Springfield Express

Springfield, Missouri

January 5, 1883

Mrs. Dr. E. Hovsy died at 11:15 a.m. today.

Henry Herndon, the mulatto barber who was shot by Officer Jas. A. Dameron in Kinney’s saloon, on Tuesday of last week, died form the effects of his wound a few minutes after noon last Saturday. The inquest was held by Coroner Z. Van Hoose, the jury returning a verdict to the effect that “deceased died from wounds made by a pistol shot fired by Jas. A Dameron.  

January 12

Died at his home in Elk Hill, Saline county, January 8th, Judge William Barclay Napton, formerly of the Supreme Court of Missouri, in the 75th year of his age. He was born at Princeton, New Jersey in 1808.

Lebanon, January 6: This morning news was received here of the finding of the dead body of Thos. A. Parlow, who was recently lost from a party of others while out hunting. It appeared that in mounting his horse the hammer of his gun caught and caused the gun to be discharged, the ball taking effect under his chin, and ranging upward, killing him instantly. He leaves a wife and three children.

Lamar Progress: On last Saturday, Sarah Edwards, aged 14, daughter of Robert Edwards, was engaged in burning brush near the house west of the Gulf depot, when her clothing caught fire and she received such burns as to cause her death the following day. Her little sister, Nancy Edwards, seeing her sister on fire, made every effort to put out the flames, but only succeeded in getting seriously burned herself, to such an extant that amputation of one of her arms in contemplated.

One Dr. Beeler, who killed Swede named Chas. Farceburg by striking him on the head with a heavy iron drill, at Sparta, Christian county, a week ago last Sunday, was arrested at Ponce de Leon and taken to Ozark, where after a preliminary examination before a Justice of the Peace, he was last Monday lodged in jail to await trial.  

One of the twin babes not long since born to Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Masters of this city, was found dead in the bed Wednesday morning. Its death was caused by paralysis.  

Died yesterday evening at Granby, Robert I., youngest son of Wm. Massey, Sr.  

January 19, 1883

Two fatal accidents are chronicled by the Osceola Sun: James Slayback, near Schell City, tried to shot off an old gun, but couldn’t. He put the thing across his arm and went into the house. Just as he entered the door, with the muzzle pointing toward his wife, spontaneous combustion took place, and Mrs. Slayback’s back was riddled with shot. She will die.

            Another fool boy is in mourning, and another mound is added to the long list of victims of criminal carelessness. Ed Applegate, aged 19, residing near Schell City, was turning the cylinder of a Smith &Wesson pistol while H.C. Hyatt, another young man was standing before him. Of course, the thing went off—it always does— and a bullet was sent crashing through Hyatt’s brain.

January 26

Died at 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon, Mr. C.F Chamberlin, aged 54 years. Deceased was a native of Massachusetts, and during his residence in this city the past few years had made many  friends who deeply regret his loss and sympathize with his bereaved wife. The cause of his death was blood-poisoning, which resulted from the removal of a tumor. His remains will be interred in Maple Park Cemetery today.

Judge J.N. Hosea and wife mourn the loss of their little son. His remains were buried near Brookline last Sunday.  

Died at 9 o’clock last Sunday evening, Joseph George, infant son of Mr. J.G. Willeke, aged 11m, 17d. The funeral took place from the family residence Monday afternoon, and the little fellow now sleeps beside his mother in the Catholic Cemetery, west of the city. His relatives, friends and acquaintances deplore his second sad bereavement within the past twelve months.

Died in this city last Friday, Mrs. Mary E. Bryan, aged 80 years. The funeral took place from St. Paul’s M.E. Church, South. Deceased was the mother of the wives of Hon. J.M. Doling, Dr. F.E. Ross and Mr. W.J. Cravens. She also leaves three sons, Messrs. Doc, Geo. and S.W. Bryan. 

The Carthage Patriot is speaking of the death of Mr. Eber C. Budlong, aged 82 years, which occurred in that city on the evening of the 12th inst. “His son Eber preceded him to the grave by a year or more, but his eldest son, D.H. still survives. Mr. Budlong was an old Jacksonian Democrat, and held the faith to the last. He was strictly and scrupulously honest and upright in all his dealing.

February 2, 1883

Died at Marshfield at 2 o’clock last Saturday morning, Mr. L.H. Cunningham, for many years the clerk of the Webster county circuit court, a position he still held up to the time of his death.

The remains of Mr. John Gibbons, a railroad contractor, arrived here on Monday evening’s train on the Kansas City, Springfield and Memphis road from West Plains, and were forwarded for interment to Lebanon, near which place his parents reside. On last Friday evening, Mr. Gibbons was riding to his boarding place, from his work on the railroad grade in Oregon county, 131 east of here, when an unknown assassin fired upon him the brush killing him instantly. The murdered mounted his victim’s horse and fled. The affair is shrouded in mystery. It is possible that one of the three villains who robbed Mr. Anderson near West Plains, two evenings before, nay have committed the crime in order to get the rider’s horse.

Last Sunday evening two tramps giving their names as Andy Walker and William Smith claiming to be on their way from Dardanelle, Arkansas to Alton, Ill. were given permission to stop for the night of an old gentleman named Holloway, who lives some 15 or 16 miles east of here in the edge of Webster county. They asked to stay at the house of Mr. Holloway’s daughter-in-law, who lived about 100 yards away, but were refused. Mr. Galloway [sic] daughter was stopping with her sister-in-law that night. After supper, Wm. Smith took a walk and in a few minutes women’s screams were heard emanating from Mr. Holloway’s daughter in law’s home. John Holloway, the old man’s son, age 18, at once took a pistol and was followed by his father and the tramp, Walker. Arriving there, they found Smith pushing against the door trying to force his way into the house, while the two women were screaming at the top of their voices. A struggle ensued and a pistol shot was fired, when Smith fell dead. It is supposed that the shot was fired by young Holloway.
            The deceased stopped one night at Mr. Holloway’s last harvest time and on the following day was tendered some work, at which he made a very sorry hand, causing the boys to make sport of him, on account of which he is presumed by some that he may have sought revenge by his last act which cost him his life.

From the Neosho Times, January 25: Yesterday afternoon a man named Shipman obtained a search warrant from a Granby justice of the peace to search the house of a Mr. Tiffey. George Perry, a green, young boy, was deputized to serve the warrant. On their way, Shipman got his shot gun and borrowed one for the boy. Shipman claimed that a quilt had been stolen from him by the Tiffeys, who are said to be good, honest people. Shipman’s wife is in the lunatic asylum and he had Mrs. Tiffey care for his children while he visited in Lawrence county. This is when Shipman claims the quilt was stolen. An illegitimate intimacy had spring up between Shipman and Mrs. Tiffey’s sister, who had recently married a man named Young. Mr. Tiffey had forbidden Shipman to visit his house by reason of his family trouble, and is though that Shipman made the charge of theft and procured a search warrant in order to see Mrs. Young, who with her husband was to leave today for Texas. When young Perry was trying to read the warrant, Shipman said, “I told you not to come back to my place again.” Just then Mr. Young and his wife, who had been out squirrel hunting, came up, Mrs. Young carrying the gun, some distance behind her husband, who was unarmed. Shipman deliberately shot him [Tiffey] in the throat and breast, and he fell dead. Young started to run in the house, when Perry shot him in the back and his dead body fell in the door. Perry returned to Granby and made his official return by remaking to the justice, “Well, we killed ‘em both.” Shipman escaped. Preliminary examination of Perry will be held tomorrow.
    Reward of $325 offered for Shipman, who killed Tiffee near Granby last week. Gov. Crittenden offers $150. Mrs. Tiffee $100 and the county court $75. Geo. Perry, the murderer of Young, is in jail at Neosho.

February 9, 1883

From West Plains Gazette: A.J. McGinnis, the wife murderer, sent for Rev. B.E.H. Warren last Saturday and asked him to act as his spiritual adviser in the event that he has to hang on 16th inst. [His sentence was commuted to 15 years to Gov. Crittenden.]

Last Saturday evening, 100 miles east of here, two miles this side of Dixon a disastrous train wreck occurred. John Burns, a brakeman on No. 11, who lived at North Springfield, was killed outright by the collision.

Died at her home in this city last Friday morning, Mrs. Sophia W. Kent, aged about 66 years. Her remains were taken back to her former home in New York for interment.

Wm. Massey, Sr. returned to Granby last Sunday morning. While here on the preceding Thursday, he had the remains of his little boy, Robert I., disinterred at Maple Park Cemetery for the purpose of having him photographed, but was prevented on account of decomposition having progressed so far to destroy the features. The remains had been in the grave about two weeks.  

February 16

Mrs. Sherwood, mother of Chief-Justice Sherwood of the State Supreme Court, died at her residence in St. Louis last Wednesday aged 76 years.

The freshet last Tuesday washed out several human skeletons near Benton avenue on the banks of the Jordan. The place was used for a grave-yard during the war, and it was supposed that all the remains had been removed.

Samuel F. Drury, founder of Drury College, died at his home in Olivet, Michigan, on Monday night of this week at the age of nearly seventy. His visit to Springfield last winter and spring will be remembered by many of our citizens. At that time he took cold and the pneumonia resulted, from the effects of he never recovered. Mrs. Drury survives, his only child Albert dying at the age of twenty-two many years ago. Mr. Drury was very warmly attached to Springfield, and had his pecuniary concerns allowed it, he probably would have made this city his home.  

It is our sad duty to chronicle the death of Mr. Thomas J. Greene, a highly esteemed stone-mason of this city. He died of pneumonia at his home in the 4th war a few minutes before noon last Tuesday, aged 38 years. His remains were interred in Maple Park Cemetery. He leaves a wife and two children.

At Lamar last Friday afternoon Mr. M.M. Smith, who lived about 3 miles from that place, was shot and instantly killed by his son-in-law Joe Doran. Doran married Smith’s daughter about 5 years ago and their union has been anything but a happy one. He was so cruel and brutal and he fed the flames of his wickedness with whisky until his wife found it impossible to live with him, so taking her little son, she fled to her father’s house for protection about 6 months ago. Preliminary steps for divorce had been taken. While in town with the child, Smith encountered Doran who demanded his child. The old gentleman peremptorily refused to give up the little one. Without another word Doran shot the old man dead. Doran was immediately arrested and lodged in jail. Mr. Smith leaves a large family, including the wife and two children of the murderer, who were dependent upon him for support.

A cooper named C.H. Hubbard was frozen to death in St. Clair county a few days since. The deceased was about 40 years of age and unmarried, and had no known living relatives. On his person was found $44.15 in gold and silver, a bunch of keys, knife, pipe and tobacco, etc.  

From Barry county Beacon: Little Ella, a four-year-old daughter of Andy Snider, living in Thomas hollow two or three miles SW of Exeter, was accidentally shot Thursday morning last. Her father’s cousin William Snider was fooling with a 22 caliber pistol and supposed the gun was not loaded. It went off cruelly whizzing through little Ella’s ear, entering the neck just in front of the mastoid process, and through the windpipe. Dr. J.J. Overton did what he could for the litter sufferer, but the angels bore her away.

February 23, 1883

On Wednesday night of last week, Joe Parks, a colored man who lived some three miles southwest of Cave Spring, was called from his home by a white man who said he wanted Parks to pilot him across Clear Creek. The two were accompanied by Parks’ step-son. Two other men presented themselves and ordered Parks to take off his hat, and immediately began shooting at him. Parks then broke and ran, and was not seen until the next day, when his dead body was found some 300 years from where the shooting was done. His step-son ran home unhurt. He did not recognize either of the three men and their identity is yet unknown. It is said that Parks was a peaceable industrious man and was not known to have had an enemy in the neighborhood, which gives an air of mystery to his assassination.

One of the most shocking tragedies that was ever enacted in this vicinity took place in a one-story residence on East Elm street, in the southeast part of the city last Monday morning. It was there that Mr. Frank Schonder, a cigar maker and his wife and 3 months old babe lived to all appearances cheerful and happy. On the morning named, Mr. Schonder went to work, but returned a few minutes before nine and on his way he heard two reports that sounded like the falling of lumber and found all the doors to the house and windows locked, but one. He raised this and accompanied by Mr. Julius Fischer entered the front room. When the bedroom door was forced open, there on the floor lay his young wife in the agonies of death, and on the bed lay their baby girl moaning and dying.
    It appears that Mrs. Schonder took a large French navy revolver, 44 caliber and sent a bullet crashing through the top on the infant’s head and then going before the looking glass deliberately placed he muzzle of the weapon to her right temple and fired. No cause has been assigned for the terrible deed.
     Three people testified before the coroner’s jury Mr. Julius Fischer who hear the gun shots and Mr. Schonder say, “My God, my has killed herself. Mrs. Mollie Fischer said that she was slightly acquainted with the deceased and that her father came over and told her that Mrs. Schonder and killed herself and the babe. Mr. Schonder told of the morning before he left for work.
       The funeral was largely attended and Mrs. Schonder and her babe were buried together in one grave at Maple Park Cemetery. Mrs. Schonder’s maiden name was Tillie Reitzel. She formerly lived for a long time with Mrs. Kerber and was married two years ago to her husband, who came here from Bell[e]ville, Illinois, not long before that time.

Thos. Casey, better known as Corporal Casey, in attempting to cross the White River one day last week near Hensley’s ferry, was drowned. He started across with two other men in a small boat in an intoxicated condition and came in collision with floating ice which upset the boat. The two men in company with him swam out.  

From Houston Herald: A terrible accident occurred on Jack’s Fork Thursday night, by which Texas county loses another good, honest citizen. Mr. Green Harlow, proprietor of Harlow’s mill took his gun last Thursday evening and started to some traps he had set in the neighborhood. The next morning he was found lying at the foot of a bluff dead. It is supposed that he fell, and being unable to rise, froze to death.

March 2, 1883

A Cold Blooded Murder was perpetrated Wednesday night in Kirby’s College street saloon, the victim being John P. Conroy, who was shot to death by John C. Griffin, better known as Jack Griffin, who for a long time past has been noted for his general cussedness and worthlessness to the community.  
       Coroner’s inquest was held “yesterday” at which Dr. Clements testified that he found Griffin in a pool of blood with a bullet holes in right temple and on the right side of the neck. He died about one hour and 15 minutes from the time he was shot.
            Tom H. Peacher sated he was tending bar and he knew the deceased. He, Dolph Hoover, Amos Reed and Lewis Jones were at the bar. While I was waiting on them Jack Griffith walked in. Head Johnny call Jack Griffin a “dirty s-n-of a b---”. Then heard the pistol fire two shots. Lewis E. Jones testified he lived in Springfield and we ran into Conroy looking for the Marshal. When we got there we met Hoover and Reed. Griffin came in and there were three between us—Hopper, Reed and Conroy. Long testimony.
            L.E. Hooper said he met Reed and they went to Kirby’s saloon. While they were there Jones and Conroy came in. We invited them to have a drink and they accepted. He heard no threats; hear neither Griffin or Conroy mention the other.
            Amos Reed stated he lived on St. Louis street and was present a the shooting. Mr. Conroy was entertaining the men in a pleasant way. We all stepped up to take a drink. The man who did the shooting was at the end of the bar, but refused a drink. Words were exchanged and Griffin drew a pistol and very quickly fired.
            George Lair (colored) stated he lived in the city and saw Griffin the night before on Boonville street. He came out of Kanning’s saloon about 4 o’clock and said he had been run over long enough. He was going to kill some of those G—d—s—of – b—if they didn’t leave him alone. He acted as though he was drunk but he didn’t stagger. Dick Jones was with me.
            Young Conroy was 25 years old, a marble cutter by trade and had served on the police force of the city, also deputy sheriff, in which capacities he was regarded a an efficient officer. His mother and step-father, Mr. and Mrs. Burns, live a short distance east of the cotton mills, from the funeral will take place.
    Griffin, the murderer, is still at large.

Mrs. Judith O. Mallory, a lady ninety-two years of age, and a resident of Warsaw, died recently. Mrs. Mallory was 8 years old at the death of George Washington. Her husband was a solder in the War of 1812, and she received a pension up the time of death. She was a member of the Christian church, and died in hopes of a bright future. She had selected the text and hymns for her funeral sermon.  

On Monday afternoon of last week John F. Barrett, who lived 10 miles south of Marshfield, was found dead in the road a little more than one mile south of that place. It is supposed that his death was caused by an epileptic fit.  

March 9

Mrs. Lucinda Gray, aged 79 years, died last Sunday evening at the residence of Mrs. Caynor. Her funeral took place the following day.

Died at the family residence west of Bois D’Arc, March 1st, Mrs. Delilah E. Frame, wife of J.W. Frame, aged 28 years and 8 months. The funeral took place the following day and the remains were interred in the grave-yard at John’s Chapel. Mrs. Frame was a lady of the most estimable character and was loved and esteemed by all who knew her. She leaves a devoted husband and three little children, one boy and two girls.

March 16, 1883

The Cassville Democrat states that Wm. Varner who lived near Washburn, is supposed to have been bitten by a mad don on Friday of last week. A mad stone was applied to the wound, but failed to stick. Mr. Varner’s friends are fearful that it will be fatal.

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. B.B. Langston died of pneumonia last Tuesday forenoon.

David Mathis, who escaped jail at this place in 1879 was recently arrested in Boone county, Ark., and taken to Forsyth and jailed. He is charged with killing his brother in Taney county. It appears there were three brothers in a family row, when one of them killed another, whereupon David shot and killed him.

March 23

In the Barry county circuit court last Friday, Mrs. Francis Campbell, charged with the murder of Mrs. Rouark was found guilty by the jury and sentenced to two years in the penitentiary.

Geo. A. Bollinger, a Bates county farmer was murdered near Butler one night not long since. The deed was committed by Dos McGinnis and Bill Lauder, who were arrested and lodged in jail.  

A man named Guard M. Wilson suicided some days ago near Seven Star Springs, Barry county, by hanging himself to a sapling. Mental aberration is supposed to have been the cause. He left a wife and little daughter.

Died at Marshfield, March 15th, Mrs. Morris Cohen, sister of Mrs. Jake Marx of this city. The remains were taken to Louisville, Ky. for burial.  

Died at the family residence on South street last Tuesday morning, Mr. W.J. McDaniel, aged 51 years. Mr. McDaniel has been prominently identified with the material growth and business interests of this city for many years, having removed here from his native state, North Carolina, more than thirty years ago, since which time he has accumulated property estimated in value at $100,000. Deceased leaves a wife and four children living, a daughter and three sons. The remains were interred in Maple Park Cemetery.

March 30, 1883

Another murder at Butler, Bates county. On the night of the 20th inst., Officer A.J. Aleshire was shot and mortally wounded by Sumner C. Holcomb, a young attorney of dissolute habits, who now languishes in jail at that place. Aleshire, who was  highly esteemed citizen an official, died the following day.

April 6

Mr. Wm. T. Ward died last Friday night at his late residence, six miles south of the city, and was buried in the family graveyard on the following Sunday. Deceased was born in Taswell county, Va., Jan. 10th 1814, and moved to this section in the year 1837, since which time he has resided on his old homestead up to the time of his death. He leaves seven children living, all grown up and married, and twenty grand children, nineteen of whom together with his own children were present at the funeral.  

Mr. J.M. Frazier, one of the editors of the Hartville Public Opinion died on the 24th ult., after an illness of several months.

April 13

From the Hartville, Wright county paper we gleam [sic] the following: a little boy and girl of Tom Franklin, colored, who resides southeast of this town, were out cutting stalks; by some misfortune the hoe in the hands of the little girl slipped, striking the six-year-old boy in the head, from the effects of which he died.  

John P. Staley, foreman in the carpenter shop of the Frisco company at North Springfield deliberately suicided by taking a dose of poison and cutting his throat. It appears that Staley had packed his trunk preparatory to starting on the evening train for Louisville, Ky., to see his wife who is lying ill at that place. What caused him to change his mind is not known, but it is supposed that he suddenly gave way to a fit of melancholy, to which he has been subject and sought relief in death. He lived only a few minutes after severing his windpipe. He left two suicide notes which were quoted in the paper. He mentioned that he wanted his wife to pay “my” brother Frank D. Staley $280, “my” brother P.R. Staley $150. “I am forever lost. Good bye, good bye! O dear beloved wife! Good bye, good bye! I love you, I loved you.”  

Few sadder affairs ever occurred in this county that the tragic death of Mr. Samuel W. Bryan at his farm 10 miles north of here last Saturday. Mr. Bryan went from his present residence in this city out to his farm a few days before and was stopping with his tenant, Wm. Richardson. About 8 o’clock on the ill-fated morning he took a small breach-loading rifle and accompanied by his 16-year-old son, Bunion Bryan, went over to the house of Mr. M.A. Fawcet, a half mile away. He transacted some business with Mr. Fawcet, and then started back, leaving his son behind. In a few moments the report of a gun was heard, and going immediately to the fence and looking over into Mr. Bryan’s bluegrass pasture, Mr. Fawcet discovered him lying on the ground about 40 yards away, insensible and dying. He had placed the gun in position and sent a bullet crashing in at the right temple and through the anterior lobes of the brain.
            The cause that prompted Mr. Bryan to take his own life was undoubtedly mental aberration brought on by a physical ailment of the head, which had much impaired his hearing. On his person was a memorandum book on a leaf of which had been freshly penciled the following: “Dr. Brothers and Sisters, forgive me — do the best you can for my family I can stand this sickness no longer.” S.W. Bryan.
            The deceased was about 54 years of age and a native of Kentucky. He came to this county from Gallatin, Mo. in the autumn of 1866, and located on his farm near Ebenezer, where he lived until last fall when he removed his family to this city in order to enjoy better facilities for the education of his children. Besides his wife and chidden, he leaves numerous other relatives to mourn his loss, among whom are the wives of Hon. J.M. Doling, Dr. F.E. Ross and W.J. Cravens and two brothers, Messrs. Geo. T. Bryan, and Doc Bryan, all residents of this city. He was interred in Maple Park Cemetery.  

By the discharge of a blast Mike Terrell was killed outright last Friday on the grade of the Memphis extension, in the vicinity of Augusta, Oregon county. The unfortunate man’s remains were brought to this city Saturday evening and forwarded to St. Louis for burial.  

April 20, 1883

Dr. Tefft was called to Seymour last Monday to see Mr. Kelley, who was thrown from his horse, by the unfortunate man was unconscious and remained in that condition until he died about 1 o’clock the following morning. Died near Seymour, Webster county, last Saturday, Mr. H.P. Kelley, ex sheriff and late collector of Douglas county, was accidentally thrown from his horse, sustaining injuries from which he died early Tuesday morning. His father came on from his home in Kentucky, but arrived in Seymour too late to see his son alive. Deceased was 28 years of age and one of the most popular men in Douglas county, having taken a prominent part in suppressing the lawlessness that existed for so many year past in that county under the reign of the notorious Alsups. His loss will be seriously felt.

Mr. A.M. Carter, justice of the peace and postmaster at Yeakley, in the west part of the county, died at his home last Monday night. Deceased was a brother-in-law of Mr. Thomas Yeakley. He leaves a wife and two children.  

In the Christian county circuit court at Ozark this week the cases of Jack Inman and Bill Wilson, charged with the murder of Daniel Stevenson last fall were continued on affidavits of the defendants. The trial of Dr. W.R. Beeler, for killing Chas. Farceburg at Sparta, is now in progress.  

From the Cassville Democrat: David O. George died last Tuesday at 2 o’clock A.M. of some nephritic disease, that had been preying upon him for several years. He was about 73 years old, and was among the earliest settlers of this county. Forty-five or fifty years ago he was a prosperous young merchant of Springfield, Mo., and where he made quite a competency and then settled on one of the best farms in Barry county, five miles southwest of Cassville, where he died on 19th day of April 183. He was a man of decided character, and as a mater of course has had strong friends and bitter enemies; but this impartial critic will be compelled to admit that he was man of truth and honor, who was a friendly to the honest and good, but detested the ignoble and bad....He was a model husband and kind father. He was buried at the Washburn Prairie Church last Wednesday.

May 4

A sad case of suicide is reported in Dallas county. One week ago last Saturday night say the Buffalo Register between twelve and one o’clock, Mrs. Sarah Stever, consort of Thomas Stever, who resides ten miles south of Buffalo on Hon. N.J. Wollard’s farm, arose from her bed, deliberately dressed herself in her usual daily attire, passed out of the house down to the Niangua river, and drowned herself in twenty inches of water.
        Mrs. Stever has been in delicate health ever since the birth of her last babe, some seven months since, and brooding over the insanity of her mother, seemed to expect and anticipate a like fate for herself. A short time ago she dreamed that she had gone crazy, was a burden to her friends an in a most unhappy state.
      On the night of the suicide she retired as usual, but about midnight arose, being noticed her father from an opposite bed but who didn't think anything was wrong. Her father dozed off, when he and Mr. Stever were awakened by the cry of the infant. A search was made and Mrs. Stever found.

May 11

Mr. James Hayes died last Sunday at his home some miles south of Billings in Christian county. His death was caused by an explosion of giant powder on the preceding day. It appears that Mr. Hayes was using the powder while fishing, when a slight jar accidentally caused it to explode. His arm was shattered and his face mangled beyond recognition. The unfortunate man was about 46 years old, and leaves a family to mourn his untimely death.

May 18, 1883

The murderers of Jas. Tiffee and Stephen Young, C.C. Shipman and Geo. Perry pleaded guilty to murder in the 2nd degree in Newton county circuit court last Tuesday, when the former was sentenced to 99 years in the pen., and the latter 25 years.  

On Thursday evening of last week about 5 miles west of Hartville in Wright county, Wm. Newton stabbed Joseph Shumate with a knife, inflicting wounds that were supposed to be fatal. Both men had been drinking. Newton is said to be one of the most prominent men in Wright county.

The murderer of City Marshal J.D. McElrath of Greenfield, Taylor Underwood, who is serving out a life sentence in the penitentiary at Jefferson City, is reported as being in very feeble health. He did not deserve to be sent there to get sick.  

May 18

The dread cyclone visited Oronogo, Jasper county last Sunday night, killing two persons, Mr. Geo. W. Goodwin and step-daughter, Miss Sarah B. Dowden and wounding 25 or 30 others, besides destroying a vast amount of property.  

May 25

From the Stockton Journal: Late Monday evening Mr. and Mrs. Logan Ward, living 2 or 3 miles northeast of town, came to Stockton to do some trading and while here the river rose several feet causing the stream to be past fording. They left for home about 4 or 5 o’clock, with Mrs. Ward driving and Mr. Ward lying down in the bottom of the wagon bed wrapped up with quilts, he having been feeling well, and when they reached the river at Kennedy’s ford it is supposed the woman drove in, not knowing that the stream was up. Mr. Hopkins followed close behind on his way home and when he reached the river found to his astonishment that the parties were drowned as the team and the running-gears of the wagon was standing on the opposite side of the river fasted to the underbrush and the wagon box was floating down the stream with the lady’s hat in it. He rouse the neighbors, but nothing further has developed. Mr. Ward moved to this county from Illinois about a year ago and has won the confidence and esteem of a number of citizens. He had deposited in the Stockton Exchange Bank $50 and we understand had about $100 in his pockets when he left town Monday evening. The leave one child, five year old to mourn their untimely death.  

June 1, 1883

The trial of Henry Tatum occupied Monday and Tuesday in circuit court. Late in the evening the case was given to the jury, who were out about half an hour and returned with a verdict of not guilty.  
            Tatum was arrested and indicted by the grand jury, for the killing of a negro desperado named John Alexander, otherwise known as “Texas John,” at this place a little more than a year ago, since which time he was confined in the county jail until last Tuesday evening when he again walked forth a free man. His wife and two little children were by his side in court throughout the trial.

Mrs. A.G. Mount died very suddenly of heart disease at the family home in Centre township last Monday afternoon. She was standing talking to Mr. Frank Norman, when without a moment’s warning she fell to the floor and expired without a struggle. The bereaved husband has the sympathy of a large circle of friends.  

June 8

Captain James Anderson, who once owned the entire site of Milwaukee, died in that city the other day in a poor-house.

The trial of Joseph L. Smith for killing B.F. Ezell at Fair Grove April 21, 1881, began Wednesday morning. George Murrell testified that he knew Frank Ezell for 25 years before his death. Did not see shooting. Am 70 years old and have used glasses at night for 25 years; am 5 feet 9 inches high. Have known smith for 25  years. Ezell got out of my sight before reaching the store. Have been a Justice of the Peace for 25 years. Gave details of what he heard.
            W.K. Dyer resided in Rogers, Ark., knew both parties. Gave his detailed testimony as to the shooting. Mentioned Peter Goodwin was being present.
            William F. Long, Jesse Pipkin, Dr. E.T. Robberson, J.A. Long, Mrs. R.C. Long, Robert Blair, Sadwa Cavin of Douglas county, Missouri, R.L. Innes, a 57-year-old civil engineer, Dr. Wm. Bissett, Wm. Blair, Henry Potter and Robert Ranney also testified.

June 15, 1883

Nearly two months ago two young men giving their names as Wm. Magill and Milan Dunlap, the former 20 and the latter 22 years of age, both natives of Tennessee, sought employment on the farm of Mr. Jacob W. Garton, 5 miles south of this city. On the 25th of last month, Mr. Garton sent them with two wagons and teams to the James River, about 3 miles south of his place to get sand. About noon Magill returned alone, with the two teams and one wagon. He stated to Mr. Garton that Dunlap had concluded to quit work and gone to his friends in Arkansas.
            Last Monday Bob Miller, a fourteen-year-old youth, was passing along the banks of the James and discovered the dead body of a man, much decomposed. The clothing of the dead man was that of Milan Dunlap. Other circumstances pointed to Wm. Magill as the person responsible for Dunlap’s death. Wm. McConnell was dispatched to Garton’s place where he arrested Magill. At first he denied knowing anything about the murder, but after other testified Magill told the constable, “By G-d! hold on; I killed the G-d d-d man, and I don’t want to hear another G-d d-nb word about it! I’m guilty of the murder. I told him two years ago, when he shot me in Texas, that I’d kill him. Now I have got revenge. All I ask is time to write my father and brother a letter and say to these young men to live a different life that I did.” [More details of argument and killing. Dunlap was killed with an axe] One theory regarding the murder is that it was prompted on account of a jealousy that existed between the two young men, each of whom was ambitious to win the affections of a young lady named Bettie Wallace who worked for Mrs. Garton.  

At Joe Danforth’s saw mill 15 miles southeast of this city last Tuesday morning, a young man named Æneas Ridge was shot to death while in the act of resisting arrest. Ridge, who was about one-quarter blood Cherokee, was charged with assault with felonious intent on two negroes, Wm. Marcum and James Morton at Grand River in Indian Territory on the 109th of last July. Ridge is said to have been well educated, having graduated at the school of Tahlequah, and had been teaching school. He was arrested and placed under bond, but skipped out, and some time since came to this locality where a number of relative are, including a young half-brother Tully Cecil, who lives at Mrs. Danforths, a few miles north of town. He got employment at Joe Danforth’s saw mill, and worked there up to the day he was killed.
            On 30th April the U.S. Commissioner at Kansas City issued a warrant for the arrest of Ridge, subsequently placed in the hands of the City Marshal of Greenfield, J.G. White, Special U.S. Deputy Marshal, who learning of the whereabouts of Ridge came here to arrest him. White, accompanied by G.W. Whiteside, ex-sheriff of Dade county, James Armstrong and a colored man named Taylor Smith went to the neighborhood. They saw ridge sitting on a pile of lumber in the company of Joe Danforth and a Mr. Harrison. White called out, “Ridge we want you; put up your hands.” But instead of obeying, Ridge dodged behind a tree and drawing a heavy 44 caliber revolved, opened fire on the posse, which was returned, one ball grazing Ridge’s chin entering his neck. The body was placed in a wagon and brought to this city. G.W. Whiteside gave testimony at the inquest giving details of the killing.
            Wednesday afternoon Deputy U.S. Marshal W.C. Betts turned the remains of Ridge over to his wife and relatives and he was interred in Belleview cemetery a few miles north of town.
            Young Ridge was 20 years old and was connected with highly respectable people His father was Dr. Æneas Ridge, and his grandfather John Ridge, chief of the Cherokees, who was murdered. He was also a cousin of Col. E.C. Boudinot. His mother now lives near Vinita, I.T. Several of his friends advised him to go back and stand his trial, but why he persisted in refusing and resisted arrest appears a mystery.

We are informed that one Wm. Franks, who killed one Shelton, in the Cherokee Nation several years ago, and who has been evading the United States Marshals for several years was captured.

Monday morning Albert Upshaw, col. charged with murder in the 1st degree entered a plea of guilty to murder in the 2nd degree, and the court sentenced him to 15 years in the Penitentiary. Upshaw was glad to get off so easily. He shot and killed a colored man named Luke Newton, over in the northeast part of town on the night of the 23rd of last September. The Herald of Tuesday states that he killed Newton Rail.  

June 22

From the Galena Times: On last Saturday evening, during a heavy rain and thunder storm, Mr. John Bayse, an old citizen of this county, who was stopping over night at Mr. P.C. Berry’s about 6 miles south of this place was struck by lightning and instantly killed.  

More about the Magill, the Murderer: Mr. Wm. H. Dunlap, the father of Milan L. Dunlap, who was murdered on James River on 25th of May was in the city, Wednesday. He lives near Harrison, Ark., and was accompanied by his son-in-law Robert. Dick of Harrison and Mr. Jacob W. Garton, for whom the two young men were working. The party visited Wm. Magill, the murderer at his cell in the county jail. Magill exhibited the same cold-blooded manner that he did at the coroner’s inquest. He admitted that Dunlap had never shot him while in Texas. Magill also owned up to having a wife at Harrison, at which he place he was married about the 1st of last March. Magill’s parents are living near Harrison, having moved there from Saline county, this state, last October, and are considered respectable people although their son was looked upon as a reckless dissipated character. Dunlap, the murdered man, was born and raised at Harrison.

June 29

Thursday morning the horribly mangled remains of a man were found scattered along the track of the K.C. Ft. S. & G.R.R. about 200 yards this side of the crossing at Junction City. It is supposed he lay down on the tracks the night previous and went to sleep, when a passing train ran over and instantly killed him. From papers on the body we learn his name was Michael Cooney, formerly of Weston, Vt., who had been working on the Memphis extension. Deceased was about forty years of age.

Last Saturday evening, a party composed of Jack Phillips, Frank Odell, Frank Edgar, and others were seining for fish in Wilson Creek, a mile or so south of the old battle-ground, and when in a place where the water is 10 or 12 feet deep, Frank Odell was taken with a cramp, and despite the efforts of his companions he sank in the water and was drowned. The unfortunate man was nearly 32 years old and lived some nine miles southwest of the city. His remains were buried in a grave yard near Brookline. He leaves a wife and two children.

July 6, 1883

At Seligman on the 4th, Mark Hurst shot and killed Bill King. The homicide grew out an old feud.

At Neosho on the 22nd ult. Mr. J.O. Wetherell’s little 5-year-old girl, Grace, accidentally fell to the bottom of a well 25 feet deep, and when brought out 10 minutes later, was a corpse.

From the Vinita Indian Chieftain— The killing of our fellow citizen, A.E. Ridge on the 12th inst. at Joe Danforth’s mills near Springfield, Mo., by G.W. Whiteside and other officers, is greatly regretted in the Cherokee Nation. In consideration of the falsehoods circulated in regards to Ridge’s character by those interested in defending the action of the officers in his unnecessary destruction, it is proper to state, what is generally well known here, that Ridge was not nor has he ever killed anybody as has been charged. He has been known here since childhood—having grown up here, a student of the male seminary, then a teacher in the common schools till the time of his trouble. He is connected by blood with the best people in the country and was married to one of our most pure and promising young ladies, Miss Annie Daniels. His life was quite straight forward and honorable, and until the unhappy event which ended in his tragic death, was without reproach.
            The beginning of the trouble was this. It was a summer vacation and as a teacher Æneas’ time was unemployed with some convivial friends, who had some stimulants, he drank; of high spirit he could not stand the insolence of a negro who cursed him. became furious and as soon as he could get a weapon fired at the man who was then nearly across the river. He missed the object of his anger and wounded another man in the arm. He did wrong and was very sorry, but unhappily, it could not be undone. Except this Ridge stands free of blame. He was a honorable gentleman, a kind and faithful friend and the Cherokees, at least know that stores to the contrary are slanderous. Poor fellow, may you rest in peace.

July 13

Died at Walnut Grove, last Tuesday, Mrs. Martha Edwards, wife of Mr. Wilson Edwards, age 91 years.

The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Presnell was interred in Maple Park Cemetery last Tuesday.  

O.D. Knox, Esq. of Bolivar, was in the city last week. He informed us that the young man, James Stafford, whom Wm. Shipley cut on the body in 12 or 15 places with a knife at a dance in that place on the night of the 4th, was in a critical condition and would possibly die from the effects of his wound. the cutting was the result of a trivial quarrel.

Died at the family residence in this city last Tuesday morning, Isabella J., infant daughter of Joseph and Emma J. Caskey, aged 17 months and 8 days. The remains were interred in Maple Park Cemetery.

August 3, 1883

From the Lebanon Rustic— Last Saturday afternoon, while at work in the harvest field, Mr. John VanStavern, aged 20 years, who resided with his father, 8 miles south of the city, received a sunstroke. He was carried to the house unconscious and lived only a few hours, medical skill proving unavailing.

Perry Hill, an 8-year-old son of Elijah Hill, was recently drowned in the Osage Fork, 12 miles of Lebanon, He and an elder companion were riding in a canoe which ran against a rock in deep water and was upset, with the above sad result.

Died at his home near Cave Spring last Sunday night, Mr. Harvey Hammontree, aged 70 years. His remains were interred on the following day in the Cave Spring cemetery. Deceased was on of the oldest settlers of this county, having moved here from Tennessee in 1845. He leaves four children, one of whom is Mr. C. Hammontree of the Extra.

August 10, 1883

From the Ozark Leader— Mr. Felix Williams, an old bachelor, of about 50 years of age, living in Pearce Township, Stone Co, Mo., twelve miles south of Marionville, was found dead in his house last Friday evening by a little boy and girl who went there on some errand. The coroner’s jury returned verdict that he came to his death from heart disease.

August 17

Special to the Kansas City Times— Springfield Aug. 11 Kindred Rose, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of this county, died at 4 o’clock Thursday evening at his home four miles Southwest of the city and was interred in the family grave yard yesterday evening. The deceased was born in Edgecombe county, North Carolina, in the month of April 1800. He removed from there to near Springfield, Tennessee, and thence came with his family as one of the first pioneers to this section, locating at his late home, where he resided continuously, with the exception of two years he spent in the south during the war, for over half a century. He leaves several children and numerous grandchildren. Mr. Rose had the honor of suggesting the name of this city when it was christened, which he did in deference to his previous home, Springfield, which is the principal town of Robertson county, Tennessee.

Two youths, aged 14 and 16 named Chas. Wisdom and Preston Huriburt, were drowned near Warsaw while bathing in the Osage river last Saturday.

An elderly gentleman named Henry S. Osterhout  died very suddenly at the Lyon House, north Springfield, last Friday. Dr. Van Hoose held an inquest, when it was learned that death was caused by heart disease. C.E. Osterhout, son of the deceased, who lives in Polk county, administered the estate, which is valued at several thousand dollars.

August 31, 1883

At his home in Wright county on the 21st inst., a man named E.B. Griffin was struck by lightening and instantly killed.  

The funeral of the late Dr. Willard C. Otterson, who died of consumption at Grafton, N.M. on the 22d inst. took place last Sunday afternoon from the residence of his father-in-law, Dr. E.T. Robberson. An unusually large funeral procession followed the remains to their last resting place at Maple Park Cemetery. Deceased was a native of Brooklyn, New York, and graduated with the highest honors of his class from medical college at that place when he was only 19 years of age. He removed to North Springfield some four years ago, where he soon acquired a host of friends and built up a large and lucrative practice, but chiefly through exposure and overwork he became of the victim of the dread disease at the early age of 25.

Four red-handed murderers were taken from the county jail here last Monday morning to Ozark for trail in the Christian county circuit court which convened then at that place and is still in session. their names as follows: Jack Griffis, who shot and killed John P. Conroy in Kirby’s College street saloon on the night of the 28th of last February, his case being taken on a change of venue from the Greene circuit court; Bill Wilson and Jack Inmon, who brutally clubbed a man named Daniel Stevenson to death on the night of the 21st of last October in Christian county; and Wm. Magill,  who in cold blood killed his companion, Milan Dunlap, by crushing his head with an ax while getting sand on James river in the same county on 25th of last May.

September 7

Died at his home in Cass township last Sunday morning, Mr. Charles Schumaker, aged about 60 years.

It is with feelings of profound sadness that we announce the death of Prosecuting Attorney Philip T. Simmons. After an illness of typhoid fever of nearly three weeks, he died at his late home in this city a few minutes after 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon. The funeral will take place tomorrow under the auspices of Solomon Masonic Lodge.

September 14

A fatal casualty occurred some 4 miles east of the city last Saturday afternoon, the victim being Mr. James Gubler, one of our most worthy and industrious citizens. Mr. Gubler, it is supposed, was burning a hole with a red hot iron in an empty 20 gallon barrel that had contained spirits, when the accumulated gas inside exploded, blowing out one end of the barrel which struck him on the stomach and chest, inflicting injuries from which he died in about one hour. Deceased was about 40 years old and leaves a wife and no children. His remains were interred Sunday in Hazelwood Cemetery.

Lillian, the little daughter of A.H. Julian, Esq. of Walnut Grove, died on the 2nd ult. of typhoid fever.

September 14, 1883

The funeral of the late Prosecuting Attorney P.T. Simmons took place from the family residence on Main street last Saturday and was attended by one of the largest concourses of people ever before assembled on a similar occasion in this city. The civic orders were Solomon Masonic Lodge and Fidelity Lodge Ancient Order of United Workmen, the deceased being an honored member of both orders and treasurer of the former. The members of the local bar also attended in a body, and the Christian Sunday School scholars of which Mr. Simmons was superintendent at the time of his death.
            The last resting place is Maple Park Cemetery. Resolutions of respect were published describing character and accomplishments.
            Philip T. Simmons was born in Davidson county, Tennessee., Jan. 15, 1848, and afterwards lived in Logan county, Ky., where he was chiefly educated. He enlisted in the 8th Kentucky volunteers and served till mustered out, May 16, 1865. After studying law and being admitted to the bar in Kentucky, he came to this city in 1870, where he was admitted to practice in all courts of record of Missouri. He was married Feb. 11, 1873, to Miss Mary Doling, daughter of Hon. J.M. Doling. At the last elected he was chosen prosecuting attorney of this county, receiving 486 votes majority over his Republican opponent, Hon. S.H. Boyd . Mr. Simmons leaves a wife and five little children, all boys. In his death the city and county loses one of its best and truest citizens and the legal profession one of its brightest and most gifted members.

The trial of the notorious Jack Griffin, for the murder of John P. Conroy in Kirby’s College street saloon on 28th of February last terminated in the Christian county circuit court at Ozark last Saturday afternoon, having consumed just three days. The jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder in the second degree and assessed Griffin’s punishment at fifty years in the penitentiary. The jury is said to have been one of more than ordinary intelligence and the verdict gave general satisfaction to the citizens, though a good many are of the opinion that Griffin should have been hung.

September 21, 1883

Assassination of Dr. A.W. Chenoweth occurred last night. The doctor’s team came running up to his house, but son Charley Chenoweth found it empty. He rode toward Pineville, and when about half way he found his father lying dead in the road. As soon as Charley realized his father was dead, he gave the alarm and in a few minutes almost every person in town was at the place where the assassin had committed his dastardly deed. It was determined Dr. Chenoweth was killed by an eleven buck shot, eight of which passed entirely through to the left to he spinal column, the heart and left lung.
           Dr. Chenoweth was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, October 15th 1835, came to Missouri in 1854; resided in Greene county six years, Newton county one year and McDonald county twenty-five years and in his death is wife lost a fond and loving husband, his children a kind and indulgent father and the community a good citizen and physician. From the Pineville News 13th inst.
            A man named Garland A. Mann, who lived 4 miles from Pineville, was arrested the day after Dr. Chenoweth’s assassination, charged with the murder, and lodged in jail. A gentleman who was here from Neosho last Saturday stated that Mann had his shot gun with him in Pineville and was heard to threaten the life of Dr. Chenoweth a few hours before the murder.

Stella, a little daughter of P.H. Smith, who lives in Washington township, died Tuesday night.

Last Saturday morning Mr. Samuel Wallace  a farmer who lived some eight miles south of the city, was hauling a barrel of water when his team ran away and he was thrown out of the wagon, the wheels passing over his body and inflicting injuries from which he died the same night. His remains were buried Monday morning. Deceased about 35 years old and leaves a wife and children.

The remains of Sherman Hamblen, son of Squire Abner Hamblen, who lives some miles south of town, arrived here Tuesday evening and were interred in Hazelwood Cemetery on the following day. Young Hamblen was a brakeman on the railroad and was knocked off the train by the timbers of a bridge near De Soto last Monday night, which caused instant death. Deceased was 22 years of age and leaves a wife, the daughter of Mr. Stutzman.

September 28, 1883

A family named Arnold was accidentally killed by the cars at Mt. Grove, Wright county, yesterday afternoon. He foolishly attempted to jump on the cars while in motion and was horribly jangled by the wheels.

Hutchinson, Kan., Sept. 24: J.J. Bailey, who killed his father here last May, was sentenced today after a four days hearing to be hanged. Both men were well known in this city, the murdered man having been Superintendent of the cotton mills here for several years prior to his removal to Kansas.

A homicide took place last Saturday evening in Forsyth, Taney county. Sam Hull and Albert G. Layton became involved in a quarrel in J.M. Everett’s saloon. Layton drew his revolver, when Everett interfered and taking hold of Layton forced him into a back room, Layton stumbling and falling on the floor where Everett held him for a few minutes, trying to reason and quiet him. A bystander, thinking it would be all right, told Everett t let Layton up, when he released his hold, but Layton had scarcely risen to his feet before he drew his pistol and fired twice in quick succession at Everett, the first ball passing through his heart, producing death instantly. B.Y. Everett,  brother of the dead man, immediately ran to the door, when Layton also fired a shot at him, the bullet breaking the bone in the right arm. Layton then ran into the street, mounted a fleet horse belonging to Dr. Hensley his brother in law and fled. B.Y. Everett has offered a $500 reward for capture.

Ezekiel Marshall, who lives in a tent in the southwestern suburbs of the city, and for some months has been leaning about town, was kicked by one of his mules and so seriously injured that there is little home for his recover. From the West Plains Gazette.

October 5, 1883

Albert G. Layton, who killed J.M. Everett at Forsyth on the 22d of September, surrendered to his brother-in-law, Dr. Hensley, near Berryville, Ark., on last week, and is in the custody of the sheriff at Forsyth. From subsequent statement, it appears that the killing was done in self-defense.

Died, last Saturday, at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. J.W. Hall,  in this city, Mrs. Mary F. Bennington in the 55th year of her age. The remains of the deceased were taken to her former home at La Rose, Ill., whither they were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Hall.

Wm. Magill, the murderer of Milan Dunlap, was recently taken to Saline county to testify against a horse thief. He’s a much better subject for the hangman than the witness stand.

October 12

Joseph Squibb, a brakeman on the Kansas City, Springfield and Memphis railroad, was run over by the cars at West Plains last Saturday, one leg and an arm horribly mangled, for the effect of which he did a few minutes after noon the following day. The train was making a switch when young Squibb in trying to draw a coupling pin got his foot fastened between a guard rail and mains rail and the cars crashed over him. Deceased was 20 years, 7 months and 6(?) days old. His remains were brought here and interred in Maple Park Cemetery, the funeral from the home of his bereaved mother in the Fourth ward.

William Gilmore, who lives 6½ miles southeast of this city, committed suicide last Saturday evening by hanging himself to the limb of a tree near his residence.

October 19, 1883

On Tuesday morning of last week, James Ore, age 34, who had worked in the wagon factory here for several years past, went to Ozark, where he joined his cousin John A. Dees and the two proceeded on south with a wagon and team to look out a location for a wagon shop. Thursday night they camped at a school house at Walnut Shade, Taney county, and according to Dees statement, Friday he was putting caps on his shot-gun and in letting one hammer down he touched the wrong trigger and discharged one barrel, the contents of which struck Ore in the back, who was only 10 steps away, killing him instantly. An inquest was held and the jury returned a verdict in accordance with the above.
            The body of Ore was brought to this city by Peter Blanchard last Saturday and delivered to his wife at the home of her step-father, Thos. Lang. The remains were interred at Hazelwood Cemetery. Besides his wife, the deceased leaves one child, a little boy.
            Mrs. Ore stated to the Express that her husband went to Wellington, Mo., a short time since and brought Dees and his three children to this city; also that he claimed that Dees owned him $300.
            Dees told the Express reporter that Ore’s real name was Chester Commodore Harden.  He was raised in Worth county, Mo., where his father Richard Harden, died. He has a brother William there now. About nine years ago, Ore, under the name of James Walker, was sentenced in Greene county circuit court to four years in the penitentiary for horse stealing. After Ore, or Walker, got out of the penitentiary he boarded with Dees on the Osage river 6 months and 14 days. This was corroborated in the main by the circuit court records. Dees reported the amounts of money he paid and that Ore paid him during their relationship.

The nursing infant of Mrs. Mary Satawhite of Winfred, Ga,. was taken from her breast by a stroke of lightning and thrown across the room without injury, but the mother dropped dead.

Jacob Walter, of the firm of Walter & Entenmann, beer dealers, died at his home in North Springfield last Tuesday morning. As deceased left a dying statement to the effect that his death was caused by injuries received while at Scott & Good’s saloon on the night of the 4th inst., Coroner Z. Van Hoose was notified and held an inquest and made a post mortem examination. The jury found that Jacob Walter came to his death from inflammation of the brain and from pressure caused by extravasation of blood, from four to six ounces, on the right side of the brain from blows or injuries or wounds on the head at the hands of Fred Winkle and J.F. Atzert. Messrs. Atzert and Winkle were arraigned and gave bond of 4500 to await action of grand jury. At the time Walter is alleged to have been injured it appears that the parties were engaged in a friendly scuffle, so there certainly was no crime intentionally committed.
    The funeral of Walter took place Wednesday afternoon at which time his remains were interred in Maple Park Cemetery. Deceased was about 48 years of age and leaves a wife and six children, all boys.  

October 26, 1883

Doran, who murdered his father-in-law at Lamar, will have his trial this week.

November 2

From the Lamar Rustic: Joseph M. Lomax was shot and killed by Constable Mardick  near Golden City Monday evening while resisting arrest. Lomax stole a watch and chain from a man named Shipman, living in Lawrence county, and sold the same to a man named Davis. Lomax was followed to Golden City, where he stopping temporarily at the residence of Wm. Gibson, living five miles west of that place. Lomax was a Tennesseean by birth, and a former cowboy by profession and was considered a dangerous character, and no blame whatever attaches to Justice Breeden or Constable Mardick [long story].

Mr. J.B. Maylock, living near Rondo, met his death last Saturday in a very mysterious manner. Near the dinner hour he took some salt and went to the pasture to salt the cattle. Not returning to dinner, his wife went to look for him and saw the cattle excited over something at the edge of the pond. She discovered the body of her husband by the pond, terribly mangled by the beasts. It is supposed that heart disease was the cause of his death, as Mr. Maylock had been subject to heart troubles. He was about 40 years of age and a highly respected citizen. From the Bolivar Herald.

At Ava, Douglas county, on the evening of the 24th ult., W.C. Roberts and Dr. Hugh Elliot became involved in a quarrel and drew their pistols and exchanged several shots, the former getting his mustache clipped by a bullet, and the latter receiving a ball in the breast from thee effect of which has died since.

Died, at his home one mile north of North Springfield, Tuesday night, Mr. J.E. Miller. His remains were interred yesterday in Maple Park Cemetery. Deceased leaves a wife and two children.  

A little girl of Aaron Ritter died at the family home six miles northwest of the city last Tuesday.  

November 9, 1883

The most terrible calamity that has yet happened to Springfield, the Queen City of the Southwest occurred a few minutes after 2 o’clock last Monday, at which time a terrific cyclone struck at the northwest corner of the city and, passing in an easterly direction principally along the dividing street between this place and North Springfield left death and destruction in its wake for a distance of fully one mile (details of path of cyclone, buildings struck and destruction. A.B. Campbell’s two-story frame dwelling was totally wrecked. Mrs. Andrew Arnquist, a Swede, who has just stopped in to make a call, was crushed to death. Mr. Campbell was slightly hurt. Mrs. Dunlap and Mrs. Finley were also killed outright.  The babe of Mr. Champieux, a Frenchman, was fatally injured, and died Thursday evening. Mrs. Pennington was also fatally hurt, and died Wednesday evening. Miss Sallie Edmonson’s neck was broken. There was also a list of the wounded.  

Died, after an illness of several weeks with typhoid fever, at the home of his brother, Hon. John O’Day of this city 15 minutes before 10 o’clock last Saturday morning, Mr. Thomas K. O’Day, aged 30 years. Deceased was one of the most popular and promising young attorneys of the Springfield bar and his death is universally regretted. The funeral took place from the Catholic church Sunday afternoon and the remains were followed to their last resting place by  one of the largest processions of people ever witnessed in the city. Resolution of the bar.

November 16

At West Plains last Saturday night, Joe R. Davidson shot and killed Taylor Langston, the homicide being the bloody termination of a drunken quarrel about nothing. Davidson was arrested and lodged in jail. Allen Smotherman was a principle witness and testified to the details (included).

Mrs. Susan Reagan, wife of Mr. Timothy Reagan, died Wednesday morning, of consumption, aged 40 years.

Near Brookline last Monday, while the family were [sic] absent from the house, a little child of L.W. Mitchell fell in the fire and was so severely burned on the head and face, the child expired in a few hours.  

November 23, 1883

The house of Frank Stepp, some 3 miles northwest of Cave Spring, about 10 o’clock last Monday forenoon, was the scene of one of the most brutal and bloody tragedies that ever occurred in this county. At that time Jim Cook entered the house and, after exchanging a few words with his wife, who was nursing her 2 months-old baby, struck her with a shovel, when the terrified woman attempted to escape, but Cook caught her and holding her head between his knees, pulled out his pocket-knife and cut her throat and stabbed her in the side. The murderer then went to Cave Spring and gave himself up to Justice I.N. Hasten,  who placed him in a wagon and brought him to this city and lodged him in the county jail, where he now awaits trial and penalty for his diabolical deed.
            Medial attendance was summoned for Mrs. Cook, but she died a little after 1 o’clock next morning.
            James Cook, who is said to be the illegitimate son of a woman named Ollie Bouden, living about 2 miles from Stepp’s house, where the uxorcide took place, made a statement to a reporter: I am 28 years old, which was also my wife’s age. her maiden name was Mary Jane Harper. We were married about 4 years ago, she being at that time the divorced wife of Bill Easton, who retained the possession of their child living. They had two children, one which is dead. We lived near Cave Spring and a year ago last month she deserted me, leaving my child alone in the yard and going to a brother’s house not far distant. On returning I found my child crying, and realizing that she had left me, took it first to my mother’s house and afterwards with me on a tip to Kentucky, where I spent over 3 months After staying a short time at her brother’s she, in company with a younger brother, went to see the man Easton, who still had possession of their child. Easton had on various occasions attempted to persuade her to come back to him, but what occasioned her visit to him I am unable to say. During our separation I only hit my wife once, as I was jealous I could not control my passions I heard that she had had a child by someone, and supposed that Easton was its father, which suspicion was a constant maddening thought to me. Since returning form Kentucky, I have lived with my mother. Last Monday I went over to Frank Stepp’s house to buy some meat. I thought my wife might be there, an on entering the house found her nursing a babe two months old. Mrs. Stepp and two small children were the only person s present and I began to talk to my wife, but the sight of the babe was more than I could stand, and when she spoke lightly I struck her on the head with a shovel. The murderer said he would make no defense, but entrust his case to the mercy of the court.

November 30, 1883

At a dance at Spring City, Oregon county, on the night of the 19th inst., George Lawson, actuated by an old grudge, shot and killed Otis O. Woodward. Lawson then made his escape and is still at large.  

At Osceola first of last week two 12-year-old boy, Willie Puckett and John H. Cooley were out hunting with an old rusty revolver, when the latter accidentally shot the former in the right shoulder, producing a wound that is thought will prove fatal.

December 7

From Samuel Dickey, Esq.,  who was in from Marshfield, Wednesday, the Express learns of a fatal casualty that occurred near that place Tuesday morning. Jonathan Pickell, aged about 65 years, was driving out in the county 1½ miles south of town, when his horses ran away, jerking him out of the wagon with the lines, crushing his skull and killing him outright.

Brookline: Dec. 1 While out hunting today Fred Hopper shot at a crow, when the breech pin and tube of the gun blew out, the former striking him over the left eye, inflicting a severe wound. Hopper’s right eye was filled with powder, some of which the physician extracted. His face was also badly burnt and it is feared that he will entirely lose the injured eye.

At a church about 3 miles north of Cassville last Saturday night, during services, a number of young men were on the outside of the building, among whom were Wm. C. Black and Wm. Brown, who engaged in a trivial quarrel, when the latter drew his pocket-knife, and stabbed the former in the breast three or four times in quick succession, inflicting wounds that in a brief time proved fatal. Black was 23 years old and leaves a wife and one child. Brown escaped and at last accounts was till at large. Sheriff Goodnight of Barry county has offered a reward of $100 for his arrest and also the same amount for the rest of another young man named Grant Utter, who it appears was implicated in the homicide.

At the house of Wm. H. Keever, on College street, about 4 o’clock on last Monday afternoon, a young woman named Lizzie Lynch took morphine with suicidal intent, in which she succeeded only too well.
            About all the history that could be learned of the poor creature was from the principal witness, a young laborer named George W. Cisney. “I knew Lizzie Lynch; the deceased; her maiden name was Lizzie Houston; was present in the room with her at 3 p.m. yesterday; she was feverish; said she had a chill yesterday morning...[detailed coroner’ testimony given]. Deceased was about eighteen years old. She  had been working for Mrs. Keever here three weeks; she came about the middle of last September; stopped first and second nights at New Town; she boarded at Mr. Robey’s on Boonville street, two weeks afterwards; she since that time worked at John Hestand’s and other places.

The case of William Fox, who was indicted and convicted of murder in the first degree in the Vernon county Circuit Court, for murdering Thomas Howard on the 10th of last May, was affirmed in the Supreme Court on the 26th ult., the opinion being rendered by Judge Norton. A stay of execution was granted till the 28th of December, at which time Fox will be hung at Nevada.

From the Bolivar Free Press: C.G. Rand, the young man who married Miss Nannie Owen, a student of Southwest Baptist College, a few weeks ago, inducing the young lady to elope with him, for which she was expelled by the faculty, was found dead at a hotel in Osceola Wednesday evening, last week. He has been on a protracted spree and died from an overdose of morphine. His wife was on a visit to her parents at Stockton at the time of his death.

December 11, 1883

Elder J. Wrightsman, well-known in this city and vicinity was drowned on Thursday of last week while attempting to cross Swan creek in the mail hack. He was returning here from a trip to Forsyth. Mr. W. was president of a bank at his present home in Harper, Kans. to which place his remains were forwarded for interment.

Jas. Payne, son of Daniel Payne, a farmer living several miles southwest of the city, recently left his home in the night , and his family are much distressed over his absence, as nothing is known of his whereabouts. The express representative saw Mr. Payne near Ft. Scott last Friday about noon on a north bound train on the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & gulf railroad. He said that he was on his way to Kansas City, and would probably go on to California; that he had worked hard a long time and though the would travel a while and see some of the world. Payne is about 40 years old, and his mind has at times been more or less deranged.

Died at his home in this city early last Tuesday morning, Mr. Lewis Malone, aged nearly 70 years. The funeral took place from the First Baptist church the following day.

The third trial of Joseph L. Smith charged with B.F. Ezell at Fair Grove on 21st of April 1881 resulted in a return of “not guilty as charged in the indictment. In each of the former trials, the jury failed to agree. Mr. Smith, from first to last, has had the sympathy and support of many warm and influential friends, who rejoice with him and his family that this sad misfortune has at been forever settled.  

Wednesday morning, while John T. Milliron and John Davis were out rabbit hunting, they found the decomposed remains of a man in a patch of thick hazel brush, about 2 miles southwest of the city. Only the bones, some of which were missing, the man’s hat, boots, a bunch of keys and bits of clothing were left. Inquiry in this city by the express representative the same evening revealed that the remains were those of Abraham Ries, a German, about 45 years old, who formerly worked at the roundhouse of the Gulf railroad company, but who became insane about the middle of last June and suddenly disappeared leaving his chest of clothing and other personal effects at Mr. M. Keener’s where he boarded, and $175 deposited in the ban of Gen. C.B. Holland & Son. Before his disappearance Ries had several times been heard to threaten to take his own life. The keys left by the dead man fitted the lock to Ries’s chest. A brother of the deceased, Fritz Ries, lives at Sofrana, Germany.

December 21, 1883

From the Pineville News: J.M. Wisdom had his preliminary trial last Monday before ‘Squire John Mosier of this place, and from the evidence in the case, his shooting and killing of Wm. Judy on Monday night of last week, was a willful murder, and not an accidental shot as claimed by Wisdom on his surrender to ‘Squire Roark.

We were pained last Saturday to learn of the killing of Dr. Joseph Waldon, Thursday night of last week, near Beaver station on the Eureka Springs railroad in Arkansas. he was killed by one George Ethridge of that neighborhood, and from the latest information we can gather, we are inclined to believe that Dr. Waldon and another party, not named, went to Ethridge’s house to plan a prank on him, and so frightened him, that he seized a pistol and shot Waldon twice in the head, killing him instantly. Ethridge was captured, but we learn that Ethridge was admitted to bail, when a mob seized him and hung him last Wednesday.

After an affliction with paralysis of several years, Dr. Horatio M. Parrish died at his home in this city at 10 o’clock last Saturday forenoon, aged 59 years and 10 months. The funeral took place from Calvary Presbyterian church under the auspices of the Masonic Fraternity and the remains were interred in Maple Park Cemetery.
            Dr. Parish was a native of Kentucky, and removed to this county about 40 years ago. For a number of years he was county surveyor. He was one of the best known and highly esteemed citizens of this section. His four surviving children, all grown up, are Edward Parrish and Mrs. E.E. Adams of Chicago, and Mrs. Dr. C.C. Clements and Lizzie Parrish of this city.

December 28

Col. Elbert Woodard, who lives four miles southwest of the city, returned last week from Springfield, Robertson county, Tennessee, where he was called on account of the death of his brother, M.L. Woodard.

A letter from Mr. J.W. Frame, at Bois D’Arc brings the sad news of the death of Mr. Will. Evans at that place Wednesday morning. He died of pneumonia. Deceased was 20 years old and a son of Mr. Daniel Evans, who lives 3 miles west of Bois D’Arc.

Chas. Gallagher, brakeman employed at the yards of the Frisco railway, North Springfield, while attempting to make a coupling about 10 o’clock Wednesday night, was instantly crushed to death between two freight cars. Deceased leaves a wife and two children. The funeral took place from St. Paul’s M.E. church at 4 p.m. yesterday.