NEWSPAPER TIDBIT: Former New Winchester Teacher Murdered (1932)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) – issue of Thursday, September 1, 1932 – page 1, column 6:

MURDERED TEACHER WELL KNOWN HERE
Lila Jones Taught Primary Department at New Winchester

Miss Lila Jones, who was ruthlessly murdered near Ladoga, Monday morning, was well known in this neighborhood, having taught the primary department of the New Winchester schools in the years 1923 to 1925 and for four years roomed at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Dickerson.

Miss Jones, 33 years of age, recently a teacher in the Richmond schools, was at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Jones, between Ladoga and Roachdale, when she was attacked by a farm hand, Morris Green, 22 years of age, Monday morning, with a hatchet. Miss Jones died soon after being taken to the Culver hospital at Crawfordsville. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were visiting at Birdseye at the time of the attack.

Green at first denied the attack but later made a confession to Montgomery [county] officials declaring that in a scuffle Miss Jones fell from the back porch to the concrete walk some four feet below and he became angered and struck her on the head with a hatchet he had in his pocket. Four wounds were on Miss Jones’ head.

Green’s home was near the Jones home and he stayed at home, going to the Jones home to do work. Green’s father died some years ago by ax wounds accidently inflicted by the son. Green is being held in the Montgomery county jail without bond.