Springfield Express

Springfield, Missouri

January 2, 1885

Mr. A.C. Headley, a well-known citizen of this city, died very suddenly at his home on Jefferson street a few minutes before 4 o’clock last Saturday evening. He had been shoveling the snow and ice off his sidewalk, when he began to feel pain and going into his house he sat down and was dead in a few minutes. Dr. Barrett pronounced the cause of death to be apoplexy. Deceased was 62 years old and came here from Columbus, Ohio, in 1870. He leaves a wife and five children, one daughter and four sons all grown. The funeral will take place Monday afternoon.

Died at her home 5 miles southwest of the city last Monday morning, Zerelda Cooper, widow of the late Geo. W. Cooper. Deceased was a daughter of Joseph H. Goodin of Cass Township, who died at an advanced age in 1878. She leaves eight children, five daughters and three sons all grown up and married.

From the Pineville News— Joseph S. Turner, who lived on the Eppard farm at the mouth of Thief hollow on Indian creek, killed himself yesterday morning by cutting his throat with a razor. The deceased moved to this county about one month ago from North Missouri, where he is said to own a fine farm. No cause is known for the rash act, unless it was melancholia as he had been in poor health for some time as he was in easy circumstances as far as known, at perfect peace with every one. He leaves a wife and several children to mourn his loss.

From Nevada, Dec. 25: The remains of Thos. Thorpe, who was crushed under the cars at Carthage yesterday afternoon, arrived here on the early morning rain. The dead man’s wife and her mother, Mrs. Cole, started with the body for Vincennes, Ind. where it will be interred. Thorpe ranked as a first-class engineer. He resided a while at Fort Scott, from which place he came here last June. At the time of his death injuries he was endeavoring to make a coupling. He fell across the track and his left leg was crushed from the high down. The leg was amputated, but death followed a few hours later. Thorpe was about 45 years old and leaves a wife and several grown up children.

West Plains Gazette: Jim Hicks, who killed R.E. Barnes, at Cabool, on the afternoon of December 6th, had an examination last week and on Tuesday was brought to West Plans and committed to jail in default of $3,000 bond required for his appearance for trail in the circuit court at Houston. A brother of Hicks was arrested in Wright county and brought down to Cabool, charged with complicity in the killing.  

January 9, 1885

Died at the family residence in this city January 31 [sic] of consumption, Mary A. wife of Mr. Mat Sims, aged 33 years. Her remains were interred in Maple Park the following afternoon.

Mr. Green Austin, one of the oldest settlers of this county, died at his home 4 miles east of the city last Friday, January 2. His remains were interred in the family graveyard last Sunday. Deceased was born Jan. 1st 1805, and came to this county in 1834, since which time he continuously resided here until his death.

On the night of December 31, 1884, Dr. Alexander W. McPherson was suddenly stricken down with apoplexy at his home in this city, and in short time lost all consciousness. Everything that medical skill could accomplish was done to relieve him, but without avail. He died at 4 p.m. on Jan. 2nd. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place at 2 p.m. on Jan. 4th and his remains were interred in Maple Park Cemetery.
      At the time of his death, Dr. McPherson
was just closing his term of office as county treasurer. He was one of the best and most popular citizens of the county. There was then published a sketch from the History of Greene County.

From Marshfield Chronicle: Roxie, the little 7-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Callaway, died Tuesday evening after a short illness, with pneumonia, and was buried yesterday (Wednesday) in the family burying ground a few miles east of town.  

January 16, 1885

Mr. J.W. Boone, who died at his home in Boone township, this county, on the night of the 6th inst., was the son of a grandson of the famous Daniel Boone.

Two miles northwest of Billings last Saturday a German farmer named Wm. Krueger met with a fatal casualty. He had cut down a large tree which fell and lodged against another tree nearby. While Krueger was working to dislodge the tree fell to the ground, striking him and breaking his neck.

The case of Chas. T. Noland, charged with shooting and killing Samuel Odell in the alley near this office on the 22nd of last September, began the circuit court yesterday at 1 o’clock p.m. The evidence is now being taken.

Young Duvall, who murdered Henry Dunlap near Beaver Station on the Seligman and Eureka Springs railroad, last fall in a cruel, cowardly manner, was captured last week on Osage river in Kansas and returned to the Carroll county authorities. And, as they generally execute the law pretty rigidly in Arkansas, we guess Duvall will be certain to hang. From the Cassville Democrat.

William Hailey shot and seriously wounded James Foster at the residence of Mr. Peter F. Hailey near Waldo, last Sunday morning. The circumstances of the shooting as told by an eye-witness are as follows: James Foster was at the house of Peter F. Hailey on a social visit, when Bill Hailey (who lives a mile and a half away) came in and one seeing Foster, went through the room and up stairs, produced a 45 caliber Colt’s revolver and came back to the door of the room in which Foster and several others were sitting, presented his pistol at Foster and said, “Jim Foster, you leave here, I don’t like you.” Foster sprang at Hailey and knocked the weapon down just as it fired. The ball entered the thigh, went through and buried itself in the floor. Peter Hailey, the father of Bill, and J.M. Wammack, of this place, who were present, sprang upon the would-be murderer and wrenched the weapon from his hand, shoved him out of the room and shut the door. Whereupon he took up his line of march for parts unknown. The only cause for the shooting so far as known is that he did not like Foster. From the Marshfield Chronicle.

Geo. Henson, a young man of the county, was arrested yesterday, charg[ed] with seducing Catharine Kirkheart. The young lady came to town yesterday morning and swore out a warrant for the arrest of the young man she loved not wisely, but too well. She alleged that under promise of marriage he accomplished her ruin and then discarded her. This is a very serious offense an if guilty it will go hard with young Henson. He will be held for the action of the grand jury.

January 23

Details of Odell trial.  Charles T. Noland was found not guilty.

The Mt. Grove Prospect says of A.R. Benthall, who suicided by taking morphine at that place on the 4th instant that he was in a bad way for some time; had acted in a strange manner, and had neglected to provide for his family, who have been cared for by friends for several months past. he leaves a wife and three small children, all girls. The baby boy was buried two weeks ago. He had more then once, were are told, threatened the life of his wife and her friends, and it may be that his untimely taking off has prevented others and more terrible tragedies. His afflicted family and friends and our hearty sympathy. Benthall is the same man who was shot and seriously wounded by Jas. Foster, whom he attempted to arrest while marshal of Mountain Grove. foster was in turn shot by Benthall’s deputy and died from his wounds few weeks later.

Last Tuesday news was received in town of the accidental burning that morning of Mrs. Price Buck,  residing about one and a half miles north of Kirbyville. She was home alone, with the exception of her infant child, and the first that was known about the accident was when she arrived at Seth E. Stowels about one half mile from Kirbyville, their nearest neighbor with her clothing burnt off and her body horribly burned. She had started with her child in her arms, but dropped it on the way. At last accounts Mrs. Buck was alive, but it is not expected she can recover. It is not known how her clothing took fire, but it is supposed caught from the fire-place in her house. From the Forsyth Enterprise.

Tuesday afternoon O.H. Travers, Esq. received a dispatch announcing the death that morning at Baltimore, Md., of his father, Mr. J.T. Travers, aged 65 years. Mr. Travers departed for Baltimore Tuesday night to be present at the funeral.

January 30, 1885

Pat Gurtner, a resident of White’s Creek, and Marion Potter, of the same locality, went out hunting together last Monday evening, when a terrible and fatal accident happened to Pat Gurtner, resulting in his death. It seems while hunting in company with his companion, Gurtner’s gun caught on a limb while he was preparing to shoot, and instantly discharged, shooting off his right thumb near the second joint, and entering the rain. The unfortunate young man lingered until about 9 o’clock Monday night when he died. He was about 18 years of age and a very promising young man.

Last Friday about non, John Weese, a young man about 21 years, started out from his father’s house a few miles south of Bolivar, for a short hunt in the woods, being accompanied by Wm. Hutchinson. After going a southerly direction two or three miles, they came to were some of the Hargis and Griffin boys were at work chopping wood. Weese was standing with his gun leaning against his left side. In a few moments his companions were startled by the discharge of his gun. He fell to the ground and immediately expired. The weapon was a shot gun and the lead struck his heart tearing away a section of his side.

Early last Saturday morning a carpenter named Charles G. Lincke  suicided at his home between St. Louis street and the Hammond mill. He was bachelor and lived alone in one room of his house, the other room of which he rented to Bee McCoy and family. Lincke was subject to fits of despondency and it is supposed that while brooding over troubles he went to into his room ending his life. He was a native of Germany and was naturalized in October 1876 and was about 40 years of age. He formerly lived in St. Louis and was a member of Lodge No. 276 of that city. William T. Bigbee received a message Monday from Chas. Mott, master of the above, stated Lincke was a member in good standing and asked that the lodge here give the body a decent burial, a request promptly complied with.

February 6, 1885

Died, of consumption at his home 1½ miles west of John Mills on the 28th ult., Mr. J.C. Johnson. Deceased leaves a wife and five children besides numerous other relative and friends to mourn his loss.

February 13

About 4 o’clock Tuesday afternoon some excitement was occasioned by the finding of a man dead in his room at the Transient house. He was found lying cold and stiff partly reclining on his face upon a sofa with his feet upon the floor. The coroner was speedily summoned and had the body removed to Lohmeyer’s where an inquest was held this morning at 10 o’clock from this following facts were elicited. Deceased was a native of Scotland, Hugh Killen by name, and came to North Springfield on January 1st last, from Omaha, where he is a member of the molder’s union. He has been working at the trade as a molder at Perkins foundry. He was about 40 years old, medium height, with sandy beard and mustache, of quiet and orderly disposition and somewhat addicted to drink. He came into dinner yesterday noon looking unusually flushed and probably slightly under the influence of liquor. At the table he coughed as though a crumb had obtained lodgment in his throat, and after finishing his dinner went outdoors and coughed a short time there. Returning he went upstairs and nothing further was heard from him until 4 o’clock when he was discovered dead. From the Southwester.

H.H. Dean, the young man who accidentally shot himself while out hunting not long since near Willow Springs on the Kansas City, Springfield & Memphis Railroad, died form the effects of his wounds.

February 20, 1885

Harry Thackery of Webster county while near the Ozark hotel, North Springfield, last Friday afternoon, accidentally shot himself with a pistol, the ball taking effect in the left leg just above the knee joint, making  painful though not dangerous wound.

Died of pneumonia at the family home on Elm street last Tuesday evening, Reuel, son of Dr. R.M. Stancill, aged 13 years. The funeral took place on the following afternoon. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of the entire community in this hour of sore affliction.  

Last Friday afternoon in a Justice’s court at Forsyth during the progress of a civil suit, an altercation arose between the two attorneys employed in the case, T.C. Spellings and B.B. Price, resulting in the latter shooting the former in the bowels with a pistol. One statement of the affair is that the lie was passed between the two, when Spellings clutched Price by the throat, who dew his pistol and fired.
    Spellings came from Tennessee a few years ago and has been editor of the Forsyth Enterprise and prosecuting attorney of Taney county, his term of office expiring at the close of the past year. Price, who is the son of Wm. C. Price of this city, is a merchant and lawyer at Forsyth and was also editor of the Enterprise  after Spellings retired from the paper.
      Dr. J.E. Tefft of this city was called to Forsyth and removed the bullet from Spellings body, returning here yesterday. He left the wounded man resting comfortably and think he will probably recover, which for the sake of all the parties, it is hoped will be the case.

Shortly before 3 o’clock last Tuesday afternoon the report of a pistol in a room in the St. Louis  street boarding house on the corner of Pesch alley startled the inmates and people in the vicinity and in a very few moments attracted a large crowd to the place, all eager to satisfy their curiosity. Investigation showed that another unfortunately, a carpenter named Stephen Shoemaker, aged nearly 30 years, had deliberately ended his own life. At the time of the tragic affair Shoemaker and Mrs. Emma Foster, a young women, were in the room together, and Mrs. Foster states that Shoemaker had said that he could get no work and rather than be a tramp, he would kill himself., at the same time drawing a pistol as if to suit the action to the word, but she took hold of the weapon and induced him to put it back into his pocket. In a few moments after he again drew the weapon and quickly placing the muzzle to his right temple fired, the ball entering the brain and causing death instantly.
       Coroner Z. Van Hoose had a jury summoned and held an inquest at which a verdict was rendered in accordance with the above.
         It is stated that Mrs. Foster has a husband living in Shelby county, Ill., and that there was quite an attachment between her and Shoemaker, who has very recently been given to jealousy on account of attentions paid to Mrs. F. by a railroad man, which fact may have had something to do in prompting Shoemaker to kill himself. It is also reported that Shoemaker’s father quite wealthy and lives at Terre Haute, Ind., and that he is a nephew of John C. Shoemaker of the Indianapolis Sentinel.

Long story about fugitives Joe and Dick Brannon: On the first day of last week Deputy U.S. Marshal Bailess of Austin, Texas, accompanied by Deputy U.S. Marshal Jesse B. McGee left for Hickory county to arrest Joe and Dick Brannon, charged with robbing the mail and passengers on a stage near San Antonio, Tex. on 10th of last May, subsequently robbing the post office and a store at Burnett, Texas. It is alleged the two are members of a band of desperados. At Buffalo, they were joined by Sheriff Burns of a lawyer Robertson.
         The group arrived at the farm house of Widow Brannon and secreted themselves in the stables. About daylight Joe Brannon came to the stable, Jesse McGree stepped out and ordered him to surrender. Brannon drew a large revolved and both fired with effect. Brannon then ran, followed by several others. A number of shots were fired and he fell, having been struck by nineteen buckshot. The wounded man was taken to the house and a physician called.
         Last Sunday Dick Brannon surrendered to the officers in Hickory county, was brought here and lodged in jail. Wednesday he was taken before U.S. Commissioner McLain Jones were he waived examination and in default of $1,000 bond was taken back to jail to await trial in Austin. He stoutly claimed his innocence and denied he had been hiding in the brush in Hickory county. He said he had been attending business like any other person and was working on a farm in his mother’s neighborhood where he was born and raised. His brother is still alive but recovery doubtful.

February 27, 1885

Died at his home 10 miles south of this city on the night of Feb. 19th, 1885, Maurice Saxton. Deceased was born August 20th, 18(3?) 8 (possibly 1858).

A most distressing accident occurred near Moody last Friday. A little daughter of George Loy while on her way to school as crossing a fire which had spread from father’s clearing when he clothing caught fire. She was so severely burned that she died in about six hours. From the West Plains Journal.

Early this morning (Feb. 21) L.J. Deever, a highly respected citizen, committed suicide by hanging. The deceased has been until recently in the employ of the Lone End Mining and Smelting Company, the company having implicit confidence in him, and some of his friends think that his discharge so preyed upon his mind as to cause temporary insanity. the deceased leaves a wife and five children. From Joplin, Missouri.

March 6

From The Buffalo Reflex— Early last Tuesday morning the citizens of Lesterville were terrorized by the supposition that Berry Barnes had been killed and many of them and once started in search of him traversing the mountains and valleys in every direction. Later in the morning, they found his saddle in the river and late the same day they found him some distance from home lying in the snow, his feet and legs, hands and arms frozen perfectly still, though he was yet alive and conscious. He was hauled home where he was cared for, but was beyond recovery and at 3 o’clock Thursday morning departed his life. He had gone to Lesterville Monday and while there, in order to cozen him out of his horse, some parties made him drink. He was an old man of probably 60 years of age and a man who had dealt in stock all of his life. Thought they succeeded trading horses with him, he then supplied himself with liquor and being helped on his horse, he left intending to go home, became too inert to direct his horse and being unacquainted with the road took to the woods dragging him off. Before he had recovered from intoxication, he had become benumbed that he could not rise.

March 13

O.D. Knox, Esq., one of the most prominent citizens of Bolivar, died of congestion of the brain at his home in that city last Wednesday afternoon. Deceased was an assistant attorney of the Frisco road. He was about forty years old and leaves a wife and four little girls. His remains were forwarded by rail Wednesday night of interment at his former home at Scranton, Pa.

From the Neosho Times: Mrs. Wisdom, wife of J.M. Wisdom sentenced to by hung at Pineville, on March 27th is working like a heroine to save her husband from the gallows. She is getting signers to a petition to be forwarded to Governor Marmaduke asking that his sentence be commuted to imprisonment for life. We honor her for her constancy and devotion, but we are of the opinion that petition swill not have much effect on Missouri’s present governor to save a man who has been convicted in the courts.

From Lamar, Mo.: Dr. C.W. Perry, a prominent physician of Golden City, this county, committed suicide last night by taking morphine. He retired on Sunday evening, with his wife and child as usual. Nothing was even suspected until this morning, when his wife found him cold and stiff in bed with an empty morphine bottle on the stand. No definite cause is given for the rash act. His sudden taking off has cast a gloom over the community. As a physician he stood high among his brother practitioners.

March 20, 1885

Died, at the home near Griffin’s mill in Christian county, last Tuesday morning, David Yoachum, aged about 65 years.  

Mr. John L. Mustard, a well-known citizen and prosperous farmer, living half a mile east of Lebanon, met with a horrible accident Tuesday morning and at this writing there is no hope for recovery. The east bound passenger train pulled out from the station and half a mile from town was running at full speed. Mr. Mustard was on his way home and had to cross the track. Being deaf he did not hear the near approach of the train, and walking toward the crossing with his back to the train did not see the danger in attempting to cross the track. The engine was but a few feet from him when he stepped upon the ties, and instantly he was struck by the locomotive and thrown some distance from the track. Backing up the train men jumped off, and ran to where the injured man lay insensible and bleeding profusely at the head with arm and shoulder mashed and broken. The passengers saw what had happened and rushed excitedly from the cars. There were several Lebanon people on the train, among them J.G. Lingsweiler and M.W. Serl. They recognized the injured man, and had him conveyed to his home which was in sight and but a short distance away. Drs. McComb, Billings and Hamilton were summoned. On examination they found a serious fracture of the skull, the right arm and shoulder broken. They have been attending him constantly, but the injuries are of a serious nature and they fear will prove serious. At noon today he was reported worse. From Lebanon Rustic.

March 27 , 1885

Died of pneumonia in Webster county on the 15th inst., F.S. Galbraith, youngest brother of Mr. S.D. Galbraith of this county, aged 47 years.

After a brief illness with inflammation of the bowels, M.D. Conlon died at his home in Elm street last Wednesday morning, aged 26 years. Deceased was a son of Mr. Thos. Conlon and was one of the most popular young men in this city, being the junior member of the well-known firm of S.H. Horine & Co. He leaves a wife and a large circle of relatives, and friends to mourn his untimely loss. The funeral took place yesterday forenoon from the Catholic church and the remains were followed by a long procession of people to their last resting place in the Catholic cemetery west of the city.

We are called upon to chronicle the death of one of the good women of our town, Mrs. Margaret J. Murray, wife of esteemed townsman, A.H. Murray, passed to her reward on the 20th inst. Mrs. Murray’s maiden name was Patten. She was born in Monroe Co., Tennessee, June 7th, 1834 and was married to A.H. Murray Dec. 28th 1854. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church for over thirty years. Ash Grove Commonwealth.

April 3

From the Mt. Vernon Chieftain—Mrs. Fairburn, an old and highly esteemed lady 70 years of age, committed suicide at her residence eight miles southeast of the place, last Friday morning, by taking corrosive sublimate. Deceased had long been a sufferer from mental aberration of the mind.

From the Bolivar Herald: Mrs. Thomas Renfrow, a young married lady living near Brighton, died from the effects of a burn. About seven weeks ago, Mrs. Refrow’s skirts caught fire from a fireplace, while she was attending her household duties. She ran to her husband, who with great difficulty extinguished the flames. She lingered in intense suffering until death relieved her.  

April 10

Died at the residence of her grandson, Mr. Jas. S. Mauzy,  6 miles southeast of the city last Monday forenoon, Mrs. Anna Elliott, aged 81 years. Her remains were forwarded on the following morning to Richmond, Ind., for interment. The deceased was the grandmother of Mr. Will E. Mauzy, the popular manager of the Western Union Telegraph office in this city.

April 17, 1885

The little two-year-old boy of Mr. Thos. Burkhead of Brookline township died last Monday and on the following day was buried in Hazelwood cemetery.  

Mrs. Campbell, wife of Esq. J.J. Campbell, died last Sunday evening at the home of her son-in-law, Peter McGee, aged 67 years. Her remains were interred Tuesday morning in Hazelwood cemetery.

During the past two weeks the citizens generally of Taney county have been in a high state of excitement which has been due to the commission of various crimes in that county and the apparently tardiness or failure altogether of the law in bringing the criminals to justice. On the 6th inst., the April term of circuit court began at Forsyth, and Newt W. Herrell, who was confined in the jail here for safe-keeping was taken to that place to be tried for the murder of Amos Ring,"  near Forsyth on 7th of last October. Last Saturday Monroe Snodgrass, who had married Herrell’s sister was arrested and place in jail charged with being implication in the murder of Ring.
        Herrell in a talk with express representative gave his version of the killing of Ring, which he said was done in self defense, that Ring went to Herrell’s home late in the evening while he was absent and that he returned and was passing through the yard gate Ring, near by, fired at him, to which he responded by firing two shots, killing Ring instantly. He also said that ring was run away from Knoxville, Tenn. for stealing and afterward skipped bond at Commerce, Scott county in this state; that Ring had lived with his (Herrell’s) mother in adultery for about 18 years and he was indicted for it at Forsyth and blaming him for it sought to take his life. He further stated that Ring was the leader of a band of horse thieves. Herrell is 23 years old, was married a short time before the homicide; Snodgrass is 40 years and had a wife and six children.
 

Last Friday, Frank and Jubal Taylor and Elijah Sublett went to Eglinton, 5 or 5 miles past Forsyth, and Frank Taylor prompted by a grudge and pure deviltry caught J.T. Dickenson, postmaster and storekeeper, by the head with one hand and with the other thrust his pistol to Dickenson’s mouth and fired. A second shot took effect in Dickenson’s shoulder. Another shot was fired and that struck Mrs. Dickenson making a scalp wound. Both parties are rapidly getting well of their wounds. It is thought that the perpetrators have gone to Crawford county in this state where it is said the Taylors have friends and relatives.

Last Sunday Lemuel Matthews, who lived about 17 miles south of Ozark, had loaded his household goods in a wagon and with his family and sister-in-law were moving to Chadwick. They had gone but a short distance when they were fired upon from an ambush by two young men named Payton, aged respectively 16 and 18 years. One bullet struck Matthews in the breast and glancing around lodged in the back, making a severe though not fatal wound; another bullet crashed through the head of Matthew’s 18-month-old child that was in its aunt’s arms, killing it instantly. The assassins were so close to the wagon that the little child’s face was powder burned. E.A. Matthews, father of Lemuel, offered a reward of $200 for the capture of the two Payton boys and they were arrested the next day. The cause of their bloody deed had its origin in the attempt to kill their father, A.A. Payton and his family by the explosion of a stick of giant powder on the roof of his out on 18th of last month. Paytons claim that Lemuel Matthews was the guilty party, but this is strenuously denied by Matthews and his friends.

April 24

Mrs. Minnie Winton, wife of Judge W.H. Winton, died at the family home in this city a few minutes before noon last Monday, after an illness of several weeks. Her remains were taken that night to St. Louis for interment in Bellefontaine cemetery. Deceased was 25 years of age and the youngest daughter of the late Bishop Marvin of the M.E. church, South.

The death of Mrs. Minnie Marvin Winton, wife of Judge W.H. Winton of Springfield, Mo., and a daughter of the late Bishop Marvin of the M.E. Church South filled many hearts with sorrow. Mrs. Winton was beloved for her gentle, womanly nature, her unostentatious Christian life, and drew to her, by her many graces of mind and person strangers as well as friends. The wife of but a few months, life was full of beautiful promise.... For weeks she hovered in the land near the valley of the shadow....at last the journey was ended and all that was mortal of the affectionate sister and fond wife lay yesterday in fair and eternal calmness. She was brought back to the home of girlhood and laid by the side of her mother and father in Bellefontaine. The funeral services were from the residence of her father’s old friend, Mr. James H. Gibson, 3489 Chestnut street. Details of funeral. The sisters, Mrs. Bond, Miss Marcia and Miss Cornelia Marvin, and the husband, Judge Winton returned to their homes last night.

Died, of consumption at the family home in this city at 1 o’clock a.m. last Monday, Mrs. Mary Etta Coleman, wife of Mr. F.M. Coleman, aged 32 years. The funeral took place Tuesday forenoon and the remains were followed by a long procession of people to their last resting place in Maple Park cemetery.  

Last Tuesday, Mr. James Woodward, living in East Center Township, as going to his field on a corn-planter with his little 2-year-old son on his lap when the team ran away. The little boy was thrown from his father’s lap and one of the wheels ran over his head, causing his death in about an hour.  

Frank and Tubal Taylor, who attempted to kill Mr. Dickenson and his wife at Eglinton, Taney county on the 10th inst., did not flee from the county, as was supposed, but kept secreted in the woods, about home until on Thursday of last week they sent word to an office that they desired to surrender and were place in jail at Forsyth. About 10 o’clock last Friday night a body of about 100 armed men went into Forsyth, forced open the jail door and took the two prisoners away. While this was being done the Taylors begged piteously for their lives, but to no purpose. What was done after the vigilantes left Forsyth was revealed in a ghastly spectacle the next morning on a bluff about two miles up White River from Forsyth, where the lifeless bodies of Frank and Tubal Taylor were found hanging to the limbs of a tree.
            A jury was summoned and Justice W.H. Jones held an inquest, the verdict of which was: “Came to their death by hanging at the hands of about 100 men to the jury unknown.” The bodies were taken to Forsyth, whence they were removed and buried, last Sunday by the side of their father on the home farm of the Taylors in the vicinity of Eglinton. It is said that the vigilantes left pinned to the coat of one of the bodies a card which read: “Don’t fool with the wrong end of a mule. The Layton outfit are next on our books. Sampson Burke talks too much.”

Died at the family home near Strafford, this county, March 30th, 1885, Mrs. Mary Ann Jones, wife of Mr. Richard Jones, aged 77 years.

May 1, 1885

Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Willeke were called Wednesday to mourn the death of their infant child.

Effie May, the little 9-months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N.O. Carson died at the family home in the 4th ward last Saturday afternoon and remains were interred at Maple Park Cemetery.  

Robert Everett Richards died after an illness of one week with pneumonia at the Vinton House, last Saturday, aged 22 years. Deceased was a son of Rev. S. Richards of Republic, was a steady, industrious young man and clerked the past year in Brunson’s hardware store.

Died at the family home in the 4th ward last Monday forenoon, Mrs. Etta E. Moore, wife of Samuel Moore Jr., aged 30 years. Deceased leaves a husband and four children. Her remains were interred in Maple Park Cemetery.  

May 8, 1885

Carthage, May 3: About six miles south of this city, at 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon, a freight train on the Missouri Pacific ran and over and killed A.W. King, a farmer, whose whom is near Purdy, Barry county. He had started home from Webb City in his wagon and was crossing the railroad track, when the train ran into the team and killed him.

From Ft. Scott, Kansas, May 4: Henry Collins, a passenger conductor on the Gulf road, was found drowned in his cistern on East Wall street, today. For a few days past Mr. Collins had been sick and yesterday he obtained a “lay off” for a few days in order to recuperate. How he accidentally went through the hole in the cistern floor is a mystery. His family said he had a habit of looking into the cistern to see how much water there as in it. They suppose that he was in the act of doing this, when he became dizzy and fell in. He must, however, have been stunned by the fall, as there was only four and a half feet of water in the cistern.

James Woods, a highly respected citizen, and his three sons, Charley, Schell and Yat, near Hartville on the evening of the 22d, camped in the low bottom of the Gasconade river for the purpose of fishing. During the night a heavy rain began to fall causing the river to rise rapidly and in attempting to escape the flood in a boat, the frail bark was capsized and Mr. and his little 9-year-old son were drowned. The other two boys saved their lives by catching in the forks of a tree 12 feet above the ground, where they remained until noon on the following day when they were rescued.

Mrs. Martha C. Matthews died at her home in this city Wednesday evening, aged 77 years. Her remains were interred in Hazelwood cemetery yesterday afternoon. 

From the Butler Times— Friday evening brought the startling news that J.E. Tuttle, a highly respected and well-to-do farmer, living west of this city some four or five miles, had either committed suicide or accidentally shot himself while hunting rabbits on his farm. His hired man, who was working in the field not far off at the time the sad affair took place, stated that Mr. Tuttle had left him just a few minutes before his death and walked down into the field, and he heard him fire his gun once. He reloaded and in a short time he heard the discharge of the gun again. The deceased was found with a bullet hole through his head. He did not fall to the ground, but was found in a half standing posture, held up by hedge brush, indicative that the shot which took his life must have been purely accidental. Mr. Tuttle leaves a wife and two small children, and was the brother of Mrs. Judge McGaughey of this city.  

From the West Plains Gazette— Last Thursday morning about 4 o’clock, Mr. Aaron Steelman, postmaster at Mountain View, in this county, deliberately set his house on fire, locked it, and going about forty yards from it, deliberately shot himself thorough the brain with his revolver, killing himself it is supposed immediately. Mr. Steelman, who was 70 years of age, lost his wife about four months ago, and has since then seemed to prepare for the event which occurred. His sons had given him much trouble from their bad habits, and he had frequently declared they should have none of his property. Recently he had paid all his debts and converted half his means except the house into money—some $200—all of which except $60 found pinned to his vest, was burned with the house.

May 15

Died at the home of her son, Lewis Stephens, 2 miles east of the city last Sunday evening, Mrs. Lucinda Stephens, aged 75 years. Her remains were interred in Hazelwood cemetery Tuesday. Mrs. Stephens was one of the oldest citizens of the county, having lived here about 40 years.

Mr. Rufus Robberson,   who lived 11 miles north of the city, while out cropping last Friday afternoon began to experience a painful sensation in the region of the heart and only took a few steps toward his house when he fell to the ground and soon expired. Deceased was 65 years old and an uncle of Dr. E.T. Robberson of this city. The remains were buried Sunday forenoon in the old graveyard on Robberson prairie. Allen Robberson, a brother the deceased, died in like manner during the war.  

From the Houston Herald—Sid Purcell was in from Raymondville Saturday and gave us the first definite news in regard to the death of Mr. John House which occurred last Thursday morning near Cummings Mill. Mr. House and his son went hunting on the morning of the 30th and the former being uncertain whether his gun was loaded or not thought he would try the experiment which has resulted in many deaths, that of blowing in the barrel. He placed his foot on the hammer and his mouth over the muzzle when his foot slipped off, discharging the content of the gun into his head, killing him instantly.

May 22

Miss Clemmie Rainey, daughter of J.B. Rainey, who lives near Republic, died of pneumonia at Ash Grove, where she was attending school, last Friday, aged 18 years. Her remains were interred Saturday in the Sparkman graveyard in Brookline Township. Deceased was one of the most amiable and popular young lades of that community and she will be sadly missed by many relatives and friends who deeply mourn her untimely death.

May 29, 1885

Wednesday morning Mrs. Sarah Huff, while in a Boonville street car coming over to the square to have a dentist do some work on her teeth, suddenly fell back, when the care was near the residence of Dr. Ross, and in few minutes expired. Her body was removed from the care at the end of the line and laid out in Ely Paxton’s undertaking establishment, whence it was soon taken to the home of her son-in-law, Mr. W.H. Pipkin, on Boonville street.  
            At breakfast that morning Mrs. Huff appeared in her usual good health, so that her death, which it is thought was caused by apoplexy, was an unexpected as it was sad. Deceased was in her 80th year, and leaves a large number of relatives and friends to mourn her loss, among whom are her daughters, Mrs. W.H. Pipkin of this city, and Mrs. Jos. Wisby and Mrs. Dr. Wallace of Marshfield. Mrs. Huff’s remains were taken to Marshfield for interment.

From the West Plains Journal—the four-month-old child of Mr. Foster near Koshkonong, fell with a small chair into a bed of coals in the fire place and terribly burned its face and hands, so that it died in 24 hours after the accident.  

From the Hartville Republican—The wife of C.T. Bennet, who lives on Clark’s Creek, committed suicide on the 15th inst. by hanging. Mrs. Bennet had attempted twice before to take her own life, once by drowning and once by shooting, but was prevented by her children. Bad health and grief at the loss of her mother, who died recently, is said to be the cause of Mrs. Bennet’s suicide.  

June 5, 1885

The fact that several petty burglaries had been committed at and in the vicinity of Everton, Dade county, is the only excuse that can be offered for one of the most dastardly crimes at that place on Thursday morning of last week that has ever disgraced the annals of Southwest Missouri. On Tuesday night previous James Wilson and Jasper McLemore while on the watch in the store of McLemore Bros. & Co. a man pried up a rear window and entered and lighted a match, when both men fired at him, but he sprang out through the window unhurt and escaped. The two men believed the burglar was George Burris, and getting a warrant they went the same night to Burris’ house, aroused him and arrested him. Burris was kept under guard next day awaiting the arrival of the prosecuting attorney to conduct the examination, but about one o’clock Thursday morning a party of armed men went to the guards and forcibly taking the prisoner from them, they marched him out into the woods, and while their victim was protesting his innocence and pleading for his life, they riddled his body with bullets and then decamped. Burris lay there in the woods alive and bleeding in a soaking rain for nearly five hours, when he was found and removed to his home, where he died at one o’clock last Friday morning. Dr. Carlock, who was called to attend the unfortunate man, found thirteen bullets in his body and almost any one of them would have proved fatal.
            The deceased was an ordinary laboring man and is said to have been of sober and industrious habits. He leaves a wife and five little children in poor circumstances. It is said that Prosecuting attorney Pyle took Burris’ ante mortem statement, in which he made affidavit as to the names of his murderers, and it is likely that they will each have to answer for their crime at the bar of justice. The best citizens of Everton all deplore the dastardly murder, and, had they been warned in time, no doubt would have prevented it.

From the Buffalo Reflex—Marion Hardesty, formerly a resident of Polk county, and well-known here, but who has been running a saw mill in Arkansas for the past several years, shot and killed one Jerry Clark, an employee, near Rogers, that state on the 24th inst. The excitement in the neighborhood of the tragedy is said to be intense and Hardesty has fled to the mountains for refuge.

June 12

The funeral of Mrs. M.A. Fisk took place yesterday afternoon from the family home on Harrison street.

Died at Ash Grove on the 3d Inst., Miss Emma Likens, daughter of Judge Chas. H. Likens.  

The trial of Dr. A.. Gonce,  on an indictment for murder in the first degree, began on the 4th instant and was given to the jury last Tuesday night, who agreed upon a verdict of murder in the second degree, and fixed the prisoner’s punishment at 30 years in the penitentiary. It will be remembered that Gonce about one year ago, on account of an old feud, rode up to the field where Charlie Keyser was plowing near Highlandville, Christian county and deliberately shot him to death with a double barreled shot gun. Gonce’s wife and three little children were with him in the court room during the trial.

June 19, 1885

Died last Tuesday at his home four miles southwest of the city, Wm. J. Cannefax.  

June 26

At Fisher’s mill, in Douglas county, on Monday evening of last week a young man, Ewing Hewitt, called upon Miss Mary Clayton and “after chatting awhile they got into a romp” when the young lady seized a revolver lying in the room and told him she was going to kill him. She took aim and fired, the ball passing out at the back of the head, inflicting a mortal wound. The shooting was purely accidental, as the girl thought the gun was empty. The old gun had been thrown about the place for several years and not used.

From the Douglas county Herald—Last Friday, Wm. Robertson, age 17 and James Walker, age 13, while plowing for Leonard Walker, plowed up what they took to be anjelica and eat [sic] some of it and would have eaten more but John Walker told them it was wild parsnip. Both laughed at him. Shortly after eating it they book took sick. Young Robertson would not take antidote, but his friends however persuaded Walker to take grease and sweet milk in large quantities which saved his life. Robertson, poor fellow, died that night and was in great agony before his death.

Some two miles south of Walnut Grove last Wednesday Robt. Stewart, foreman of a rock gang on the K. C. & S. R. R., was drawing the tampering from a blast, after several others at the same place had exploded, when it too exploded, hurling him fifteen feet into the air, crushing his skull and taking one leg, from which he died in less than an hour.
     Deceased was 32 years old, a native of Ontario, Canada, and leaves a wife and three children. His remains were brought here and interred in the Catholic cemetery yesterday afternoon.

July 3, 1885

At Joplin a few days ago while Mrs. Lulu Simms  was filling the tank of gasoline stove the oil can she held in her hand exploded, the burning liquid flying all over her clothes and setting them on fire in an instant. Her father and mother soon smothered the flames but not before Mrs. Simms was so badly burned that she died the same evening.

At the little town of Willow Springs, Howell county on Thursday evening of last week, Capt. Wm. Hughes, proprietor of a hotel at that place, fired a load of buck shot into the body of Ed. Daugherty, a gambler, killing him almost instantly. Daugherty had abused Hughes and threatened to take his life and was making demonstrations with his pistol at the time he was killed. Daugherty’s grudge against Hughes is said to have been because the later was opposed to his gambling operations at the place. Public sentiment justifies Hughes in the killing on the grounds of self-defense.
       Daugherty was 35 years old and leaves a wife, said to be an estimable lady, and one child.

Died of inflammatory rheumatism, at the family home in this city last Tuesday forenoon, Henry L., son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. A.C. Woolley, aged 7 years.  

Mrs. Martha A. Mitchell, mother of Constable Rice Perrin of this city, died at her home in Seneca, Mo., early last Sunday morning, aged 67 years. Her remains were interred on Monday afternoon.  

Neosho, Mo. June 30: One of the most brutal murders ever committed in Missouri has come to light in McDonald county during the last few days. On the 19th inst., two men traveling in a wagon drawn by two horse with two more leading camped at a spring about 3 miles north of Pineville. The people who lived in a house a couple of hundred yards away heard three shots, but thought nothing about it. The wagon passed through Pineville next morning with only one man in it and one horse leading. Several hours later, the man returned riding the horse, and passed north.
            A couple of days later parties found a wagon lodged against a tree, two horses grazing. They investigated and found a money box which had been broken into and the contents abstracted [sic; extracted]. Parties of men began a search and found some buttons and pieces of clothing and about a mile away, a horse killed. The saddle was covered with blood.
            Although the body was not found, the man supposed to have murdered was a mute named Dawson Anderson, who
had formerly resided at Leesville, Henry county, Missouri. Last Sunday circling buzzards drew a young man to Bear Hollow where he found the bones of a man; he called the coroner.
            The name of the man traveling with the mute was learned and Irwin Grubb was arrested and before he reached Neosho, he confessed committing the murder after a skirmish between the two men (described). He then buried the clothing and hauled the body about a mile and half down the road where it was found. There were three holes in the bottom of the wagon and three in the bloody wagon sheet, thus the argument between the two of a broken saucer was not believed. The officers with Grubb started for Pineville this morning, but those who are well posted say that he will never reach there, but will adorn a post oak tree instead. Nothing has been heard from any relatives or friends of the murdered man, proving he has any. [A mob of 200-300 men went to the jail at Pineville to hang the murderer, but the sheriff took the prison to Carthage for safe-keeping. ]

July 10, 1885

Fort Scott, Kan. July 3: A terrible accident occurred on the Kansas City, Springfield & Memphis Railroad, about 25 miles south of this city last night. As the train was crossing a bridge it gave way because of the heavy rains and the conductor Ed Thompson, engineer, Robert Ross and fireman Wm. Reynolds went down with the engine and were drowned. Seventeen freight cars plunged into the river, but the other three men on the train were injured only slightly.
            The bodies of the three unfortunate men were recovered and were brought to this city for burial. Wm. Reynolds leaves a wife and several children, while Conductor Thompson and Engineer Robt. Ross were single.

Last Friday Miss Fannie Ward Crenshaw, daughter of the late L.A.D. Crenshaw of this county, took the white veil at the Sacred Heart Convent in St. Louis.

At Burnham, 100 miles east of here, the K.C. S & M RR last Monday after while Ed Gilham, a brakeman aged about 23 years, was making a coupling, he was caught between the engine and a log car and crushed, internally and had one arm broken, the effects from which he died in one hour. His remains were forwarded for interment to the home of his widowed other at Greensburg, Ind.  

From the Mt. Vernon Journal: Last Saturday about midnight as Mr. Wm. Hegerly and family when returning home from the celebration at Lockwood, when about 5 miles northwest of Phelps while crossing a culvert, one of the horses became frightened and the wagon was overturned. Mr. Hegerly sustained injuries from which he died in 15 minutes, protesting all the time that he was uninjured. The rest of the parties were unharmed.

From the Neosho Miner & Merchants: A terrible accident by which Ernest Morrow, son of W.I.I Morrow of Ritchey and nephew of Bart. J. Morrow of this city lost his life, occurred at Ritchey on Tuesday morning last. Ernest was eleven years old, and was riding Judge Sanders’ horse trying to help a young friend drive in a cow. The cow turned to run into a lane and Ernest dashed by her on a gallop to hear her off. The horse suddenly stopped, Ernest was hurled forward, while one foot caught in the stirrup. The horse dragged Ernest nearly half a mile along the hard graveled road, and going into timber, the boy’s body was doubled around a tree. He was laid to rest on Wednesday.

Pink Fagg Shoots a Man at Peirce [sic] City. At about half past eight Saturday evening, when the bursting of fire-crackers resounded throughout the city, and the Roman candles filled the air, there was a pistol shot fired in the Decatur saloon, unnoticed except by those who witness the flourish of the deadly weapon. The facts as near as can be ascertain from those present were than J.P. (Pink) Fagg and Ed Whilham, the latter bartender at the saloon were sporting with fire-crackers. A lighted Roman Candle was accidentally knocked out of Whilham’s hand and when a young boy picked it up, it went off and struck Fagg. [Details of the fight given.] Whilham was shot in the left arm and the right leg. Pink Fagg is somewhat of a noted character in the Southwest. A brother was some years ago stabbed and killed in Springfield.

July 17

Riley Thomas, aged 18, while bathing in a deep pond near Bolivar night before last was drowned.

Last Sunday afternoon a party of young men were bathing in the James river, seven miles southeast of the city, when one of them, Geo. Batchelder, aged 20 years, got into deep water and being unable to swim was drowned. His body was not recovered until Monday afternoon.

A few minutes before noon last Saturday, little Roy, the 8-year-old son of Col. J.B. Richardson, while in company with other boys at play on the banks of the Jordan accidentally fell into the murky and swollen stream. Several of the boys who were swimming nearby made strenuous efforts to rescue the unfortunate child, but without avail. He dead body was found by his father lodged against the fence at the crossing of the Mt. Vernon road about 400 yards down the stream.

July 24, 1885

Peirce [sic] City July 18: A fatal shooting affray took place 8 miles north of here this afternoon in which David Boswell  was killed by Mike Horner. The trouble originated some time ago. The Boswells and Horners are old residents of this vicinity and great excitement prevails over the affair.

Joplin, Mo., July 19: Excitement reached fever heat at midnight last night over the deplorable tragedy of yester, the killing of Officer Sheehan by the desperado Joe Thornton. Mutterings of vengeance were heard all through the evening. The officer, fearing violence, took the precaution to put a strong guard in the Jail. [Long story as to how the prisoner was removed.] After he was taken from the jail, a rope was fastened around his neck, his arms pinioned and a few minutes later the body of Joe Thornton was found suspended from a tree near the City Prison. Friends came over from Galena and took charge of the body, taking it to that place for burial. Officer Sheehan was buried this afternoon, his funeral being one of the largest ever seen in this county.

Joplin Herald: Yesterday morning the Frisco yard engine with a train of five cards, was coming down the heavy grade toward Picher furnace, the engineers saw a little child run onto the track. He whistled down brakes and reversed the engine, but no early power could check the momentum. The train passed entirely over the some distance beyond the child, whose head was severed entirely from its body. It proved to be the four-year-old boy of William Hughes, an employee of the Gulf company. The little one had accompanied his mother to visit a neighbor in the vicinity and wandered off.

Died at his home in this city early Tuesday morning, Mr. James H. Thomas. His remains were interred Wednesday morning under the auspices of the Masons. In compliance with his request, a limestone slab was placed on the coffin.

Mrs. Ida Headley, wife of Councilman F.E. Headly [sic] died at the family home in the second ward last Monday morning. Her remains were interred at Maple Park Cemetery. The deceased, who was the former Miss Ida McDaniel, leaves a husband and a boy babe 2 weeks old besides a large circle of relatives and friends.

Carthage, Mo: July 19: On the edge of Lawrence county about six miles from Sarcoxie, yesterday Mike Horner shot and killed D. Boswell. The men were neighboring farmers, and it seems the trouble was on account of a charge of seduction preferred against Horner by a sister of Boswell’s. At the first trial the jury disagreed since which time bad feeling kept increasing until yesterday when Horner went to the field where Boswell was harvesting and after calling for him shot him four times, causing instant death. Horner gave himself up.

July 31, 1885

From Cabool “last Sunday” Long story of the shooting of James W. Stewart, mail agent on the Gulf road whose run is between Springfield and “this place” shot Henry Harris twice, one ball entering the neck and the other the back. The wounds are thought to be mortal. Stewart is from Forest City, Ark. Harris is a carpenter and has been making his home in Cabool some time. Harris attacked Stewart in his room and most think it self-defense. It is reported the tragic affair is on account of a woman and jealousy on the part of Harris.

Died at the family home on East Walnut street last Friday evening, Minnie Emma, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. T. Keet. The funeral took place Saturday evening.

It is our painful duty to chronicle the death of the wife of Capt. Frank Greene, which occurred, after a brief illness, at the family home in this city on last Tuesday night. Her remains were taken Wednesday evening to Abilene, Kan., where her parents live, for interment at that place. The deceased was 25 years of age and a most estimable lady. She leaves a husband and one child, besides a large circle of friends.

August 7

At a special term of the circuit court at West Plains on 27th ult., Jas. L Burns, who killed Peter McClaren at Burnham last winter was and acquitted, the jury returning their verdict in less than one hour. Of course, the verdict was based on the grounds of self-defense.

At Neosho about half past one o’clock yesterday morning a body of masked men, number 25 or 30, surrounded the jail and put the jailor and his assistant under guard. Failing to the get the keys, they forced open the door to the cell in which was confined Garland A. Mann and while he was pleading for mercy, they riddled his body, killing him instantly. Some six or eight pistol shots were fired. After the killing the men said to the jailor and his assistant, R.M. Johnson and S.H. Cotter, “if you ever attempt to recognize any of us, Mann’s fate will be yours.” They then quietly departed going back, it is supposed, to their homes in McDonald county.
            It will be remembered that Mann was awaiting his fourth trial on the charge of murdering Dr. A.W. Chenoweth near Pineville on the night of the 12 September 1883.

Lamar, Mo., August 4: Mrs. Wilhelmina Wener, a lady about 70 years old, fell down the stairs last night at Iantha, seven miles west of here, and was killed. She got up to lower her windows and either made a misstep or yielded to an attack.

August 14, 1885

A little child of W.A. Swearengin’s 11 months old, living in Douglas county, not long since pulled over a pot of boiling hot coffee, the contents running over its body from the wait down and scalding it horribly, from the effects of which it died four days afterwards.

From Mt. Vernon Journal: James H. Smith, who was charged with murdering an old man named Allen in Barry county and who was confined in our jail last winter for safe keeping, died in the county jail at Cassville one day last week. He made no confession.

From the Douglas County Register: G.R. Johnson became somewhat intoxicated last Monday night, when he and Bud Payne got into a quarrel about some trivial mater. Bud struck Johnson over the head when Johnson pulled his shooter and fired at Bud, missing him, however, after which Johnson fired three shots. He was promptly arrested by Deputy Sheriff King  and will be tried tomorrow.

            We have just received information that one George Hutchison shot David Rackley at Rickey’s store in Clinton Township. From the meager reports both parties got too much corn juice and entered into a quarrel about nothing when Rackley attack Huchison. He drew shi shooter and fired, hitting Rackley center in the forehead, but that part of the cranium being sloping, the ball glanced. No harm done except the loss of a few locks of hair.

Lamar, Mo., August 8: Alf Cameron, a young man about 23 years old, was struck and killed by the east-bound midnight express on the Gulf Road, while lying asleep on the track, at a point five miles east of her last night. Cameron and a couple of companions, named Hard and Love were drinking, and had followed a lewd woman, who was thought to have went out there with arrival of theirs. They sat down on the track to await the couple’s return and fell asleep, Cameron with his head on the rail. 

The infant daughter of Isaiah Inman died at the family home in the south part of the county last Saturday evening.  

Died in Christian county, last Sunday, N.B. Faught, son of W. Faught, aged 18 years.

Mrs. Eleanor F. Wade, mother of Hon. W.H. Wade, died at his home 5 miles west of the city, Wednesday evening at the advanced age of 84 years.

Near Nevada, Vernon Co., on Wednesday night of last week, Jacob Sewell, aged about 55 years and his son Mack, aged 16, were foully murdered while asleep in their wagon where they were camped. The murder’s object was to get their property, consisting of four horses, two wagons and a lot of plunder, which he and his wife took and attempted to flee the country. They were caught and mailed. The name of the murderer is Henry Stair. His wife confessed that her husband killed the Sewells.
            Jacob Sewell once lived in this county and was the father of John Calvin Sewell who was shot and killed by a young man named Tucker at Ash Grove.

            Issue of August 21, stated Stair was an ex-convict of the Indiana penitentiary. Issue of September 4 contained article that Henry Stair and wife Manetta Stair were found guilty after the jury was out 2 hours.

August 21

Peirce [sic] City, August 15: Mr. N.B. “Doc” Jones,  of Mt. Vernon committed suicide this morning by taking morphine. He was clerking in W.H. Sloan’s drug store, and was a brother-in-law of Sloan’s. Domestic trouble is the supposed cause.

Osceola, Mo., August 15: Waldo P. Johnson, ex-United States senator and one of the best known citizens of the state, died here today after a short illness. The deceased was a lawyer and of late years has been practicing in St. Louis, with an office at 600 Olive street.

At Peirce City last Sunday morning a man named Patrick O’Doud, from McDonald county, was walking on one of the sidetracks when the switch engine backing up some passenger cars and the rear coach struck and knocked him down on the track and running over him, cut off both legs below the knees, breaking both thighs and one of the pelvic bones. He died in about one hour. He was on his way to the Soldiers Home at Dayton, Ohio, and among papers found was one signed by the mayor and other citizens of Springfield recommending him as honest, upright and deserving.

Long article about the suicide of Mrs. Nancy Carlisle who killed herself by taking 37 grams of morphine. According to her story, she was 41 years old, and she and her husband and four children 3 boys and 2 girl, went from Montague, Mich., to Galesburg, Ill. There she became infatuated with Dr. George Carr and the two went together to Kansas City, leaving her husband and three children behind and taking the youngest, a 10-year-old boy with her. He left a wife and three children behind. After about a year, he returned to Galesburg, taking her money with him. She came on to this place, working in various places. She gave her little boy to Mr. Oberholtz about a year ago. The little fellow was at his mother’s bedside at her death. She was buried in “the grave-yard.”

Resolution of Respect for the death of Mrs.  Robert Jenkins by the Orient Lodge No. 86 Knights of Pythias.

August 28, 1885

Vinita, I.T., Aug. 23: A.P. Goodykountz and F.H. Cass (formerly of Springfield) were murdered near the Sac and Fox agency last Wednesday night. They left here last Sunday for the Cheyenne agency to buy cattle and were evidently shot while asleep. Both were prominent men of this town.

From the Ava Herald: Long story about a “fiendish crime” in Douglas county, Clinton Township. The fight was between old man Stout and old man Fields. Stout, his wife and boy about 15 years old, were tied and hung from a tree, while three persons demanded to know where money was hidden. Mrs. Stout was later “ravished” by all three men When they left, the little boy identified two of them as George and Linds Fields, sons of the old man and he described a man fitting Thaddeus Elliott, but we are informed Elliott has an alibi. The money Fields stated was taken by Stout he actually gave to his step-son Russell Browning, but lied to his own sons because he was afraid they would be jealous.

September 4

On the 24th ult., Lee Beckner, the 12-year-old son of Daniel Beckner, living in Spring Hollow township, Laclede county, was thrown from a wagon and received injuries from which he died that evening. In company with a Mr. Browning’s children, a young lad about 19 years old, and a boy near his own age, he was on his way to a camp meeting. The team of horses took fright and the Beckner boy was thrown out.

From the Lebanon Rustic: A body of a man was found a mile east of the city and was recognized as that of Jim Nevins, a painter who had been missing for two weeks. Long story about his decomposition. How he came to his death was unknown. Deceased had a mother and two sisters at Rolla and the remains were to be sent there for burial.

Last Tues. at an early hour, Mr. James A. Stoughton saw a colored man lying dead on the sidewalk in front of his house in North Springfield. Examination showed that he had died from a pistol shot, the bullet having entered his chest and passed through the body. The dead man was identified as Joe Hensley, a hard case, aged about 25, who had served two term in the penitentiary. On his person, among other things, was a watch stolen from the post office at Strafford two weeks ago. Details as to how he was killed and inquest.

It is with feelings of profound sorrow that we announce the death of Mr. Charles Weaver, which took place, after a brief illness with congestion at his home in the first ward early yesterday morning. Deceased was 43 years old and leaves a wife and three children, two girls and a boy. He was buried at Maple Park cemetery.

September 11, 1885

Last Saturday evening, James S. Crosby, aged 22, while down in a well cleaning it out, about 5 miles south of the city, was overcome by the foul air or “damp” and died before he could be taken out. His brother, who went down to assist him, came near sharing the same sad fate.

From Nevada, Mo. September 13: An extra freight train, with Conductor Finn Read in charge went through the Little Osage Bridge, about 12 miles from this city, his morning. The train was totally demolished and engineer Fred Carle and Fireman Pat Mahoney were killed. Only the body of Carle has been recovered.

September 18, 1885

From Marshfield, Sept. 12: Horrible death of Unknown Man reported. He was found with his leg caught over the coupling of the east-bound train, his body hanging and badly damaged. He was about 25 to 30 years old and dark-complected. It was supposed he was trying to steal a ride.

Died at Henderson last Friday, Mr. F.E. Nichols, aged 50 years. Deceased was son-in-law of Dr. J. Echelberry of this city and leaves a wife and four children.

An item from an Ozark, Ark.: “We learn of a sad accident which occurred last Monday about six miles northwest of Charlestown. Little John Cody, aged about 5 years, was playing at a well over which a shed was being built, when by a misstep he fell into the well. The child’s mother is dead and his father is at Springfield.

Died at his home in the 4th ward in this city, Tuesday, at noon, Mr. John Benson, one of our oldest and most highly esteemed citizens. He was about 72 years of age. His wife survives him. He was buried at Maple Park Cemetery.

September 25, 1885

Died, after a protracted illness at the family residence in this city early last Sunday morning, Mrs. Elizabeth D. Jones, wife of Capt. Geo. M. Jones, aged 52 years. Deceased was born in this county and was a daughter of the late Maj. D.D. Berry, one of the first settlers and merchants at this place, who died in the South during the latter part of the war.
           The funeral, which was largely attended, took place last Monday afternoon, impressive services being conducted by Rev. W.B. Palmore, and her remains were laid to rest at Maple Park Cemetery.

October 2, 1885

W.T.B. Jefferson, the colored man who was recently shot by Robt. Brown, also colored, died of his wounds yesterday morning.

From the West Plains Gazette; J.R. Davidson, who killed Taylor Langston, in this place some two years ago, was last week tried in the Shannon county circuit court, which resulted in a verdict of guilty and penalty assessed at two years in the penitentiary. An appeal was taken to the supreme court.

October 9, 1885

St. Joseph: Oct. 5: Colonel Cundiff, business manager of the Missouri Republican died at about midnight lat night, as the result of a paralytic stroke Friday night. He was born in Virginia in 1832. In 1840 he came to Buchanan County and was one of the founders of the Daily Gazette in this city, in 1853, the first daily papers ever published here. Afterward he served in the southern army occupying every rank from lieutenant to colonel. After the war he went to Mexico and for a time had charge of the Vera Cruz and Mexico railway. in 1868 he returned to this city and established the Gazette, which had suspended in 1861 on account of the opposition of the federal authorities because of its political sentiments. He retired from this field in 1873 and in the following year was elected circuit clerk. In 1879 he purchased the St. Louis Times and upon suspension of that paper assumed a position on the editorial staff of the Republican. In all stations and under all circumstances he was faithful to every trust.

At Peirce City on Wednesday of last week, Wm. Sampson's little 6-year-old boy while playing with a 22 caliber pistol accidentally shot his little 3-year-old sister through the head causing her death in a few hours afterward.

Mr. C.E. Purviance left last night for Huntington, Ind., to see his aged father who is at the point of death.

October 23, 1885

From the Neosho Miner & Mechanic: During the thunder storm of  Sunday night last, Anna Bell, aged about 23 years, daughter of Sarah Bell, a widow living in a small house just north of the woolen mill was struck by an electric bolt and instantly killed. She was sleeping with her mother who says she was awake. A small hole was burned in the pillow slip, about the size of a quarter under her head. There was no wound except her hair was singed a little. The carpet near a partition door was set on fire (more details).

From the Peirce City Empire: A fatal accident occurred yesterday in the Dahill mine, on the Grandy land. The victim was Al. Welch, a well-known Joplin miner who had been for a number of year mining in Joplin and neighbor camps. The accident occurred about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. A quantity of rock that had been for some time regarded as dangerous fell from the roof of the drift crushing Welch beneath it. The deceased left a wife, who lives at Leigh.

At Ash Grove last Saturday night L.(?) Sell a laborer at the lime kilns of that place, suicided by hanging himself to a rafter in the kitchen, while his wife and three daughters slept in the adjoining room. When found hanging, his knees were within one inch of the floor. He was about 42 years old. Trouble between himself and wife is said to have caused the rash act, she having refused to live with him any longer.

Our venerable friend Mr. Samuel Hackey Jopes of Marionville, Mo., is spending a week among old friends in this city. Mr. Jopes is in his 81st year, having been born in Northumberland county, Va., May 4th 1805 and came to this city in 1840, residing here until five years ago when he removed to Marionville. He is apparently as hale and hearty as he was twenty-five years ago. He was married on the 12th of March 1826 and his wife still survives and enjoys fair health. Mr. Jopes is one of the oldest Masons in the county.

Rev. T.H. Eatherly, a Presbyterian minister from Nashville, Tenn., recently committed suicide in Dent county, this state, by blowing his brains out with a pistol. He hitched his horse to a tree by the roadside, and deliberately committed the rash deed, for no cause is assigned.

October 30, 1885

Clinton, Mo.: October 23. The morning news was brought to town that P.M. Leonard had hung himself. Mr. Leonard lived about 6 miles north of Clinton with a widowed mother and married brother, himself being a bachelor. At an early hour he went to the barn to feed his horses, and not returning, his mother sent his brother to see about him and to his horror he found him hanging in the barn by his neck, dead. He was 38 years old and thought to be in a demented condition. 

Mrs. Carrie L. Dockery, wife of Mr. H.M. Dockery the local editor of the Peirce City Democrat died at the family home in that city on 22nd inst., aged 29 years. Bro. Dockery and his little children have our kindest sympathies.

November 6, 1885

Died at Cassville, Mo. on October 26th 1885, Mrs. Elizabeth Ray, wife of Dr. John Ray, editor of the Cassville Democrat. Mrs. Ray was born near Tompkinsville, Monroe county, Ky., on Nov. 22nd 1824. She was the daughter of Capt. James Means and a sister of the late Dr. J.T. Means of Springfield, who stood at the head of the Medical Profession in Southwest Missouri. She was married to Dr. John Ray in 1850 and removed to Southwest Missouri in 1853. At the age of 18 years, she connected herself with the Christian church and has been a consistent and zealous member of the same through life. She was a lady of high order of intelligence and great force of character. She was always kind and charitable and with heart and hand she contributed to relief of the afflicted and distressed. She leaves many friends and will fondly cherish her memory. She was buried at the Cassville Cemetery. To her husband and children, the loss is irreparable; they can only find relief in that religion which was so sure a solace and comfort to her in the hours of death and in the long and painful sickness that preceded it.

The funeral of the mother of Mr. B.T. King of this city took place at Portland, Maine, yesterday.

Died at her home in the fourth ward of this city last Monday evening, Mrs. Elvira Thompson, aged 67 years. The funeral took place Tuesday from the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. L.H. Murray, and her remains were interred in Maple Park Cemetery.

Carrie, the little 4-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F.G. Steingrandt, died at the family home in this city at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday and her remains were buried in the Catholic cemetery yesterday.

November 13

A German named George Vogel, living in a small house at the southeast corner of the square, made an ineffectual attempt at suicide yesterday forenoon by taking a dose of Rough on Rats. He had been arrested the previous evening on the charge of selling beer without paying the government tax. LATER: Vogel died about eight o'clock last night. He was about 45 years old and has lived here some three years. He was formerly from St. Louis.

Peirce City: November 7 A most distressing accident occurred two miles north about noon today. A party consisting for Mr. McConnell and son Ed, Maupin and John A. Primer, all from near Lamar were traveling to Barry county to look at a piece of land as well as hunting and fishing. There were traveling by wagon. Primer and the elder McConnell were walking behind when Primer saw a rabbit. He caught hold of his gun by the muzzle and pulled it toward himself, when it discharged, striking him in the forehead and completely blowing the whole top of his head off. Primer was a young man, about 22 years of age. His body was brought here, and will be sent to Lamar.

Joplin: Nov. 11: Mrs. Lizzie Dolan, wife of Thomas Dolan, a miner of this city, committed suicide last night by taking strychnine. No cause is assigned for the rash act though the evidence shows it is to have been premeditated as Mrs. Dolan had purchased the poison at F.E. Williams' drug store on Nov. 6, saying she wanted to poison rats. Deceased was not more than 17 years old, and leaves a baby about a year old.

November 27

A little 14-year -old girl of Mr. Jack Barker, living in the edge of Newton county, met with a very sad and painful death last Tuesday. She was left at home alone, and in some way her clothing caught fire, and when she found that he flames were beyond her control, she started out and ran about half a mile for assistance, but by the time she reached her destination all her clothing was entirely consumed and her body burned into a crisp, from the effects of which she soon breathed last.

On last Friday a body of men went to the jail at Pineville, McDonald county, and took out Irvin Grubb, who murdered a mute named Dawson B. Anderson near that place last June, and proceeding about a half mile out from town they hung him to a black jack  tree near the spot where Dr. A.W. Chenoweth was murdered September, 1883. Grubb's case was recently continued until next term of the county circuit court which is not at all necessary, as he is now beyond the reach of all legal tribunals on this mundane sphere

Mrs. Mary E. Bowden, nee McCain, wife of W.E. Bowden, Esq. of this city, died very suddenly of heart disease at Martin, Tenn., on 17th inst. aged 27 years. Deceased  leaves a husband and one little girl, who have the sympathies in their great bereavement.

After an illness of nearly two weeks with pneumonia, Mr. Wm. McAdams died at his home on West Walnut Street in this city last Friday afternoon, aged 70 years. The funeral took place under the auspices of the Mason and he was buried at Maple Park Cemetery. Deceased was a native of Ireland, when he came with his parents to Pittsburg, Pa., when nine years of age. At that place he learned the saddle and harness-maker's trade, serving five years at the business. In 1840 he came to this city, where he opened a shop and was engaged in the saddle and harness business for over 40 years. He sold out to Mr. M. Steineger nearly two years ago. He was married in 1841 to Miss Margaret Massey, daughter of James Massey, and to them eight children were born, only three of whom are now living--Mrs. Chas. K. Priest, Mrs. A.T. Murphy and Mr. Emmett McAdams. McAdams was elected county treasurer in 1858 and held that office till 1864. He was a member of the M.E. Church South. Being one of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of this city and county, his death is mourned alike by old and young.

 December 4, 1885

John T. Leabo, found guilty of murder in the first degree for killing his wife, was sentenced to be hanged at Butler, this state, on 15th of next month.

Died at his home near Ozark last Saturday night, John B. Garrison, aged about 70 years. Deceased has been a citizen of Christian county for nearly 40 years and leaves a wife and five children.

Died at the family home in this city Saturday morning, Nov. 28th, after a long illness with consumption, Mrs. Laura C. Hamontree, wife of Mr. Cal. Hamontree, aged 35 years. The funeral took place the following day and her remains were laid at rest in the cemetery at Cave Spring. The bereaved husband his five motherless children have the tenderest sympathies of relatives and friends.

Marshfield, Mo., November 29: A man was found dead today near the railroad track by trainmen, seven miles east of here, near Niangua Station. He had been shot in the back of the head and his pockets sacked. The body was still warm when found. Papers on his person showed that he was a German and about 30 years of age. The deed is supposed to have been done by some boys seen with him some time before. Nov. 30: The man found killed was George Ludwig Gumbel, age 23 years, born at Bessinger, Darmstadt, Germany, a son of Johannes Gumbel of the same place; that he was a coppersmith and had worked four years from June 15, 1876 to June 15, 1880 with Franz Geiger of that city, from whom he had a certificate of good character. There were also some letters from a friend in Oregon.

Marshfield, Mo. December 1: The two boys arrested in Lebanon for the murder of George L. Gumbel have been brought to his place. Their names are Dan and Geo. Moore, aged respectively 14 and 16 years. Dan says that they were walking along the track when George remarked to Gumbel, “I believe I’ll shoot you” and without another word, did. They then rifled his pockets and placed his head on the track, evidently expecting the next train would obliterate all traces of their deadly work.

Carthage, MO: December 1: John Doom, a young farmer who resided with his aged mother 15 miles northeast of here, met with a sudden death last evening as he was returning from the city with a load of timber.

 December 11

Aurora Springs, Mo.: December 5. A terrible triple tragedy occurred early yesterday morning about twenty-five miles southwest of this place, near Linn Creek, Mo. A farmer named David Lyons and his daughter were murdered by a crazy man named Nute Wilson. Mr. Lyons had called his little son to get up and build the fire and Wilson soon followed him. Going into the room where Miss Lyons, a young lady about 17 years old, was, he struck her a terrific blow with the ax, just above the left ear. He then rushed into the room where Mr. Lyons was sleeping, and struck the dazed man a fearful blow in the side with the blade of the ax, burying the weapon up to its handle. He then struck the old man in the head, splitting it wide open, killing him instantly. The boy and his mother escaped and ran to the home of Mr. Lyon’s brother. They returned to the house, armed with guns. The brother, Dr. Lyons, a brother of the murdered man, leveled his gun and fired, shooting the assassin through the stomach, bringing him to the ground, mortally wounded. The Doctor then ran up to the wounded man and shot him through the head, blowing out his brains, ending the tragedy. Mr. Lyons was a highly respected farmer, and has had Wilson in his employ for two years or more. Wilson, while known to be demented, was regarded as perfectly harmless and trustworthy. The sudden frenzy that seized him, terminating so tragically, can not be accounted for.

Died at the home of her mother in this city last Saturday night, Mrs. Bettie Weaver Young, wife of Mr. Samuel Young, aged 30 years. The funeral took place Monday and her remains were placed in Maple Park Cemetery. Deceased leaves a husband and one little girl.

Died at the family home about 10 miles southwest of the city last Tuesday, Mrs. W.A. McElhany, aged about 60 years. Deceased leaves a husband and three children, all grown.

From the Ash Grove Commonwealth: Died at his home in this city last Tuesday, Dr. O.C. Bender in the 49th year of his age. His funeral took place at 10 o’clock this morning Presbyterian Church. It is with sadness that we are called upon to chronicle the death of such an exemplary citizen.

 December 18

From Neosho Times: Mrs. Benedict, who lives in McDonald county, near Erie, about 15 miles from Neosho, was accidentally shot by her brother last Saturday. He was cleaning a gun, supposed to be unloaded. A shot passed through a partition into an adjoining woman where his sister was wounded in such a  manner that at last accounts, her life was despaired of.

From Neosho Miner & Mechanic: Albert Wilson of Franklin Township, a farmer living near Thomas Estes, was talking to Estes on Friday last, when a plank was dashed off the corn crib nearby by a sudden gust of wind. It struck him in the back of the head or neck, and crashed his head against a fence rail, inflicting injuries which caused his death Saturday morning. The wind was one of the heaviest of years.

Mrs. Priscilla A. Danforth died at her home three miles north of the city last Sunday morning.

Died at his home in Republic on the 10th inst, of pneumonia Henry Girard, aged 26 years. Deceased leaves a young wife, but no children.

Died last Saturday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Fannie Crenshaw, about 4 miles south of the city, John Thomas Smith, aged 88 years. His remains were taken for interment to his former home in Tennessee.

December 25

From the Bolivar Free Press: A 7-year-old son in a family by the name of Snooks, living 5 miles west of Humansville was shot and instantly killed by his brother, nine years old. The boys were playing with an old revolver. All the caps had been removed from the weapon except one, which the father had carelessly overlooked and which did the deadly work.

Mrs. J.J. Bingham died at the family home seven miles south of town Tuesday night.

From the Seymour Independent: A sad accident that resulted fatally to a most estimable young man, occurred last Tuesday. Mr. G.W. Silvery, long and favorably known hereabouts was tracking a turkey a short distance from town, when seeing, as he supposed, his game a hundred yards distant, he fired. Hastening to the spot he found that the bullet had pierced the breast of Lincoln Hammond of Douglas County, who had also been hunting and crouched in the bushes. The young man was brought to Mr. Silvey's house and every effort made to save the dying man. His death occurred at 10 o'clock Wed. morning.