Jim Kershner’s This Day in History

From our archives, 100 years ago

The mystery surrounding the murder of pioneer pharmacist R.P. Sims deepened.

A coroner’s jury noted several puzzling circumstances. A pair of bloodstained gloves were found inside the pockets of Sims’ overcoat, yet the lining of his pockets showed no trace of stain. These facts did not fit neatly into the most likely theory, that Sims had been bludgeoned to death on the sidewalk by an unknown assailant.

The possibility that Sims had fallen and fractured his skull was discounted for two reasons: A fall would not have caused massive and multiple head wounds, and a bloody club was found nearby. The possibility of suicide was rejected for the same reasons.

Adding to the mystery was the fact that Mrs. Sims said, when the body was carried into her house, “Well, they’ve got you this time.”

However, both Mrs. Sims and her daughter testified at the hearing that they had no knowledge that Sims had any enemies. The last man to see Sims alive, a fellow passenger on the “owl car” (late night streetcar), said Sims seemed to be in his usual spirits and walked alone from the streetcar stop.

Also on this date

From the Associated Press

1990: South African black activist Nelson Mandela was freed after 27 years in captivity.