Only a few months ago Gust Bloominquist came to a sad end at Cedar Lake, the case still being a mystery, and within a few rods of the spot where his body was found, a horrible murder was committed Monday night of this week, the victim being Mrs. Pauline Ellwanger, the wife of Otto Ellwanger, who is accused of the awful crime. They were married about 18 months ago, and from reports their married life has not run smooth, and a couple of weeks ago she turned him away from her home. Pauline's life has not been as pure as it should have since a resident of the lake, and Barney's ways have been those of a Prodigal Son, making his parents much trouble.
During the winter, Pauline's mother died, and a short time before death she was induced by Pauline to will her, (Pauline), all the property, which is said to be worth $8,000. This started a row in the Dolson family, two brothers in Chicago, and Mrs. August Roos, a sister of Pauline, who the brothers moved away from Pauline's house Sunday, one day before the murder.
Sunday afternoon Ellwanger and one of the Shuster boys went to Chicago and returned to Shuster's Monday night, where it is said Ellwanger stayed until 12 o'clock, and when asked to got to bed and remain with them, said no, he would go down and stay with Pauline, which is less than a half mile. This is the last seen of him. A neighbor woman had occasion to go to Pauline's house at 6 o'clock in the morning, and it was then the awful crime was made public. Pauline's body was stretched on the floor, her head pounded to a jelly and a gallon of blood, or more, spread about the floor. She was not dead, but never opened her eyes nor spoke again. Her pulse beat until 12 o'clock in the evening, when her life ebbed away, taking the secret of the crime with it.
As soon as possible the neighbors were summoned, and by noon deputy Sheriff Farley was on the grounds, Sheriff Hayes being called to Hammond in the morning on business. Drs. W.B. and John Blackstone were called, but could do nothing. Near the body was the rolling pin (club) which had done the work. It was covered with blood. A bloody shirt was found on the floor, which the neighbors say is "Barney's," also a pair of dirty socks. The door had been forced open. The circumstances are all against the husband, and the neighbors who know of the family row, over the property, are not slow of accusing in that direction.
One theory is that Ellwanger will be found in the lake while others believe he is in Chicago with the Dolsons. Sheriff Hayes left for Chicago Tuesday evening, but as of this writing, (Wednesday morning) nothing can be learned as to Ellwanger's whereabouts.
The victim of the tragedy is a woman of about 26 years, was somewhat addicted to drink, and with her other bad habits was quite notorious at the sports. These facts were all known to Ellwanger before he married her.
The inquest was held Wednesday afternoon by Coroner T.E. Bell, and enough proof was furnished from different sources to cause the arrest of the two Dolsons, brothers of the murdered woman, who had come here from Chicago during the forenoon. They were placed in jail by Deputy Sheriff Farley to await developments, which promise to reveal an awful plot if Ellwanger can be caught. There is no longer a doubt as to Ellwanger's guilt and it is believed that he will be in custody at an early date.
Sheriff Hayes returned from Chicago Wednesday evening after a thirty-hours hunt, and feels confident that the fugitive will be caught within a very short time.
Pauline's body, cold and stiff, her eyes blackened from a blow her husband struck her Sunday, and her head crushed in a terrible manner, lay in a black coffin in _____ & Co. Undertaking rooms, in this place awaiting burial. Her care worn face had no peaceful look, and the pinched features told the tale of a horrible death. No floral offerings were there to show that she had a friend on earth.
Scores of people went to look at her and from the stern, resolute faces we judge the matter will not be dropped until the murderer and accomplices are brought to justice.
The remains were buried on Thursday, without service or mourners. Her death is the end of an ill-spent life and a few thousand dollars, the cause of the last dreadful tragedy.
At time of going to press no tidings have been received of Ellwanger.
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