A Shocking Scene
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| Old Eastland County Courthouse |
The two people with him were horrified when he responded to the telegram by pulling out a handgun and shooting himself in the heart. He died instantly.
The telegram read, "A young woman who gave the name of Mrs. Ruth Burns died at hospital here Thursday. She said you are her brother. Wire collect if you know her Chicago address. She had a book with the inscription 'Monnie to Lynn."
Who was Ruth Burns?
News reported that the 29-year-old woman was from Eastland, Texas, and had died at Chicago Union Hospital on April 15, 1920.
Dr. Sven Windrow of Roscoe St. admitted that Ruth had come to him on the previous Saturday, saying that a friend had recommended him.
Detectives investigating Ruth's death found a book belonging to her that was inscribed, "To Monnie, with love, love, love from Lynn."
"Ruth Burns" wasn't Ruth Burns at all. She was Mona "Monnie" Whittington, daughter of the late George Ross Whittington and his wife, Rachel. Monnie was the youngest of seven children.
Earl McAllister wasn't Monnie's brother. He was her fiancé. Monnie had been employed at the Eastland tax office with him. From the way things played out, it seems pretty clear Earl McAllister had known of the trip to Chicago, the false name, and the abortion and had known exactly why Monnie was dead.
What Happened Next?
Source:
- "Two Women Die; Fiance of One and Doctor Held," Chicago Tribune, April 17, 1920
- "Chicago Officials Investigating Death of Eastland Woman," Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 17, 1920
- "Man's Suicide in Texas Sequel to Girl Death Here," Chicago Sunday Tribune, April 18, 1920
- "Hears Sister Dead; Found Dead Later," Waco Times-Herald, April 18, 1920
- "Body of Eastland Girl is Being Returned to Home," Forth Worth Star-Telegram, April 20, 1920
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