Rudolph had full custody of Grace at the time of Patsy's death. They resided in an apartment in Chicago and had a housekeeper Theresa.
Rudolph married Mary Kern of Joliet Illinois on July 2, 1932(per their marriage certificate). Rudolph was 26 and Mary was 18. The marriage took place in Chicago Illinois.
It is not clear of how they met or where they resided during the marriage. It could have been Chicago or it could have been Hammond Indiana where Rudolph filed for divorce.
There is an article in The Hammond Times March 22, 1937:
R. SCHUBNELL ASKS FOR DIVORCE FROM 2ND WIFE:
Rudolph Schubnell, 2855 Truman Avenue Hammond today filed divorce proceedings in Hammond Superior court against his wife Mary whom he married on July 21, 1932.
The couple separated on November 16, 1936, when according to the complaint Mrs. Schubnell left home. She was his second wife and is alleged in the bill to have scolded her husband because of an 8 year old child by the first marriage.
TIP #8: Watch those dates. The marriage certificate shows the date of marriage as July 2, 1932 and the newspaper shows July 21, 1932.
I have attempted to locate a copy of the divorce proceedings with no luck to date. Probably have to make a trip to Hammond and do the research myself.
I want to know a little bit more about the scolding Rudolph got about the 8 year old (my mother Grace). There are stories that my mother resided with Aunt Dorothea and Uncle Bud for several years while growing up. Could this have been during the time frame Rudolph was married to Mary and the scolding was because she found out about Grace? More research to go....
Note: Aunt Dorothea and Uncle Bud aka Dorothea and Bud Schwartzentraub. Bud was Rudolph's business partner for several years. We always considered them family.
Four Generations
Loretta, Don, Vicki with Andy, Grace and Clarence Hilb
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Arthur Rigney What happened to him?
So, I have to have as many of the pieces to a puzzle as I can get. I wrote to the archived records section of the state of Illinois and requested everything and anything they could tell me about Arthur and how he served his prison sentence.
Per the records I received:
Arthur was received into Joliet Prison on April 8,1933 with a sentence of 35 years for murder. He is described as:
Race: white
Age: 48
Hair: dark grey hair
Eyes: grey green
Height: 5'8 3/4"
Build: medium
Weight: 165
Education: 8th grade
Religion: Methodist
Released from prison: January 7, 1952.
So Arthur served 19 years of his 35 year sentence. Records show that January 7, 1952 would have been the earliest he could have been released.
No one knows for sure what happened to Arthur after his release. We do have his death certificate showing his date of death as February 27,1961 at the Maple Lawn Rest Home in Palmyra Missouri. Arthur's brother W C Rigney (who was a witness at trial) was the informant.
Am I done with research on Patsy and Arthur? No! I have a photo taken at a family reunion of Arthur's family and we believe it contains my grandmother Patsy and mother Grace as well. I just have to find a picture of Patsy to prove it.
So who do we work on next...
Per the records I received:
Arthur was received into Joliet Prison on April 8,1933 with a sentence of 35 years for murder. He is described as:
Race: white
Age: 48
Hair: dark grey hair
Eyes: grey green
Height: 5'8 3/4"
Build: medium
Weight: 165
Education: 8th grade
Religion: Methodist
Released from prison: January 7, 1952.
So Arthur served 19 years of his 35 year sentence. Records show that January 7, 1952 would have been the earliest he could have been released.
No one knows for sure what happened to Arthur after his release. We do have his death certificate showing his date of death as February 27,1961 at the Maple Lawn Rest Home in Palmyra Missouri. Arthur's brother W C Rigney (who was a witness at trial) was the informant.
Am I done with research on Patsy and Arthur? No! I have a photo taken at a family reunion of Arthur's family and we believe it contains my grandmother Patsy and mother Grace as well. I just have to find a picture of Patsy to prove it.
So who do we work on next...
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Rigney Gets 35 Years on Charge of Murder
Arthur's attorney sought to withdraw the guilty plea to murder and enter a plea of manslaughter. the judge denied the motion.
The state attorney did not seek the death penalty but requested a heavy sentence. The plaintiff attorney plead for a light sentence asking for the minimum term.
Judge Eldredge advised: "There are two things which excuses a person from killing another. One is in defense of his own life, family or property and the other insanity. There is nothing else which gives any person the right to take the life of a human being. Voluntary intoxication is no excuse for crime. That is the law the world over." He was sentenced to 35 years in the State Prison at Joliet Illinois. He started the sentence on April 5, 1933.
Palmer Byrne the attorney appointed to defend Arthur was then awarded $150 for his defense of Arthur.
WOW! Lots of information on what happened to Patsy! What happened to Arthur? See ya...
The state attorney did not seek the death penalty but requested a heavy sentence. The plaintiff attorney plead for a light sentence asking for the minimum term.
Judge Eldredge advised: "There are two things which excuses a person from killing another. One is in defense of his own life, family or property and the other insanity. There is nothing else which gives any person the right to take the life of a human being. Voluntary intoxication is no excuse for crime. That is the law the world over." He was sentenced to 35 years in the State Prison at Joliet Illinois. He started the sentence on April 5, 1933.
Palmer Byrne the attorney appointed to defend Arthur was then awarded $150 for his defense of Arthur.
WOW! Lots of information on what happened to Patsy! What happened to Arthur? See ya...
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Judge Hears Testimony to Fix Penalty
Arthur Rigney took the stand at 11:10 am on March 31, 1933. Through questions from his attorney he told the story of his life. He told of giving Patsy money and of alleged illicit relations with her. He testified about his wife and daughter in New York. He told of proposing marriage to Patsy.
He was born on a farm in Palmyra Missouri a part of a family of four boys and three girls. He spoke of residing in Hannibal with his wife, daughter and in laws and their move to Cicero New York. He left New York because his mother in law mistreated him.
He told he met Patsy a year ago January via an introduction by Earl Smith in Naplate. Patsy was residing at the same house but with the Webb family. Arthur saw her regularly. He told of taking Patsy to shows and dances and that after he broke his leg he recuperated at the Webb home with Patsy. He was in love with her when he started his three week stay there and more in love when he left.
He said on one or two occasions he talked with Patsy about marriage and once asked her if she would like to be his wife. She laughed and asked if he was married and he said yes and she told him he needed to get a divorce. He said he was giving Patsy money and she only asked for money on two occasions. Once was for $10 to buy a coat and another to loan Mrs. Webb $10. He said Patsy never bought a coat but bought someone else a present. He said Patsy was not running around with any man but him.
It is amazing the detail you can find in newspaper accounts. See ya soon....
He was born on a farm in Palmyra Missouri a part of a family of four boys and three girls. He spoke of residing in Hannibal with his wife, daughter and in laws and their move to Cicero New York. He left New York because his mother in law mistreated him.
He told he met Patsy a year ago January via an introduction by Earl Smith in Naplate. Patsy was residing at the same house but with the Webb family. Arthur saw her regularly. He told of taking Patsy to shows and dances and that after he broke his leg he recuperated at the Webb home with Patsy. He was in love with her when he started his three week stay there and more in love when he left.
He said on one or two occasions he talked with Patsy about marriage and once asked her if she would like to be his wife. She laughed and asked if he was married and he said yes and she told him he needed to get a divorce. He said he was giving Patsy money and she only asked for money on two occasions. Once was for $10 to buy a coat and another to loan Mrs. Webb $10. He said Patsy never bought a coat but bought someone else a present. He said Patsy was not running around with any man but him.
It is amazing the detail you can find in newspaper accounts. See ya soon....
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Rigney Pleads Guilty to Charge of Murder
TIP #7: By reading these older articles you will notice and learn about the justice system then and the major differences between then and now.
Arthur Rigney plead guilty to a murder charge before Judge Edgar Eldridge in the circuit court on March 27, 1933. The judge did not immediately sentence him but scheduled the next morning to hear evidence in the case.
Before accepting Arthur's plea the judge appointed Palmer Byrne as Arthur's attorney. The judge reminded Arthur that if he plead guilty the court was mandated to sentence him to a minimum of 14 years and possibly life imprisonment or the death penalty. Arthur confirmed knowledge and plead guilty.
Palmer Byrne advised that Arthur was going to take the stand and it would take 2 days to present evidence in this case.
Harley Patterson a co-worker testified that Arthur was drunk the night of the shooting. W O Rigney brother of Arthur testified about Arthur's unhappy married life. He alleged that the parents of Arthur's wife interfered in their life. He advised Arthur was a good provider. He said that shortly before the marriage Arthur advised his father he did not love the girl and did not want to marry. The girls mother and step-father owned allot of land around Hannibal Missouri and the girl insisted on going with Arthur. Shortly after they married Arthur started to build them their own house. Once the foundation was completed his mother in law told Arthur her daughter would never be allowed to reside there. The wife and mother often went out to shows together and Arthur would have to go out alone. When the family all moved to Syracuse New York, Arthur and his wife separated and Arthur returned to Hannibal and then to Ottawa. Many character witnesses were called and they advised Arthur never had been seen drunk before that night.
Come back for more...
Arthur Rigney plead guilty to a murder charge before Judge Edgar Eldridge in the circuit court on March 27, 1933. The judge did not immediately sentence him but scheduled the next morning to hear evidence in the case.
Before accepting Arthur's plea the judge appointed Palmer Byrne as Arthur's attorney. The judge reminded Arthur that if he plead guilty the court was mandated to sentence him to a minimum of 14 years and possibly life imprisonment or the death penalty. Arthur confirmed knowledge and plead guilty.
Palmer Byrne advised that Arthur was going to take the stand and it would take 2 days to present evidence in this case.
Harley Patterson a co-worker testified that Arthur was drunk the night of the shooting. W O Rigney brother of Arthur testified about Arthur's unhappy married life. He alleged that the parents of Arthur's wife interfered in their life. He advised Arthur was a good provider. He said that shortly before the marriage Arthur advised his father he did not love the girl and did not want to marry. The girls mother and step-father owned allot of land around Hannibal Missouri and the girl insisted on going with Arthur. Shortly after they married Arthur started to build them their own house. Once the foundation was completed his mother in law told Arthur her daughter would never be allowed to reside there. The wife and mother often went out to shows together and Arthur would have to go out alone. When the family all moved to Syracuse New York, Arthur and his wife separated and Arthur returned to Hannibal and then to Ottawa. Many character witnesses were called and they advised Arthur never had been seen drunk before that night.
Come back for more...
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Slayer Paces All Night In His Jail Cell
Arthur explained, "I loved the girl and just lost my head."
Arthur, at the county jail ate regularly and until the night before the verdict was due, slept with no problem. This night (February 25, 1933) he paced the floor of his cell all night keeping others awake.
March 8, 1933 it is decided to present the case to the grand jury March 13, 1933.
March 15, 1933 fire destroys auto, garage at murder scene. Fire of an unknown origin destroyed the garage
at the John McCormick home, where Patricia Schubnell was murdered. A year prior the garage was struck by lightening and destroyed. the structure that burned was a new structure.
March 17, 1933 A murder indictment was returned by the grand jury against Arthur Ringney.
Another interesting article is: Raymond Hall of Naplate was indicted on a bill charging him with assault with a deadly weapon and intent to roll Felix Wajculas, Naplate junk dealer. Wajculas sustained a fractured skull in a holdup in January.
Who is Raymond Hall? Have to check back for that answer...
TIP#6: While you might be reading the news article for certain facts, be open minded about what else is on the page. The particular page about the murder indictment has been read by myself 5 or 6 times before I saw the next paragraph about Raymond Hall. Raymond plays a part in Patsy's life as well.
Arthur, at the county jail ate regularly and until the night before the verdict was due, slept with no problem. This night (February 25, 1933) he paced the floor of his cell all night keeping others awake.
March 8, 1933 it is decided to present the case to the grand jury March 13, 1933.
March 15, 1933 fire destroys auto, garage at murder scene. Fire of an unknown origin destroyed the garage
at the John McCormick home, where Patricia Schubnell was murdered. A year prior the garage was struck by lightening and destroyed. the structure that burned was a new structure.
March 17, 1933 A murder indictment was returned by the grand jury against Arthur Ringney.
Another interesting article is: Raymond Hall of Naplate was indicted on a bill charging him with assault with a deadly weapon and intent to roll Felix Wajculas, Naplate junk dealer. Wajculas sustained a fractured skull in a holdup in January.
Who is Raymond Hall? Have to check back for that answer...
TIP#6: While you might be reading the news article for certain facts, be open minded about what else is on the page. The particular page about the murder indictment has been read by myself 5 or 6 times before I saw the next paragraph about Raymond Hall. Raymond plays a part in Patsy's life as well.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
John P McCormick testifies
The murder happened at the home that John P McCormick was renting and Patsy was residing in. John advised that he resided in Chicago two years prior and knew Patsy then. They were never sweethearts. John only knew Arthur Ringney by the name "Geranium". He had met him 2.5 months prior at his home. Geranium came there to see Patsy. He was not sure if they were in love, and never thought it was a serious case. Patsy went to shows and things like that with other fellows. Geranium thought she should stick to him better then she did.
McCormick said he went to bed about 1:30 and was awaken around 2:00 am by the click of a gun. Patsy was lieing on the bed next to him fully clothed with the exception of shoes and stockings. He asked Geranium what he was doing with the gun and Geranium told him he was going to kill her. He then turned and ran downstairs. John told Patsy to go to the other room to quiet things down.
Geranium came back upstairs and told her several times he was going to kill her. Patsy told him he was yellow. Then "I saw him fire the gun". He took the gun from Geranium and Geranium ran from the house. John placed the gun on the table by the door and it later disappeared.
The Jeffries testified as well as Felix Wacjulas. The witnesses were released from custody after their testimony with the exception of Felix. He was taken back to the jail for further questioning about the gun. Felix was a junk dealer. More about the verdict and jury...
P.S. Reading through the news account makes you feel like you were there. Wish they could find the original court transcripts.
McCormick said he went to bed about 1:30 and was awaken around 2:00 am by the click of a gun. Patsy was lieing on the bed next to him fully clothed with the exception of shoes and stockings. He asked Geranium what he was doing with the gun and Geranium told him he was going to kill her. He then turned and ran downstairs. John told Patsy to go to the other room to quiet things down.
Geranium came back upstairs and told her several times he was going to kill her. Patsy told him he was yellow. Then "I saw him fire the gun". He took the gun from Geranium and Geranium ran from the house. John placed the gun on the table by the door and it later disappeared.
The Jeffries testified as well as Felix Wacjulas. The witnesses were released from custody after their testimony with the exception of Felix. He was taken back to the jail for further questioning about the gun. Felix was a junk dealer. More about the verdict and jury...
P.S. Reading through the news account makes you feel like you were there. Wish they could find the original court transcripts.
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