Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1869-06-25

4 DREADFUL SeENE = From the Bolivar
Mi,souri) Free Press. On Tuesday last. pear
Brighton. 10 the northern palt OF this county,
there was enacted one of the most lamentable
aud bloody tragedies that We have for long
wears been called upon to chronicle. The plan
seems, in It's terrible frenzy, to have contem
plated the Wholesale destruction OF 40 entire
family Not desiring tomlsrepresent the theory
.r facts in relation to this sad occurrence, we
have gathered the particulars from Dr. Farm
er. of Bolivar, who was called to the scene soon
after it transpired.
Hugh Lusk young man who had scarcely
attained his majority son OF James Lusk, at
present resident of Cooper, but long known
- org Of the most respectable citizens OF Polk
county, it seems VS. wayward youth. To IN
Iure reform in his department his father
gave him charge OF u farm located near Bright
m and about one mile from the residence OF
Michael Mcguire, an excellent citizen, and who
has been so mouufully bersayed. 1t Is said
that Young Lusks occupation alterDated be
tween a little work on the farm and an OCCASION
6. spree; and an unsuccessful attempt to pay
n,4 addresses 10 an only daughter OF his neigh
bor, Michael Maguire. Last Monday he was
under the influence Of liquor, came to Maguire's 8
~ niphtlall, and enjoyed his hospitalities till
morning, making during thst stay many sert
ons threats, to which, however, the family
uaid no attention, regarding them only as the
yspagies OF a whiskey fuddled brain.
tuesday morning he repaired 10 the village
Of Pleasant Hope, distant some three miles
from Maguire's. He there supplied 1imseiI
With halt dozen bottles OF cordiai, anu soon
pecame again intoxicated: Go'ng INTO ary
0oods store, Le arrayed himself with ribbons Of
cartons hues, remarking that the predominance
Z red meant blood; that he would as soon die
tor love" as anything else, that II no shonld
nanpeu to be killed he wished, Indian like, to
h. inferred with his ornaments GId arms, con-
s;st;nc ot four reyolyers and one pocket pistol.
Sill no,bing serious was attributed to his con-
duct.
It was now IN the afternoon. Lusk with his
orn,o cordial and ribbons, mounted his horse
md Sned towards Mcguire 5, where ne soon ar
,;re6 and commenced demonstrations by threat
on;ng tbe family in the presence Of Mrs.
Wacnre and her daughter, who were alone; the
moie marion of the tamily all being at work IN
an adjoining field except Mr.. MaguEe, who
was AT Sprinffeld on bueiness. Mrs. NJ. talked
kindly to Ivsk, and reasoned with nlm, ne
became appSfoatiy paci6ed, and started, as he
said. 10 BrisAsop Ms. NJ. watched hlm @
the forks of tkx{ yhers, lpstead @ p1rsSs-
ing the BriS re took the road tead.
lup round t0Iyy tuo $nrpC poJS wnoiS "'
work in the held This 70 alarmed her that
She ran and shouted to the boys, whereupon,
seeing Lusk approachingin in threatening man.
rer ono of the lads, Henry Maguire, made his
way 10 Brighton which is but.a short distance,
nrocnred a double. .barreled shot gun and started
M his returr to the field, when he discovered
Inst marching his brothers before him toward
the house Henry then made for the house,
orr;ving there before Lusk and his prisoners.
IN coming up, Lusk, pistol in hand. ordered
rho family into line Thus iGtimldated, they
commenced IN do as he commanded, Henry
only refusing. Taking position on the porch,
no told Lusk that il he attempted to lpJure one
NJ Tho family he would kill him on the spot.
Without hesitation Lusk dlsShareed revolver
into the group, the shot taking elect about TWO
inches above the right ear of Mrs. NJ, ranging
downward through her head, iuHicting mortal
wound. -.
Al This iuucture two or three neighbOring
men. attracted by the excitement, came up
one of whom observing Lusk present his cockee
nistoI at the family, cried out for Henry to hrt
mon him, which he did, discharglng both par
Trls in rapid succession, and both LusS AM
his horse lay dead upon the ground. Dlrs
Mapnire hugered till Wednesday morning
when she expired, the victim OF hendishues
aud deyillry that almost beggars conception
Mr.. Maguire has the utmost sympathy 0
his neighbors His wife is held In kind remem
brance by all who have come Ia contact wit
her. I.usk was laid in the tomb as cumoere
ot the earth, and pears even iu death the mar
81 Cain upon his brow.