Coombs - Charley
Source: Weekly Argus News, Aug 11, 1894 p 7
Sheriff Davis received a message this morning stating that Charley Coombs was dead and requesting relatives be sent at once to claim the body.
Charley Coombs, it will be remembered was tried here in the fall of 1890 for the murder of Walter McClure and was sentenced to the penitentiary to serve 21 years for manslaughter. The trial was a short one and hotly contested. The particulars of the shooting are still fresh in the minds of the public and republication of them now is unnecessary. By good behavior Coombs would only have to serve about 12 years. His brother, Sam, has been at work for some time circulating a petition to have his brother released on good behavior. It is said that Charley was a model prisoner, behaving himself and obeying the rules of the prison to the letter. He has been in good health and always talked with those whom he saw from here with pleasurable anticipation of returning soon to the city. WHen here he followed no regular occupation but was generally industrious. He was about 40 years of age. His wife died aobut a year ago. His stepdaughter still resides here but his brother, Jack, now lives in Danville, Ill.
When asked in regard to the matter this morning Sam Coombs stated that he had received a letter from the deceased several weeks ago and at that time he was well and cheerful. His step daughter ghot a letter a week ago. The remains will arrive here at 1:25 p.m. and will be taken to McClure & Scott's Undertaking rooms where all can see them tomorrow afternoon. - transcribed by kbz
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Saturday, 4 August 1894
Sheriff Davis received a dispatch this morning from Warden French that Charley Coombs had died yesterday evening in the hospital of the northern penitentiary. His body will be brought here for burial, and will be taken from the train to the home of his brother, Sam. Charley Coombs was serving a sentence of twenty one years for the killing of Walter McClure on Thursday night, January 29, 1891. Coombs resided on North Walnut Street and than night McClure and two companions were taking a walk after attending a dance. As they passed the house where Coombs lived, McClure took hold of the fence, shaking it, and picking up a picket; he struck the fence and walked on. Coombs got up, took down his rifle and shot at McClure, not knowing who he was at the time. As soon as he was shot he called to his companions, who had preceded him, to come to his aid. They returned and aided McClure to a residence near by and summoned medical aid. He was finally removed to the home of his father, D. F. McClure, where he died near 3 o’clock in the afternoon. A post mortem examination showed that the ball had ranged from under the left shoulder to the region of the heart, and that death resulted from internal hemorrhage and the shock to the nervous system.
Coombs did not deny doing the shooting, but claimed that he had been disturbed several times during that night and that as his wife was sick, he was angered by the disturbance. He used a 22 caliber rifle and claimed that he had fired at random. He was arrested and waiving examination was bound over to court. The case commenced on March 23, the prosecutor being aided by A. B. Anderson, and Mr. Coombs having M. W. Bruner and J. M. Seller. The jury consisted of B. M. Galey, Amazon Ward, R. G. Crist, W. H. Montgomery, Wm Bromley, George Guntle, Capt. H. H. Talbot, Levi Martin, Ed Goff, Jacob Swank, Samuel R. Fisher, and S. S. Imel. The case was given to the jury Wednesday, March 25, and Thursday morning the jury brought in a verdict of manslaughter with a sentence of twenty one years. The motion for a new trial was overruled. Coombs was taken to Michigan City on April 6, 1891. -- thanks so much to s for tying this and so many obits for this site
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 10 August 1894
Charles Coombs, an inmate of the northern prison, died Friday night in the hospital. His death was caused by inflammation of the bowels and he had been sick but a few days. Coombs was sent up from Crawfordsville in 1891 to serve a term of twenty years for manslaughter. He was about 48 years of age and at the time of his conviction had a family. Coombs worked on the chair contract and was an excellent prisoner. His remains will be sent to Crawfordsville. - transcribed by Kim H
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Monday, 6 August 1894
The body of Charley Coombs arrived from Michigan City this afternoon and was taken to the home of his brother, Sam. The funeral will be conducted by Rev. G. P. Fuson at the house tomorrow afternoon at 4 o’clock. Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery. -- thanks so much to s for tying this and so many obits for this site
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Monday, 6 August 1894
Michigan City News:
Charles Coombs, an inmate of the
northern prison, died Friday night in the hospital. His death was caused by
inflammation of the bowels and he had been sick but a few days. Coombs was sent
up from Crawfordsville in 1891 to serve a term of twenty years for
manslaughter. He was about 48 years of age and at the time of his conviction,
he had a family. Coombs worked on the chair contract and was an excellent
prisoner. His remains will be sent to Crawfordsville