The union Democrat., 1870-10-08
The LATE TRAGEDY IN CoLUsA.--The Crn
of September 9th gives this as a correct YER
sion Of the late tragedy 10 that county /:

sion Of the late tragedy 10 that county:
Hamilton had taken up quarter section
Of land in Antelope Valley claimed hy Alon-
70 Stewart. and the claims of the parties
were brought before the County Court ON the
first of August and decided in faver of Stew
art. Hamilton refusing to vacate the premi-
ses, writ of restitution was placed in the
hands of the Sheriff, and on the day of the
tragedy DEPUTY Sheriff McClain, accomna-
MED by h. Z. Wells, Alonza Stewart. and
James Gorgwer, proceeded to the house of
hamilton for the purpose of serving the writ
and placing Stewart in possession of tia
premises. Upon arriving, McClnin and
Wells entered the house, leaving their arm.
IN the wagon, while Stewart and Conrwer
remained on the outside. Sheriff McClain
stated that he had visited the honse the dev
before. and that Hamilton was not at home.
ana that he must obtain possession Of tho
premises, or something to that effect Mrs.
Hamilton was lying in ted, and Robert Ham,
iiton, brother Of William, remarked that the
wife of his brother could not be removed. az
she was sick. Something was said about re-
moving the furniture. Mrs. Maun, who was
otnclating as nurse, endeavored tc persuads
McClaln to step into the kitchen. but he re-
fused. McClnin then said. .'dsarm that
man." abiding to Robert Hamilton. Tn.
evidence IN relation to proceedings here are
conflicting. Mrs. Maun stating that Nc
Claim shot FIRST while Gongwer. who was
standing in the front door, states that Robert
Hamilton was the only party who fired. and
who shot McClain with pistol the ball taxi
ing effect IN his head and scattering bis
brains on the floor. killing him instantly.
Hamilton then wheeled and shot Wells, tho
BALL piercing the heart, causing instant death.
From an examination of the body Of Me-
CLAIM 1t would appear that a shotgun was
brought into requisition McClain fell life
less near the bed occupied by Mrs. Hamilton.
while Wells fell on the floor near the front
door. Upon the firing inside the house,
Stewart and Gongwer fed, but were pur-
seed bv Hamilton on horseback and overtak-
en- about GOO yards from the house. Stewart
Pleaded Tor his life, but to no effect, as liam
li,on shot him SIX times with pistol ard
twice with shotgun, each SHOT taking effect,
Stewart fell end was not found until scme
time afterwards, when he was taken to
Browns ranch in great misery. bot con-
scious. Gongwer escaped uphurt. hut WAS
SHOT at in his retreat. Physicians were sent
Tor, and upon the arrival of Drs. Bolton and
Dawson, they found Stewart in the full ros-
session of his senses, but rapidly siIking,
and he expired about five o'clock. McClain
was an old resident Of Colusa, highly respect
ed as gentleman and a man of homer. lie
leaves wife and four children. Stewart
was an old pioneer resident of Cousa. ana
cattle dealer who had amsssed considerable
| fortune; was gentleman of enterprise, and
whose loss will be severely felr by the people.
of Colusa county. lie leaves wife ara
child. Wells was single man, residing IN
tie county, and bore an excellent reputation.
Tho bodies of the unfortunate men were bn-
] risd 10 the Coluss Cemetery. -