Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1865-08-12
.allg empire.
The Late Tragedy in Butler County.

| The Hamilton True Telegraph of Thursday
last, gives the following details of the recent
terrible tragedy at Darrtown, in Butler county,
| 1t is seldom, indeed, that we are called up
| on to record more shocking tragedy than
tnat which occurred in the little village Of
Darrtown, nine miles from this city, on Sat
urday last resulting in the shooting and almost
instant death OF Mr John Irwin, an old and
respected citizen, and his vile, Mrs Jane lr-
via, by Sylvester Irwin, the son of the former.
AS is usual in such cases. there are many
different aud conflicting stories In circulation
in regard to this horrible aud heart-rending
affair, but the following are the facts in the
case, as nearly as we have been able TO gath
er them, divested OF all colorlng: The diff
Guilty which eliminated in such terrible
manner was domestic one OF long standing,
at least since the marriage of Mr.. John lr-
win TO a second wife some six or eight
months ago, since which time a very bad feel
ing has existed between the step mother and
cblldren and in which the father became
embroiled On Saturday last, Mr. Irwin,
With u halchet nailed fast the door of his sta.
ole to prevent his son Sylvester, who had
been warned to leave the place, from stabliDg
his horses in the same. In const quense Of
this and other troubles which had occorred
during the day young Irwin became enraged
and indignant, and an alteration took place
between him aud his father near the barn, in
which harsh and incorporate language Was
used. The father, in his rage. threw his
hatchet, which until then be had retained n
bis hand, with full force at the son who man
aged to evade the blow. At this juncture the
stepmother came running from the house
toward the scene of the conflict with a large
boWie-knife, and rushing upon Sylvester at.
ter pied to stab him, aud, report says, cutting
him slightly 10 the side Whereupon young
Irwin drew o revolver, and fired at his father
twice, one ball striking him in the left shout
der, and the other immediately under the left
chr, penetrating through aud cutting out near
the centre OF the forehead, producing almost
instant death de then turned aud fired at
Mrs Irwin, the ball entering the right breast
Percevlng that life was not yet extinct, he
wreuched the knife from her hand, aud cut
her IN some three or four places in a most
horrible manner The wretched parrcide
then repaired to Darrtown, without attempt
ling to escape, and in company with constA-
Bile came to this city and delivered himself o
he authorities, alleging that the deed YasJ
cpmnitted in selfdeience. After proiimi.
uaiy nearinB oeloIe hhgissrhLe LouBleHo"
he was committed to jail until further hearing.
On Tuesday morning he was brought into
Court, but waving ali examination was again
remanded to Jail
A coroper'sju after an inquest upon the
bodies of the murdered couple returned
verdict substantially in accordance with the
above facts.
AS might be expected the melancholy af
fair created very. intense excitement in the
neighborhood, but the reports OF the maui-
fsstatons OF mob spirit, &c, are wholly un.
founded, aud upon the contrary there is and
has been much sympathy manifested for the
young man.
Sylvester Irwin is unmsrried, is about
thirty years OF age, and has heretofore borne
an excellent reputation, and was highly ra-
spected by all who knew him