The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1867-05-16
Chr Wote gitp.



she shoots . Burglar While Attempting
TO Eater Her Nv elAng.
lfrom the Memphis Bulletin, May 1o.l
tragedy Of q very peculiar character was
enacted In front of house on Union avenue
on wednesday night, which resulted in the
oeatn OF negro named John McEwan, who
was shot with a navy revolver by Mrs ]. B.
Synnott, while he was attempting to enter her
dwelling. A short time ago Mr., Synuott de.
parted for Texas, and Mrs Synnott was all
alone IN the house. About half past 10
ciock, on the night in ssestion, she heard
NOISE outside the house as il some one was
ehueavorlng to effect an entrance. She got
ou' OF ped 10 ascertain who IL was, and on GO
ing 70 the window she observed negro
standing in front Of the house who inquired
whether Mr.. - lived in that dwelling.
Mrs. Synnott did not know the person in
CURED Tor, and she replied in the negative.
ne then asked several other questions, when
ne was told to GO away, in case he might
awake the other persons who were in the
mouse. The negro responded with an oath
ihat he did not care if he did, and picking up
brick he threw il with great violence at the
window, at which Mrs. Synnott was standing,
breaking one of the stats of the blind, but
fortunately without doing her any injury.
mrs. Synnott, who is a ladSef great presence
Oh mind, observing the desperation of the
man, went into another room, and armed her
set with revolver. In the meantime Nc
Evan commenced throwing brickba,s at the
house, one Of which broke pane of glass.
: he then came forward to the window, and
gave every indication that he was about to en-
ter, upon which Mrs. Synnott raised the
revolver, fired, and the negro ut
terng groan, disappeared from
nf NH 1olv
aware whether she had hit the fellow or not,
and she sat the hvelong night, anxiously
awaiting Tor day to dawn. At length the
morning began to break to her great Joy, and
IN state OF great excitement she left her
mouse, where she had passed a sleepless night
all alone, and went into the house Of Mr.. I.
V. D Brlen, some distance off, to relate
what had taken place. As she crossed the
lots which divided Mr.. o. Brien's house from
her own. she observed man lying on the
ground, but she waited not to make good her
observation.
When Mrs. Synnott reached Mr.. O'Brien'
house, she quickly aroused the inmates snd1
related all that had taken place Mr.. O. Brien
and Mr. James Rose went over to her ward.
where they found the negro lying dead close
70 the fence. A messenger was promptly
dispatched for Mr.. Justice Creighton, and
mat gentleman was soon on the spot and
coroner inquest was held on the body. The |
jury, after hearing the evidence, returned as
their verdict, through their foreman, Mr.. |
Charles Martin, THAT the deceased, John |
McEwan, came 10 his death by pistol shot
hred by Mrs. julia A. Synpott in self defence,
while he was endeavoring to enter her house |
IN burglarious manner Mrs. Synnott, on
the rendition of the verdict, surrendered her-
self to the authorities, but was Immediately |
liberated on her own recognizances 10 appear
when called upon. Her intrepldity was the
theme Of general remark in the city yes
terday.
The negro McEwan resided in a shanty
Only about 500 yards from Mrs Synnott 8
house, aud was well aware that she was alone
in her dwelling. Whether he intended 10
commit burglar still greater crime, is
alone known to Him before whom he has
gone to render up his account.
Z