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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

A sad family melodrama played out at the Elm boarding house on Sprague Avenue.

Fred J. Lester, a Calgary insurance agent, had pursued his wife, Isabella, 24, and Robert Elliott, 32, from Calgary after they had run off together.

After they had been gone a week, Lester traced the couple to the Elm. He went to Spokane police and obtained a warrant for their arrests. 

The officers, along with Lester, went to the Elm and knocked on the couple’s door. The officers asked Elliott if Isabella was his wife, and Elliott said she was. Little did he know that Lester was standing outside in the hallway, listening.

Lester then stepped into the room and officers arrested the couple.

The Lester’s 4-year-old daughter, who was with her mother, then ran into the outstretched arms of her father.

Mrs. Lester tried to explain what drove her to this.

“I love my husband best, but he drinks,” said Mrs. Lester, tearfully. “Elliott treats me kindly.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1863: The International Red Cross was founded in Geneva.

1933: Newsweek magazine was first published under the title “News-Week.”