had faced grand jury scrutiny over a $3,800 bribe allegation and grew despondent, with relatives unaware of his intent. His death is listed as a direct result of courthouse graft pressure.
Caleb S. Denny, former county attorney, defended John McGaughey by sworn statement that McGaughey never accepted bribes or graft while a county commissioner. He noted others believed McGaughey may have been used by bribe seekers and that money could have been paid to influence him, though McGaughey himself denied any such connection.
Prosecuting Attorney Hooton said he did not know if the grand jury had enough grounds to indict McGaughey and he believed there was no incriminating evidence against him. He denied pressure on witnesses and said he would not confirm any favorable report to clear Jim from suspicion in the Atlas case.
The case centers on Thomas Kackley former vice president of Atlas Engine Works. He is indicted for offering a bribe tied to alleged graft at the courthouse. Reports say he fled after learning of the indictment. authorities seek his arrest while grand jury secrets leaked.
Joseph Harkness supervisor of Brightwood waterworks and Ora Arthur Big Four brakeman are jailed on charges linked to extortion attempts against Carl M. Ellison employment manager. Ellison faced earlier false pretenses charges and was acquitted after rumors reached Judge Whallon and police officials. Ellison said payments to officials were discussed, and Pettijohn stated a $50 fee with a $25 bonus if freed, with Ellison owing part of it.
John Mendenhall, former county commissioner, broke into tears upon hearing the death of Mr. McGaughey. He praised McGaughey as a square man and lamented the lack of taint in his dealings, saying there was nothing wrong in his county frauds connection and that he would regret his loss.
George E. Sterrey, a prominent New York coal operator and drug importer, was shot dead in his Pine Street office by his son, George E. Sterrey Jr., after news he planned to remarry. The son then killed himself. The elder Sterrey, 72, was about to wed Rebecca Blakie, a East Orange schoolteacher, shocking friends who had learned of the engagement six months after his first wife’s death.
The complaint filed by the doctor’s wife, a physician surgeon’s spouse, claims the husband is a gambler. She seeks a divorce and related relief in the pending suit.
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