Springfield Express

Springfield, Missouri

January 6, 1882

Two more murders, Joseph M. Kotovsky and Charles Ellis, hanged in St. Louis today, the former for killing his sweetheart October 10, 1878 and the latter for killing a river roustabout, May 9, 1880. Ellis is a negro.

About the middle of last November a man and his wife were being moved from some point southeast of Springfield and when 3 miles west of Bois D’Arc the man died in the wagon. An inquest was held over the body at the home of Mr. Sam’l Brown and death pronounced as having resulted from typhoid-pneumonia. The couple were in destitute circumstances, and the people of the vicinity interred the remains of the poor strangers. Mr. Brown provided for the necessities of the widow, but she took sick sometime afterward lingering until the 1st. when she too died at the home of Mr. Samuel Cotter . The bodies of the two deceased strangers now rest side by side in the cemetery at John’s Chapel. From a marriage certificate their names are W.W. T. Bennett and Effie Bennett, and they were married in Baxter county, Arkansas, August 1, 1881. The lady’s maiden name was Effie Leffler. It seems the man’s parents live near Memphis, Tennessee. Arkansas papers, please copy.

Died at the Young House in this city early yesterday morning, Miss Nettie Lyon , only daughter of Dr. J.S. Lyon.

Died in this city last Friday night of heart disease, Miss Emma Dalrymple, aged 15 years.

Died at St. Louis in December 30, Mr. Jesse Homan Sr., father of Mr. Jesse Homan of this county. Deceased had attained the advanced age of 82.

January 13, 1882

The venerable Peter Mankins, aged 111 years, 3 months, 10 days, died at his home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, December 30, 1881. He very probably enjoyed an honor that belongs to no other man in the United States, having voted for every regular Democrat candidate for president that has ever been nominated, Jefferson being the first, Hancock the last. Father Mankins was born at Alexandria, Va., and was the step-grandfather of Dr. Z. Van Hoose of this city.

The killing of James Fitzgerald by John Campbell, which occurred the 27th ult. on the new railroad in Wright county, is reported to have been done in self-defense, Fitzgerald, who was a section boss, fired the first shot.

From the Neosho Times—We learn of a shooting that occurred on, or in the neighborhood of Hewitt’s prairie, in this county, last Monday night. A man by the name of Skelton, who was working for a Mr. Smithy, shot the latter twice with a double barreled shot gun, and then taking the wounded man’s horse left for parts unknown. It is thought that Smith will die. Nothing has been heard of the escaped murderer, who is being pursued by officers.

At Henderson last Tuesday night, the widow Mansfield shot Thos. Bench, the ball crashing through his brain from which he died in a few hours afterward. The killing is said to have grown out of trouble over the collection of a blacksmith’s bill. Bench was buried the following day.

From the Jefferson City Tribune: Col. J.M. Bell was a prominent citizen of Ashley county, Arkansas. His prominence and usefulness came to an untimely end on Christmas day. Col. Bell was a wife-beater, and he whipped his wife so severely on Christmas morning that she died. His neighbors called on him that night in a body and made him a Christmas present of a nice, new necktie. They tied one end of it about his neck and threw the other end over the limb of a tree, and gently drew him skyward till his feet rested on a space. There was a funeral the next day, but no mourners. Give Arkansas the proper credit.

January 20, 1882

Two more murderers, Thaddeus Baber and Wm. Ward, the latter a negro, were hung in St. Louis last Friday.

The man who fatally shot Smith on Hewett’s prairie Monday evening of last week was named Jack Sheldon, not Skelton.

Died in St. Louis January 18th, daughter of F.W. and M.E. Scholten, aged 22 years. Deceased was an estimable young lady and a native of this city.

January 27

On Tuesday of last week while cutting timber near his home in Cedar county a tree fell on Wm. Simerell, inflicting injuries to such an extent that he died on the following morning.

From the Nevada Criterion—At Lewis station, north of Clinton, a terrible calamity happened this week. Jones is a manner employed by the Osage company, and while he and his wife slept, his house caught fire, and his wife and four children were burned to death. He and one child escaped, though both were badly burned.

Died last Wednesday at the residence of his brother-in-law a few miles from the city, Mr. J.H. Willemin.

Isaac Stone, a brakeman on the Frisco road, was killed by the cars near Phillipsburg last Sunday night.

February 3

At Hartville on Wednesday of last week a team ran away with Jimmie Taylor, a bright little 12-year-old boy, upsetting the wagon and piling the wood on his body, which caused his death in less than an hour.

From the Cassville Democrat—John Talbert, the gentleman who had the small pox up at Exeter, died at that place Thursday. This makes the fifth case that has died there, out of a total of seven cases. It is now thought that there will be no more cases, as there is no person who has been exposed, except those who have been properly vaccinated.

February 10

From the Galena Times—A 5-year-old son of Leonard Rider died of pneumonia last Friday night. Rider lives on White river and is the man who killed Abijah Hughes in Taney county several months ago.

From the Marshfield Chronicle—On last Friday night at Cedar Gap on the line of the Kansas City, Springfield and Memphis railroad, a little child one year and half old, son of Mr. W.B. Strang Jr. was burned to death. Mrs. Strang, the mother, had just rocked the child to sleep and put it to bed and gone to her supper. In a few moments fire was discovered in the house, but had gained such headway that it was found impossible for any one to enter the house and save the child, as the house was lined with tarpaper which caused it to burn very rapidly. Mrs. Strang would have run into the fire and perished with her babe had she not been prevented by those standing near. The corpse was brought here and buried Saturday last.

Policeman John D. Snowden died early last Sunday morning and was buried on the following day., He was one of the most faithful and efficient officials the city ever had, and his loss is universally regretted. A subscription has been started for the relief of his family.

Col. W.D. Crothers has received a letter from Mr. S.S. Terrell at Ft. Stanton, New Mexico, containing information of the murder of Wm. S. Crawford,  which occurred at Albuquerque on the 17th of last December. The writer says that Crawford was about 28 years old and highly respected; that he once informed that his people lived near Springfield, Mo., and that he ran away from home when quite young. At the time of the murder, the unfortunate man was in the employ of the Government as a detective among the Indians, under direction of U.S. Attorney S.M. Barnes at Santa Fe.

February 17, 1882

Peter Van Winkle, an old Arkansian, died very suddenly of apoplexy at Rogers last Friday.

Wm. Rutlege, familiarly called “Uncle Billy,” died in Sedalia Saturday, aged 77 years. He was the first man to settle on the prairie where Sedalia now stands, and at last, died a pauper.

Uncle Joel Phillips while engaged in building a fence at his home in the southwest part of town suddenly dropped dead last Tuesday morning. He was about 74 years old, and leaves a large number of relatives in this vicinity. His remains were interred on the following morning at Pleasant Springs school house, some 8 miles southwest of town.

February 24

Died at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. George W. Nevatt, in this city February 21st, John M. Gibson, aged nearly 80 years.

The New Orleans Picayune announces the death of D.W. Dow, aged 36 years, which occurred near Huston [sic], Texas, on the 5th inst. and requests the Springfield, Mo. newspapers to copy.

March 3

A Rolla paper says: On last Friday Dr. Elder was called out to Mr. H. Spartlin’s near the Stimson iron bank, to help a midwife out of trouble, but when he arrived he found the mother dead, but she had left three healthy looking babies with the sorrow-stricken father.

The mother of Sam Hilderbrand , the notorious outlaw, died in Jefferson county recently.

Last Saturday forenoon a blast prematurely exploded on a cut on the new railroad some miles southeast of the city, killing outright a man named Barrett and dangerously injuring another whose name is Murphy, The latter has been brought to town, and Dr. Means , his physician, states that he is in a fair way to recovery. The explosion also injured several other person who were nearby at the time of the casualty.

March 10

Died at the family residence in the south part of the city March 5, John Thomas, only son of G.W. Nevatt, aged 8 years. His remains were interred Tuesday in the Cumberland cemetery near Brookline.

On Monday of last week, Andy Hopkins, ex-sheriff of Barry county, was shot and killed by Napoleon Rowley in a saloon at Washburn. Three bullets took effect on Hopkins’ body, which resulted in death the following day. The killing grew out of an old grudge on account of Hopkins having killed a brother of Rowley while attempting his arrest some four years ago.

March 17

Died last Sunday at his home in Gallatin, Davis county, Mo., Dr. John Cravens, aged nearly 85 years. Deceased was the father of Hon. J.C. Cravens of this city.

The funeral of Mrs. Ella B. Vinton takes place this morning form the residence of her father, Mr. B.S. Whitson, on West Walnut street.

March 24, 1882

From the Pierce City Record—Tuesday morning, Mrs. Agee, the wife of Wm. Agee, who lives on Stone’s prairie about eight miles south of town fell dead. She leaves three children, one an infant only three weeks old.

From the Hartville Home-Talk—In circuit court last week, Sarah C. Thomas plead guilty to the charge of infanticide and was sentenced to serve two years in the penitentiary.

Died at the family residence in this city, March 18th, 1882, Mrs. Margaret E. Willeke, wife of Mr. J.G. Willeke, aged 32 years. The funeral took place from the Catholic church on the following Sunday afternoon, when a long procession of friends followed the remains to their last resting place in [the] Catholic Cemetery west of the city. The bereaved husband and little girl and infant boy have the sympathy of the entire community in their hour of sore affliction.

A special from Neosho dated 23d inst., says: This morning Mr. John Powell, a wood dealer here, highly esteemed in our city, met with an accident which resulted in his immediate death. Mr. Powell was trying to fell a large tree and wished it to fall west, but discovered there was a sapling in the way, which he commenced to remove, when a strong wind coming up, blew the partly cut tree on him. He had his ax raised to strike the sapling, and a limb from the falling tree struck the ax, driving it deep into his head. His brother-in-law was with him at the time, but before he could warn him of his danger, the time was upon him. He leaves a wife and three interesting children to mourn his death.

March 31

The funeral of Mr. J.J. Ellenburg, who died at San Gabriel, California on the 22nd inst. took place yesterday from the M.E. Church, South. The deceased was a fine young man of fine promise and his death is profoundly regretted by a host of friends both here and elsewhere, while his bereaved parents have the sympathy of the entire community.

The two little boys of Mr. Jas. P. Duley, deceased, have been amply provided for through the benevolent workings of the Order known as the Knight of Honor. Mr. D., who was a son-in-law of Mr. W.P. Timmons, of this city, at the time of his death, which occurred some few months since, was a member of the Popular [sic] Bluff Lodge, this State, and the benefit on account of such membership was $2000 in cash. This was received by Mr. Timmons as guardian for his grandsons.

April 7

The Governor has offered a reward of $200 for the capture of Wm. G. Fox, who is charged with the murder of Chas. Johnson in Stoddard county.

It is reliably reported that Jesse James, the noted outlaw, was killed in St. Joseph last Monday, shot by Bob Ford, one of the gang who was no doubt actuated by the reward offered for the capture of his chief.

From the Ozark Republican—We learn from a Springfield gentleman just from Forsyth Tuesday that the reported hanging of three men charged with breaking into a store at Kirbyville last week and then stealing a horse from a farmer, has been confirmed. The hanging took place in the pinery south of Kirbyville, and the victims were residents of the county named Meex Snap and Tom and John McClanahan, all of whom have been in the clutches of the law several times within the past year for various criminal offences.

From the Springfield Extra of yesterday—The people in the vicinity of the Head of Clear Creek, a few miles east of Bois d’Arc are in a state of great excitement over the dastardly deed of a man on last Friday. Four years ago Haschall Haseltine  removed to the vicinity with his family. In course of time his wife died and subsequently (about two years ago) he was married to a Mrs. Brower, a wife and daughter of Mr. Eli Spoon, a substantial farmer. Harmony does not appear to have existed between them, on account of the efforts of the husband to obtain control of his wife’s property having failed.
      Last Friday Haseltine attempted to drown his wife in a deep spring near his residence, but was frustrated by his daughter, who is alleged to have openly accused him of being the murderer of her mother, and also to have asserted that he once before endeavored to smother his present wife to death.
            On Saturday Haseltine left for parts unknown. Intense indignation prevails in the community, and should Haseltine be bold enough to appear again in his former haunts it is believed that he would stand in imminent danger of punishment at the hands of Judge Lynch.
    Mrs. Haseltine is now at the residence of her father in a state of great nervous prostration from the effects of the struggle with her murderous husband. Haschall Haseltine is a brother of Congressman Ira S. Haseltine, which is a fact to be regretted, as the family of the latter are law-abiding citizens.

April 7

Mr. Henry Herr , son of Chas. H. Herr, died very unexpectedly at his home on Boonville street this morning.

April 14, 1882

Front page story was a detailed on of the murder of Jesse James.

From the Forsyth Enterprise—Noah Bowman, living about four miles below Mayberry’s Ferry, in Stone county, accidentally shot and killed himself last Tuesday. He had just returned from a hunt and set his gun on the step, when it slipped and the hammer striking the step the gun was discharged, the ball passing through his body, killing him instantly.

Died at the residence of her step-son, Mr. J.H. Fulbright, in Laclede county, on the 3rd inst., Mrs. Mary Fulbright. Deceased was one of the oldest settlers of that county.

From the Extra—We are requested to call the attention of the relatives of the Fulbright family as well as all the old citizens of the county to the fact that on the 25th day of this month, Mr. W.W. Weaver will bring to Springfield for re-interment, the remains of his mother, Roda Weaver, who has been dead 52 years. On that day the remains will be deposited in the family burying grounds, near the Fulbright springs, in the western limits of the city. All friends are requested to attend.

April 21

Died in Marshall county, Tennessee, on the 11th inst., Martin S. Jones, aged nearly 80 years. Deceased was an uncle to Capt. Geo. M. Jones of this city.

A sad accident occurred last Sunday evening at Ingram’s mill on James river, seven miles southeast of town. John Ingram, an 18-year-old son of Mr. S.N. Ingram of this city, and Mr. W. T., the miller, were in a small skiff in the mill-pond when the frail vessel accidentally capsized and young Ingram being unable to swim, sank in the water and was drowned. Mr. Elston with difficulty reached the bank, but was powerless to give any aid to his drowning companion. The wife of Mr. Elston, who with there other person was in another boat, witnessed the tragic scene, the excitement of which caused her to faint on the way home, and it was thought her mind had been seriously affected. The remains of the unfortunate young man were brought to his father’s home in south part of the city. He was buried by the side of his mother in Hazelwood Cemetery.

April 29, 1882

In an altercation in Lincoln township, Lawrence county, last Saturday, Phil. Pennington struck John W. Hayes with a rock and inflicted injuries that resulted in his death at 9 o’clock that evening.

The trial of William F. Martin, charged with the murder of George Mizer in Laclede county June 9, 1879, terminated in Dallas county circuit court at Buffalo on the 20th inst., the jury returning a verdict of acquittal. It can be remembered that Martin was tried, convicted and sentenced to be hung at the February term 1880, of the Laclede county circuit court, but afterwards, while his case was pending in the Supreme Court, made his escape through the assistance rendered by the sheriff’s niece who eloped with him. Subsequently, he was recaptured in Sullivan county, Tennessee, but on the return to Lebanon, while the train was coming up the Dixon hill, made his second escape from custody, by jumping from the cars. He was again recaptured, some months ago at his father’s house in Laclede county.
            The devotion to Martin, through all his trials, that has been exhibited by the sheriff’s niece is truly remarkable, and is now rewarded by an opportunity for them to live in peace a wedded life begun under such adverse circumstances. Their babes (twins) were born soon after the mother’s release form the Lebanon jail, in which she was incarcerated for aiding her husband to escape.

Supt. H.W. Diggins and wife returned Wednesday evening from Kansas City, where they had been to attend the funeral of Mr. C.F. Barron, General Freight Agent of the Hannibal & St. Joe road, who died very suddenly last Monday morning.

May 5, 1882

Died at Cleveland, Ohio, April 29th, Abie, eldest son of Dr. L. Ullman, aged 16 years.

May 12

Died at Bois D’Arc on the 28th ult., Mrs. Charles Johnson. Deceased was a daughter of Mr. E.D. Pipkin.

A 17-year-old youth named Ed Gates, whose home is in N. Springfield, last Monday night was thrown from his position on a brake under the caboose to a Frisco train, a short distance this side of Lebanon, and terribly bruised. His wounds are considered fatal.

A young man named William Williams, and another youth, whose name we did not learn, were accidentally drowned in a deep pond some miles east of the city Thursday. They were both employed driving teams on the contract of Messrs. Strang and Sons on the Memphis extension of the Gulf Road.

May 19

From the Ozark Republican: We learn that John Henderson was killed at Long Ferry on White River on the 28th of April, by his o[w]n son-in-law. He was asleep and shot with his own pistol. Cause of the murder is not known.

From the Hartville Home Talk: On Thursday of last week, two railroaders named respectively Hayes and Sullivan (or Sutherland) became involved in a quarrel at the new town of Mansfield, in the southern part of this county, during which Sullivan struck Hayes over the head with a pick handle from the effect of which he died last Sunday. Squire Patterson held an inquest on Monday morning. Sullivan is still at large.

A man who claimed to be Dr. John T. Smith, but whose real name it appears was Dr. Lewis Lamborn, committed suicide at the Eureka House, North Springfield last Wednesday by taking morphine, breathing his last a little after 5 p.m. Esq. J.H. Duncan held an inquest over the unfortunate man’s remains and developed the following facts which are officially given: the deceased was a physician about 60 years of age, and had evidently seen better days. The cause of his death was 60 grains of morphine taken by himself. He left a note in his valise, stating that he had taken the morphine and that death was preferable to life. He said men were slandering him; no one paid him what they owed him, life had been a failure and he would die than live. He had been here about two months, and came form Bloomfield, Stoddard county, Missouri, where his trunk now is. He had a letter from his sister, Mrs. L.S. Taylor, 1208 North Fifth street, Philadelphia. The fatal portion was taken in the early part of the night. About 10,000 pages of manuscript were found in his possession. He had written on various medical subject, including a work on small-pox, and was evidently a learned man. Papers in his possession show him to be a relative of the poet, the late Bayard Taylor of Penn., with whom he had trouble many years ago and had been persecuted by him since. He graduated from a New York medical school about forty years ago. He has had two wives, both dead, but no children.

The case of the State vs. George, John and Pascal Tucker, charged with killing John C. Sewall at Ash Grove on 2nd July last, was called Wednesday and is now progressing. [The men were acquitted May 27].

May 27

Died at his home six miles south of the city last Tuesday morning, Uncle Elijah Gray, aged nearly 84 years.

Died at his residence on the corner of Washington avenue and Chestnut street in Springfield, on May 20th, Dr. Lucien Bradford Smith, aged 55y, 9 m. Dr. Smith was born in Troy, Penn. August 21st ,1826 and united with the church in his 15th year, leading a consistent Christian life every since. He has been a great sufferer for the last seven years, but through all his illness he rested securely on the promise of the Savior... His remains were interred in Maple Park Cemetery Sunday afternoon.

Died on the 16th inst., at his home near Conway, Laclede county, Missouri, James Barrett, aged nearly 70 years. He was well and favorable known in this section of the State, being the eldest son of V.J.S. Barrett, who in his life time a citizen of this [Greene] county. He was born in Ste. Genevieve Jan 26, 1813, came to Southwest Missouri about 1840; married and settled down in 1842 on the farm where he has lived since. His remains were buried in the family graveyard on the old Graham farm near his late residence. He leaves a wife, three sons and a daughter. Of all the large family of which he was the eldest child, only two remain Dr. B.A. Barrett and Mrs. M.R. Van Hoose of this city.

June 2, 1882

Died in this city on the 29th ult., Bertram H. Keet, infant son of John C. and Lyda [sic] H. Keet.  

Died at the family residence in this city early last Monday morning after an illness of ten days, Mrs. Theresa Day, wife of Mayor X Geo. S. Day. Deceased was born in Baden-Baden, Germany July 29, 1832; was married to Geo. S. Day in New Orleans, La., May 5, 1852, removing soon after to St. Louis, whence they came to this city in 1871. She joined the M.E. Church, South in 1860, and was a consistent member until her death. Her funeral took place from St. Paul’s M.E. Church, South.

June 23, 1882

From the Bolivar Herald: The wife of William Mitchell, wife of" who lives near the Cedar county line was struck by lightning last Saturday and instantly killed. She was sitting on a bed. Her husband was severely shocked, and had not recovered consciousness by Monday morning.

Died at his home 10 miles west of the city, early last Saturday morning, Mr. Isaac N. Jones. Deceased was ex-county surveyor and an old and highly esteemed citizen of this county. His remains were interred last Sunday in the grave-yard near Brookline.

On Wednesday night, a sad case of suicide occurred on Benton Avenue just north of Drury College in the yard of Mr. James R. Randall, the unfortunate victim being Mrs. Henrietta Randall, wife of the gentleman named. He had been at his mother’s on the east side of the street, when returning home found his wife absent and their little boy and girl, aged 2 and 5 years respectively asleep. He discovered his wife’s body hanging to the limb of a small oak tree in the back yard. She had taken a clothes line, tied one end to the limb and placing the other around her neck launched herself into eternity.
            A bottle containing laudanum was on the table and the little girl saying her mother had given her some medicine, it was supposed that she might have tried to poison the two children, so the physician gave them emetics and antidotes, in order to avoid all mistake.
            The heart rending tragedy was no doubt caused by mental aberration and despondency, Mrs. Randall having lost the power of speech above a whisper some time ago when he had been much troubled with nervousness and recently exhibited symptoms of a deranged mind. She left a suicide note that was transcribed by the newspaper.
            The verdict returned by the colored coroner’s jury was substantially in accordance with the above facts. Both the deceased, who was about 33 years old and her husband, who is worthy machinist in the employ of the Frisco company at the shops in North Springfield, are natives of Centralia, Ill. and are connected with highly respectable families at that place.

June 30, 1882

Mr. Arnold Ewing Young of Lexington, cousin of Hon. Henry W. Ewing of Jefferson City was accidentally shot and killed on Tuesday morning of last week at Higginsville. He had accompanied the sheriff in pursuit of a man supposed to be Frank James . As they left the starting place, Mr. Bowman, one of the party picked up, as he supposed, his gun. He was informed of his mistake, and in lowering it the hammer struck his arm and exploded, lodging a heavy charged of shot into Mr. Ewing’s neck. He died instantly. He was to have been married the present week.

Mountain Grove is again unfortunate. Heretofore the railroaders near that place have contented themselves with getting drunk and acting disorderly, but on last Wednesday murder was added to the list of transgressions and crimes. On that day a railroader named Jim Burns, and one of a gang of three Texas cowboys, who recently passed through this county, quarreled in Atkisson & Allen’s saloon., and after a blow or two, the cowboy drew his revolver and fired two shots, the last taking effect in the left breast of Burns killing him instantly. One arrest was made, but the prisoner released almost immediately afterward. Then the cowboys, each armed with three pistols, paraded the streets, and toward dark left town. That same evening two railroaders were robbed by the trio four miles east of the mountain. Burns was buried on Thursday, after an inquest had been held.

July 7

Execution of Charles Guiteau. Long article

From Hartville Home Talk— Jim Harkins—not the Contractor—was killed on Monday night, at Pratt City. He had formerly been foreman for Thomas Bow. The jury decided the deceased came to his death by a stroke from an unknown party or by a fall. Later— we learn from Mr. J.T. Pope that Harkins had about $90 before he was killed, but only $1.75 were found upon the body. Tom McGirth was arrested for the murder but was discharged before Mr. Pope’s arrival. McGirth and an unknown person were the last person seen with Harkins. A citizen heard a quarrel and some blow but fighting is common the railroad, he paid little attention to it. McGirth left as soon as we discharged.

Tragic Death of John Heckart Sr. A sad accident occurred last Saturday on the K.C., Ft. S. & G.R.R. some 3 or 4 miles east of the city, resulting in the instant death of Mr. John Heckart Sr., lumber dealer and a well known and highly esteemed citizen of this place. Mr. Heckart was returning home on the supply train from his saw mill at Fordland, when in attempting to step from the tender of the locomotive attached to the rear end of the train to the car immediately in front, he missed his footing and fell between the rails, the engine passing over his body crushing and mangling it dreadfully. His remains were interred at Maple Park Cemetery.
    Deceased was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, 55 years ago last October, but removed to this stated when 14 years old, resident here since. He leaves of wife and seven grown children.

July 14

Died near Cave Spring, last Sunday, Mrs. Jane Watson, aged 69 years, 11 months. Her remains were interred in the grave yard at that place the following day.

A colored man named Newt  Rial, from Lebanon, was run over and killed by a freight train a short distance east of North Springfield last Friday night. It is supposed that he lay down on the track while drunk. His left foot was severed from his body and his skull and breast crushed.

July 21, 1882

Died at the family residence 1˝ miles east of the city, early on the morning of the 17th, Mrs. Sarah Crawford , wife of county Collector, C.W. Crawford, aged 42 years.

July 28

Died at the family residence in this city yesterday morning, Pluma, 10 year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.B. Savage.

Mr. John A. White, member of the city council from the 3rd ward, died at his home on Main street last Sunday night. His remains were interred in Maple Park Cemetery Tuesday forenoon.

August 4

J.J. Jones was recently arrested at Nevada, for fatally shooting a railroad foreman in Wright county, and taken back to that county to answer for his crime.

On the 23 ult. a well-to-do farmer named W.S. Jones, near Jones creek, Newton county, committed suicide by hanging himself from a barn rafter. The cause of his rash act was mental depression, with which the poor man was troubled since the death of his wife some two years ago. He had left a trunk key with his thirteen or fourteen year old, daughter and then went down to the barn. A son and a daughter found him.

Died at her father’s residence near Bois D’Arc last Wednesday morning, Mrs. Cotter, daughter of Esq. L. Underwood.

Died at the family residence in this city last Sunday, Mrs. Martha Sampey, wife of Thos. Sampey, aged 52 years. Her remains were buried in Maple Park Cemetery.

August 11, 1882

Pierce City Empire— A little seven-year-old son of Joe McCommack, living near Plymouth Junction, was thrown out of a wagon and killed by a runaway team last Sunday. When the horses bolted, they threw the boy out of the wagon between the wheels, breaking his back.

Cassville Democrat— Last Sunday morning a Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Roark, who live near the Willow Branch, some twelve miles northeast of this place, got into a difficulty about the dogging of some stock belonging to former, by the latter, during which Mrs. Campbell stabbed Mrs. Roark to the heart with a dirk knife, for which she instantly died. Mrs. Campbell was arrested on a writ from Esq. Henson of Mountain township and lodged in jail here last Monday to await preliminary examination.

Died at Carthage, on Sunday of last week, Mrs. McGregor , wife of Judge M.G. McGregor.

A little son of Mr. E.S. Wilcox (son of)"  died last night at the family residence north of town.

August 18

Near Osceola on 9th inst., Mrs. Charlotte R. Scott, wife of John Scott and daughter of Judge John P. Love suicided by shooting herself through the heart with a pistol. The mind of the deceased and become unsound.

August 25

On last Saturday at Loveland, the present terminus of the Kansas City, Springfield and Memphis railroad, one Charles H. Williams shot and mortally wounded Henry Van Pelt, a young man of 19 years, the ball entering at the left side and passing through the chest. Van Pelt only lived till Sunday morning. His remains were brought to this city Monday evening, by his father and brothers, when they were taken the following day to his home near Everton, Dade county, for interment. It appears at the time of the killing that Williams thought he was shooting another man.
            later: Williams was arrested by Marshal Snow  and Officer Donnell just southwest of the city Tuesday afternoon and lodged in jail. He claims that he did the shooting accidentally and came here to give himself up, fearing that he might be mobbed at the place of the tragedy. While at Loveland, he worked for Mr. Sheeny. Says he came to this city some six weeks ago from Ft. Smith, that he is 18 years old and formerly lived at Little Rock, Ark., where his mother, a Mrs. Anderson, now resides. He appears much grieved over the fatal affair.

September 1 , 1882

The Old Settler’s Annual Re-Union gives the following who have departed this mortal life during the past year: I.N. Jones X, J.L. McCraw, Jas. B. Headlee, Mrs. Samuel Lee, Wm. Crow, Mrs. Alexander Snyder, Wm. Weatherspoon, Mrs. J.J. Grimes, John T. Wommack, Mrs. Jane Watson, Hosea Mullings, John Headlee, Martha Moore, G.W. Cooper, John Gibson, Martha Purselly, Elijah Gray, H.R. Jarrett and J.A. White.

Another deplorable accident occurred at North Springfield last Sunday afternoon. David Jackson, the 11-year-old son of Jacob Jackson, a bridge carpenter on the Frisco line, attempted to jump on a switch engine, but missed his footing and fell before a moving car, which passed over his body, the wheels horribly mangling his lower limbs and making ugly bruises about the head and neck. He lingered in great pain until Monday morning, when death put an end to the poor boy’s suffering. This is another sad lesson to the boys who are in the habit of jumping on the cars while they are moving.

Last Friday night Mr. John W. Fulton and family, on their way from Wayne county, this State, to Kansas, camped in McCormick’s wagon yard just south of the city lot. About sunrise on the following morning, Mr. Fulton’s little 7 -year-old son, Charley, found a loaded pistol in one of the wagons by a young man traveling with the company. The gun discharged, the bullet tearing off the end of one finger and passing clear through the body just below the chest.
            The little sufferer was removed to the city building and Dr. Means summoned, who did all that surgical skill could perform, but without avail. The little fellow died on Sunday and was interred in Maple Park Cemetery on Mr. D.H. Snavely’s lot. James Andrew, the young man who owns the fatal pistol was much grieved over the sad affair and paid $20 for a marble stone to be place over the little boy’s grave. The family departed Monday evening for their future home near Oxford, Sumner county, Kansas.

September 1

The aged mother of Alf Adams was interred in the colored cemetery last Saturday evening.

Mary, the little 2 year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Haden of Clay Township, died last Sunday morning and was buried the following day.

September 8

From the Neosho Times— The jury in the murder case of Jack Sheldon  for the killing of Smith in this county last January brought in a verdict of guilty and assessed his punishment at 40 years in the penitentiary. Jack took his sentence quite coolly, manifesting no particular concern about the matter. Tom Beason was sentenced to two years for stealing his father’s horses.

September 15, 1882

F.M. Reed, a prisoner confined in the Butler jail, while attempting to escape one day last week, was shot and mortally wounded by Sheriff Simpson.

September 29

The case of N.B. Rowley, charged with killing A.J. Hopper was continued at the recent term of the circuit court at Cassville, on account of the defendant’s illness.

Mike Ahern, the railroad hand who was stabbed by Parrish two weeks ago, died from the effects of his wounds Tuesday evening.

Died at his home in this city, last Saturday night, Wm. McGee, aged 48 years. The remains of the deceased were buried in the Catholic Cemetery last Sunday afternoon.

Died near Bois D’Arc last Friday, Miss Julia Johnson, daughter of Mr. Richardson Johnson.

Died in this city last Friday, James A. Gardner, aged 32 years. Deceased was the son of Mr. J.L. Gardner and was familiarly known as one of the “Twin Brothers.” His remains were followed to their last resting place in Maple Park Cemetery last Sunday afternoon.

October 6

Gov. Crittenden last Tuesday offered a reward of $150 for the arrest of William Carter, who is charged with the murder of Jesse L. Fowler, in Jasper county.

October 13

Five men were killed by the premature explosion of a blast of ten kegs of power, on the new railroad 80 miles east of her, last Friday evening. Six others were seriously if not fatally injured. The names of the killed are Gordon McDonald, foreman, Wm. Farley, Pat McClure, Wm. Freeman, and one unknown. McDonald’s remains were forwarded Sunday to his wife and relatives at him home in Williamsport, Canada.

Died at Scammonsville, Kansas, October 11, 1882, Mrs. Margaret Knott, mother of Mr. F.F. Fine of this city, aged 68 years. St. Louis newspapers, please copy.

Bob Taylor, an outlaw of Knoxville, Tennessee, who some months ago killed a sheriff and deputy in that state to release his brother who was being taken to the penitentiary, this morning boarded the west-bound passenger train to Lebanon. He was followed by Sheriff Goodall and Deputy Sheriff John Estes of Laclede county, who a short distance this side of Lebanon approached Taylor and ordered him to throw up his hands, instead of which the outlaw drew his pistol, when Estes fired upon him, killing him instantly. His body was taken off the train at Marshfield to be carried back to Lebanon. For these particulars we are indebted to Rev. C.H. Briggs who was in the car at the time of the killing.

Died near Brookline last Monday, Mrs. Katie May Pipkin, aged 24 years. Deceased was the wife of Mr. John P. Pipkin, and a niece of Mrs. J.L. Carson and Mr. E.L. Weaver. Her remains were buried in Brookline grave-yard Tuesday. The bereaved husband and two little motherless children have the sympathy of a large circle of relatives and friends.  

We are pained to learn of the recent death of Mr. R.A. Comer and his little girl, near Bois D’Arc, this county.

Long story of the murder of Alonzo W. Slayback, attorney, by Col. John A. Cockrill, editor Post–Dispatch.  

October 20, 1882

Died in Buffalo, New York, October 13th, Mrs. Matilda Madison. The remains of deceased arrived here last Monday morning and the funeral took place on the following day.

From the Ozark Republican: Mrs. E.E. Jernigan last Wednesday evening after eating a hearty supper and before she left the table complained that she could not see, and that her throat felt so dry that she could scarcely swallow. She was helped to bed, and became worse and in less than one hour she was dead. She had been in feeble health for some time, but was well as usual, if not better that day.

Ozark, Missouri, October 23, 1882. A brutal murder was committed five miles northwest of here last Saturday evening. Jack Inman and Bill Wilson returned from Springfield by the way of the Faught school house, where a Greenback meeting was being held. They enquired for one Daniel Stevenson and asked him into their wagon. He consented, and this was the last seen of him as they drove away. His absence causing some uneasiness, a search was made Sunday morning. His coat was found first, then his hat, and this led to the discovery of his dead body in the brush. A family feud is at the bottom of the murder, as Inman is a brother-in-law of Stevenson.
            The murderers are at large, and a strong posse of citizens Is now being organized here, and the county will be scoured for the fugitives. The excitement is intense and popular indignation great aroused.
            [Since the above was written it has been learned that Wilson and Inman beat Stevenson to death with wooden clubs].

November 3, 1882

Last Saturday lightning struck the stable of M.R. Nevins, near Pierce City, instantly killing his son Oak Neving [sic], aged 22 years, who was in the stable at the time. The shock also killed four out of six horses in the stable.

David Hawkins, a farmer living near Lebanon, was arrested Saturday and lodged in jail, charged with poisoning his wife, who died very suddenly two days before.  

Willie Lamb, aged 15 years, killed himself with a pistol near Pierce City last Monday. He and two other boys were out hunting when he playfully pointed the muzzle of the weapon, which he thought unloaded, against his head and pulled the trigger, when it fired, killing him instantly.

Died at his home 4 miles north of the city last Tuesday, Mr. John Lawson Fulbright. Deceased was one of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of the county.

Died in this city Wednesday night, Mr. J.H. Miller.  His remains were forwarded to New York for interment.

Died at the family residence on West Walnut street in this city, Wednesday evening, Mrs. Elmira McPherson, wife of Dr. A.W. McPherson, aged 63 years. Deceased had been a patient sufferer from paralysis for a number of years. She leaves a large circle of friends who extend their kindliest sympathies to the bereaved family.

Wm. Carr, the brakeman who got his legs fearfully mangled while coupling cars at Ash Grove one day last week, had one leg amputated last Saturday and died from the effects of his injuries on the same evening. The unfortunate man was 37 years old and leaves a wife and three children in Kansas.

November 24

Jack Inmon and Bill Wilson, who not long ago brutally murdered Daniel Stevenson in Christian co., were taken in near Ozark last Monday night by Deputy sheriff Woody and posse and lodged in jail. It appears that the two murderers had been hiding in that vicinity since the night of the murder, and on last Monday evening Jacob Stevenson and Arthur Slay, the former a brother and the latter a brother-in-law of the murdered man, went to Inmon’s house and found him secreted under the kitchen floor. They will have a preliminary examination before Esq. Nokes at Ozark next Monday.

Two young men named Gash and Parker, of Cedar county returning from a ball in a wagon, some days since, were overturned and one of them killed. The wagon struck a stump and overturned, throwing young Gash forward into a gully and one of the horses fell on him. Parker had to go three miles for help and when he returned with relief Gash was almost speechless and died in a few minutes.

December 1

From Joplin: this morning James Towers, chief engineer of the south Carterville Mining Company, was instantly killed in a shaft in the Carterville mines. He was climbing out of a shaft when a portion of the pump was being hoisted up. The gudgeon of the windlass gave way, letting down the windlass, which struck Towers on the head. He expired almost immediately.  

From Ozark: Mr. B. Baxter’s wife died very suddenly last night. She had done her usual work around the house and sat down by the fireplace, when without any warning she fell from her chair and expired.  

From Simsbury, Conn.: Mrs. Eno, daughter of the Hon. Elisha Phelps, late of Simsbury, who during several terms, was a member of congress from Connecticut and for man year prominent in the affairs of the state and nation. The funeral was held November 18th at her late summer residence. Long and flowery article. Among those present from abroad were the Hon. John S. Phelps, brother of the deceased, the Hon. John Allen of Saybrook, her brother-in-law, late state senator; the Hon. William Hamersley of Hartford, state attorney, who recently married her niece, Miss Allen and the Hon. William Walter Phelps, late minister to Austria.  

Tuesday afternoon as the west bound freight train on the Frisco line was switching at Neosho a brakeman named E. McMillen was run over and instantly killed, the engine severing his head from the body. Deceased about 30 years of age and leaves a wife and child at North Springfield, who have the sympathy of that community.  

Judge P.H. Edwards, an old settlers of Greene county died last Friday at Neosho. He had been for several years past Probate Judge of Newton county, to which position he was re-elected at the recent election.

December 8, 1882

At Moberly, Mo., last Monday, three desperadoes named Nicholas, John and Richard Cook were taken in by City Marshal Lynch and the citizens, after a considerable fight in which Rich Cook and Nick Cook were mortally wounded. John Cook, the third brother, was also seriously hurt, having received three gunshot wounds. These desperadoes were run out of Topeka, Kansas, first of last week. Their home was Mt. Sterling, Ill. Democratic Missouri is not a health retreat for the law-breakers of any state, eh?

Mr. W.H.B. Trantham’s little son, Irwin, died of diphtheria on the 4th inst. the little fellow’s remains were interred in Maple Park Cemetery.

In the circuit court last Tuesday the case of the State vs. G.W. Jones, charged with killing Wes Williams was nollied; Wednesday Payton Parrish, who was arrested on the charge of stabbing Mike Ahern, which resulted in his death, was discharged, the grand jury finding no indictment. The case of J.L. Smith, charged with B.F. Ezell was continued.  

The citizens of Willow Springs and vicinity were thrown into a high state of excitement on the night of the 24th inst., by the announcement that Miss Sarah Young, daughter of William Young, a respectable farmer, living about a mile from the Springs, had suddenly died of poison, administered by her own hand.  
            Miss Young, who was about 16 years of age, and the youngest of the family, was her father’s housekeeper, her mother being dead. On Friday afternoon she visited the school taught at Willow Springs by Monroe Lovan, and after school dismissed, Mr. Lovan accompanied Miss Sarah, a part way home. Mr. Young , learning of the circumstance, and for reasons best know by himself, severely scolded his daughter of allowing Lovan to keep company with her.  
    Miss Sarah took deeply to heart the chiding of her father. At supper it was noticed that she ate but a few bites. After the mal was ended, Sarah went into another room, where her father had gone, and complained of “feeling bad all over, as if she was going to die.” Soon the poor girl went into convulsions and died within thirty minutes. Dr. Posey was summoned, but arrived too late to be of service.
    The ladies from the neighborhood flocked in, to render whatever assistance was necessary, and while preparing the remains for burial, they discovered, tightly clenched in the girl’s hand, the following note: “ I got mad because Pa would not let me keep company with Monroe Lovan and took strychnine in coffee to kill me. bury me with my brown dress on.”
            Mr. Young was very much affected ant the rash act and tragical end of his daughter. An inquest was held by Squire Hogan, and a verdict rendered in accordance with the facts above.

December 15

Died in this city last Sunday afternoon, Mr. M.W. Crowdus, aged nearly 80 years. The funeral gook place Monday afternoon from the residence of Mr. Jesse Sadler  on College street.

Mr. J.F.G. Bentley was in from Ash Grove last Saturday, and informed an Express representative of a row with tragical ending at Everton the day before, in which a young man named Harris, while attempting to shoot another man missed his mark, the bullet hitting his own father, Dr. Harris, passing through the heart and killing him instantly.

Mr. W.L. Barke of Everton, Dade county, was in the city Tuesday. He reported that the coroner’s jury found that there was reason to believe that Daniel O’Neal, a section boss, was the man who shot and killed Dr. Harris one day last week, and not the Doctor’s son as at first reported. O’Neal has left that locality since the inquest.

From Bolivar Herald: Three important criminal cases are to be tried at the next term of court. They are the trials of Lawson Elliott for murder, Nathan White for felonious assault and Charles Maddox for rape.  

From Neosho Times: Mr. Woollard of McDonald county brings us particulars of a fatal accident to Nelson Rawley.  Last Monday Rawley was hauling logs for McElhany & Co’s saw mill on South Elkhorn, when one of the logs rolled off the wagon, falling upon him and killing him instantly. Parson Smith, passing along the road, first discovered the dead man, lying with the lines still grasped in his hands. When found, he had been dead for several hours. Rawley was an industrious and popular young man and leaves a wife and two children.

December 24, 1882

Ata dance near Cassville on the night of the 13th inst. James Roberts shot and mortally wounded Thomas H. Brattin. The tragedy was the result of a petty Quarrel. Roberts was arrested and lodged in jail at Cassville.

December 29, 1882

From the Ozark Republican: On Tuesday night of last week a child of Isaih Hammond residing on Guffy in this county was accidentally smothered to death by the mother while asleep.

Died at her home in this city last Saturday, Mrs. Sarah C. Turner, widow of the last City Marshal N.B. Turner.

Died last Monday, Mr. Jas. Rose, aged about 40 years. His remains were buried on the following day at the family grave-yard, at his father’s place 3˝ miles southwest of the city.