Miss Oberholtzer Dies; Coroner Asks Autopsy

From The Indianapolis News, Tuesday, April 14, 1925:  Madge Oberholtzer died this morning at her Irvington home, 5802 University Av, after suffering nearly a month from bichloride of mercury poisoning which she took following an alleged attack by former Ku Klux Klan grand dragon D. C. Stephenson.  She had been unconscious since April 1, and while her condition had appeared slightly improved, there was little chance of recovery. Dr. John K. Kingsbury, the Oberholtzer family physician, announced her death and said only the nurse and family members were at her bedside when the end came.  Before losing consciousness, Oberholtzer made a statement about the alleged attack which led to charges against Stephenson which have been revised to include murder.  Madge Oberholtzer’s funeral will be held Friday at her home, and she will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery.

     “Miss Oberholtzer Dies; Coroner Asks Autopsy,” The Indianapolis News, 14 April 1925, p. 1:1

Organize Further for Manager Plan

From The Indianapolis Star, Wednesday, April 8, 1925:  Selection of the executive committee of the citizens’ committee of 1,000, under the leadership of chair Charles F. Coffin, former Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce president, has been completed and will lead the campaign for an election of an Indianapolis city manager form of government.  Plans for a series of meetings with civic and luncheon clubs throughout the city are being made to secure the 20,000 signatures to a petition asking the city council to set a date for a special election on the city manager plan.  Coffin declared, “The movement is not aimed at any mayoral candidate nor at any city administration.  It grows out of a conviction that has been gathering for a long time.  The conduct of the business of the city is and always should be a nonpartisan job.”

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“Organize Further for Manager Plan,” The Indianapolis Star, 8 April 1925, p. 1:5

D. C. Stephenson Under Indictment

From The Indianapolis News, Friday, April 3, 1925:  Former Indiana Grand Dragon D. C. Stephenson was arrested today on five charges in connection with an alleged March 16 attack on Madge Oberholtzer, secretary-treasurer of the Teachers and Young People’s Reading Circle of Indiana.  Charged with assault and battery with intent to kill, assault and battery with intent to rape, malicious mayhem, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit a felony, Stephenson was released on $25,000 (2023:  $443,342) bond.  He will be arraigned before Judge James Collins on Monday.  Also charged for allegedly being involved were Earl Klinck and Earl Gentry.  The charges are based on statements made by Oberholtzer that she was forcibly taken to Hammond on a train and was a victim of an attack enroute.  She is near death at her home suffering from self-administered poison after the alleged attack.

“D. C. Stephenson Under Indictment,” The Indianapolis News, 3 April 1925, p. 1:1