Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-03-03
A HORRIBLE IOUBL1 MURBER.
A COPPerhead Kills Two YOuns Men
at Stow COrnerB-Ihe Murderer Is
Shot and Arrested-Great Excite
ment In Stow Township.

We have just been .apprised, at q very
late hour, of the most shocking, malignant
and devilish deed of violence which we
have ever been called upon to, detail TO the
public. Our informant gave us the princi-
pal facts of the horrible tragedy, but there
are doubtless fuller particulars 10 be had
when the excitement of the hour shall have
in some degree abated.
The leading points are these: A great
effort is being made in Stow township to
clear that sub-district from the coming
draft. For the purpose of obtaining the
requisite funds the young men of the
township have been devoting themselves
for several days and weeks, to soliciting
money from men, Republicans and Demo-
Gratis, of the district. They had appealed
to one VIM. Graham, wealthy farmer liv-
ing near Stow Corners, for aid, and he had
promised, Notwithstanding he is bitter
CoPPerhead, TO give one hundred dollars.
But when two young men of the district
called on him to obtain it, he refused utter
ly to pay. As he was bound by his prom
Use, they determined that he should make
good his pledge, but before proceeding fur
ther they returned to take counsel with their
associates. It was resolved that twenty
young men of the district should call on
him, and they accordingly mounted, yes
terday afternoon, and were riding over to
his farm, when, at some distance from it,
they were suddenly ordered to halt by this
bushwhacser, VIM. Graham, who had
heard of their intentions.- and had armad
barreled rife, and planted himself in a
covert near Stow Corners. The srmless
cavalcade halted, when Graham fred and
brought down one of the men with a shot
in the left side. He Immediately shot an
other through the head, killing him in
stantly.
The young men, as they were defence
less, scattered and dashed away. The
fend not content with his deed, approach
ed the man first shot, who was still living,
his wound was mertal, and dis
patched him with a shot in the forehead.
A surgeon was summoned post haste by
the young men, but Graham stood over the
corpses and would not allow him to come
near, threatening 10 kill him if he made
the attempt. He declared that he would
give hi self up to the Trustees of the
town if they would come with a flag of
truce and pledge him protection.
Presently the sherf of the county, with
a posse, had arrived from Akron, whence
they had been summoned, but on their sp-
proaoh Graham ran, and was captured only
after receiving shot in his right arm,
which completely disabled him. He was
5hen arrested and taken to Akron, where
ho was put in confinement.
The names of the young men killed are
Homer Filey and -- Fitzpatrick. They
lived at Monroe Falls, and were men of fam
lies snd highly respected. Mr.. Graham,
.hOugh somewhat violent man, has always
1een respectable citizen, and person of
wealth and influence,
The affair has occssioned the widest ex-
element and the deepest indignation and
sorrow throughout that part of the county.
We hope 70 obtain fuller details Of this
hocking affair for our next issue.