Webster, Massachusetts, USA
1913 - Does Anyone Know William Marcik? Instance of How at Least Two New Editors Bit in Going After Story.

William Marcik, who probably never existed, killed himself fictitiously near Webster, Mass., last Saturday and at least two Illinois cities are claiming to have been his early home. Also, thereby, a Massachusetts news disseminating bureau has profited and two Illinois newspapers appear to have been fleeced.

Incidentally, The Journal-Gazette did not bite.

Saturday morning a message was received by The Journal-Gazette from a news bureau in Webster, Mass., stating briefly, i.e. query form, that a "Mattoon man suicided," and that upon order, full particulars would be telegraphed. Bill, one dollar and telegram toll. Smelling a mouse, the message was refused by The Journal-Gazette.

Not so fortunate appear to have been the news editors of at least two other publications that come to the exchange desk of The Mattoon Journal-Gazette. Two stories, one clipped from the Mattoon Commercial-Star and the other from the Kankakee Daily Republican indicate that Marcik either was a much besought citizen or that a certain news bureau should be prosecuted for obtaining money under fraudulent representations:

"Webster, Mass., July 26 - (Special.) - William Marcik of Kanakakee and Taylorville, Ill., who came here with the Sawtelle circus, attempted suicide by hanging himself to a tree in the rear of the Point Breeze road yesterday, and is not expected to recover.

"Employes of Point Breeze cut Marcik down from the tree and summoned medical attendance.

"He was black in the face when found.

"The Kankakee directory does not contain the name of William Marcik. There are Marczak families residing here, but it is believed the would-be suicide is no relation."

That from the Mattoon Commercial-Star reads thusly:

"William Marcik, supposed to have at one time been a resident of Mattoon, attempted suicide Saturday at Webster, Mass. Marcik, was employed by the Sawtelle circus and when the company reached Webster, strolled off into the country adjacent. Later laborers discovered his body hanging to a tree. He was cut down and medical aid was summoned. He is not expected to recover."

Journal Gazette
Mattoon, Illinois
July 28, 1913

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