Grace Crowell Houk, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
Grace Crowell Houk
TRUE BILLS ARE RETURNED.
Death of Miss Houk Results in Two Indictments.
GRAND JURY AT VALPARAISO, IND., BELIEVES EVIDENCE SUFFICIENT.
Ex-sheriff Stoddard and Mrs. Carey Accused of Committing a Crime.
Both Give Bail for Their Appearance at The March Term of Court.
VALPARAISO, Ind., Jan. 27. -- Ex-sheriff Heber Stoddard and Mrs. Lydia Wolgamot Carey were arrested late tonight on a warrant issued on an indictment returned by the Porter county grand jury this evening, in which they are charged with causing the death of Miss Grace Crowell Houk. Miss Houk came here from Burnett's Crossing, Carroll county, Ind., last spring and took charge of Stoddard's family, he being a widower. On Dec. 9 she left here suddenly, and it was given out that she had gone home, owing to the fact that she was unable to do her work on account of ill health. A short time afterwards friends here received a letter from her mother announcing her death and burial. The news caused sensation here. Many rumors were soon afloat, which led to an investigation. It was found that instead of going home she had gone to Chicago and entered a private hospital, where, on the 16th of December she died quite suddenly. Her remains were soon afterward shipped to her home without any word of explanation. The press and pulpit took up the case and called upon the authorities to make an investigation, and Judge Gillett called the grand jury of Porter county last week together and the matter was laid before that body. Some forty witnesses were examined from this city and Carroll county. The body of Miss Houk was exhumed by the coroner of Carroll county, and his verdict was that she came to her death by a criminal operation, performed at the hands of unknown parties. Stoddard served four years as sheriff, retiring in December last. Both defendants gave bail for the appearance at the March term of the Porter circuit court.
Newspaper: The Westchester Tribune
Date of Publication: January 30, 1897
Volume Number: 13
Issue Number: 42
Page: 1
Column(s): 6
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook