The Kanzas news., 1858-05-01
The Disappearance of Mr.. Shaft.

Mr. T. G. Hill, of Council Grove, has
furnished the following particulars in regard
to Mr.. Shaft, whose mysterious disappear
snce we noticed last week.
Mr. Shaft was native of New York, but
has lived the most of his life in Howell,
Livingston county. Michigan. In April, of
1857, he left the latter place, with his fami
ly, and removed to Charlton county, Mo-,
where he purchased farm. Leaving his
family in charge of it, he came to Kanzas,
and, after looking over a large portion of
The Territory. selected claim on the Upper
Cottonwood for his future residence. In
December last, Mr.. s. brought his family
to his new home. He lived in peace with
his neighbors until sometime in the month
of February. when the following melan-
choly circumstance occurred: a neigh
Dor of Mr.. Shaft was obliged to leave his
claim very sud 'enly to save his life, which had
been threatened by some his neighbors. He
left an order with Mr.. Shaft for some of his
things which he could not take with him,
and amongst other things cross-cut saw.
At this time there was young man living
with Mr.. s. keeping an Indian trading post.
The saw had been taken possession of by a
couple of Frenchmen living in the neigh
borhood, and when Mr.. s., wanting the
saw, went after it in company with this
young man, they refused to let him have it.
An alteration ensued, in which many hard
words were said, when one of the French
men seized gun, cooked it, and aimed at
Mr. Shaft, threatening to shoot him. Mr..
S. caught hold of the gun and wrenched it
out of his hands. Another Frencbman
seized another gun, and cooked it, with a
threat to shoot, when Mr.. S. took it from
him also then, taking hold of both barrels
with one hand, he raised them to strike them
on a log to break them. When they de-
scended, one of them exploded, and the
charge passed through the breast of the
young man, Mr.. SIS companion, killing him
Instantly. This created considerable excite
ment in the neighborhood, and meeting OF
the neighbors was called to see what was
best to be done. The meeting was composed
principally of Mr.. Shafts enemies, and they
resolved that Mr.. S. should leave the neigh
borhood in two months or suffer death
About the time of the expiration of the two
months Ar. Shaft disappeared. On Mon
day. the 7th of April. he went to Council
Grove on horseback, and stayed till Wednes.
day morning, when he started for home
de passed some teams about eight miles
beyond the Grove, since which time he has
aOt been heard from. Threats had beer
made By certain parties, that on the expira
ton of the two months given him to leave
be should die. Diamong Spring Greek, a
the place of crossing. was very broad, deeE
and rapid. and dangerous TO cross. His
horse was found the next day about three
miles from his house, on the south side o.
the creek. les
The family of Mr. Shaft think he has been
made way with by evil-disposed persons
Ihs creek has been dragged for the body,
out with no success. which gives strength
this opinion. Mr.. Shaft was armed with
AfeVolver when he left Council Grove, he
vas brave man, who would sell his life
yearly. He was possessed of some wealth
owned considerable stock of various kinds
ana had built several substantial buildings
On his claim, besides fencing the claim en-.
H'e' He was an energetic, active man. ant
devoted to his family.
fhe affair is still! shrouded in mystery
Every effort is being made to unravsl it
as soon as anything further is learned il
saFd to the matter. We shall lay it befor
our readers.