White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1871-08-17
Horrible A6air-.A Man Killed at
PaWnee City.

A tlay OF so ago we published at item stating
that man named Pangburn had been murdered
at Pawnee City, Neb. Below we give the parti-
culars of tue horrible affair." copied from the Paw
nee Tribune:
Our quiet and peaceable town was thrown into
a state of CONSERVATION last Sunday morning by
the death of one of our most esteemed and beloved
fcllow-ci.izens, Mr. Garrett L. PaIgburn The
manner by which he came to his death is shock
ing in the extreme, and has called forth the uni
versal Indignation of the entire community. The
facts are these, as produced mt ths Coroner's in
auest Last Thursday afternoon three-ga!lon
kcg of whisky found its way in town. and two
Young men, Thomas POrter.eld and Stephen Coch-
ran, became intoxicated and behaved themselves
in a very disgraceful manner, entering the store
of Martin Brothers and tearing things up gener-
ally Not content with this, they repaired to the
livery stable of Messrs. Sullivan s. Pangburn,
where the latter gentleman was busly engaged in
the duties pertaining TO his business Without
the least provocation Porteriield ran mp to hi,n,
seized him by the testiccs with his hand, and
pulled and wrenched with brutal force, tearing
it We're the very life ont of him on the spot. Near
by stood Cochran with brick IN his hand, decia-
ring that il Mr.. Pangburn laid his hands on Port
eriield he would smash his brains OUT Thepoor
man. with tears in his eyes, begged for Porteriield
to release his grasp, as he was killing him. But
the malicious iiend needed him not. Mr.. Pang-
burn, with the little strength left him, took Por-
tereld by the hand and tore loose his grasp, I'm
ger by finger. Mr. Pangburn staggered to couch,
and after recovering somewhat from the circum-
stance, related it to several of our citizens, and
also to us. The following morning, fesing much
worse, he consulted Dr. Nichols, who advised him
to do something Immediately, and go home and
lie down and keep quiet. Remedies were applied
and all possible care administered to him, but
he gradually grew worse, TIL Sunday morning,
when death relieved him of his sufferings. Mr..
Sullivan, his partner, was prompt in getting
warrant issued for the arrest of Porfertield, who
was Mt once incarceratcd. Sunday afternoon q
| hearing was had before Justice Abbot, Capt Hum
phrey appearing for the Commonwealth, and
Messrs Collins g. Babcock for the defense. After
hearing the evidence, the Justice ruled the ease
not bailable, and committed Porterfed to Jail.
Cochran had left for the west the Friday after
noon previous to Mr.. Pangbarn's death. Monday
noon officer Story started in pursuit, and will
| doubtless return in a day or two.
After the testimony of Drs. Nichols and Linds
ley, Mr.. Pangburn's physicians, and numerous
other witnesses, Drs. Gere and Stephens were cal
| led, and requested to examine the body. Upon
external examination they could perceive nothing
sufficient cause DEATH and testified that it might
be possible, although not probable, that the de
ceased came to his death by other causes. In or
der to fully satisfy the minds of the nry and those
who doubted death from this cause, it was conclu
ded to hold a post mortem examination, which was
accordingly DONE and which fully eorroborate}
| the opinion already expressed by Drs. Nichols
and Lindsley-that the deceased came to his death
by the injuries received from the hands of Porter
field. The jury returned q verdit in accordance
with the facts already set forth.
| Much excitement prevailed over the affair.
The loathso,ne nature Of the oGcnse filed the pop
| ulace with disgust, and an intelligent community
| feels itself outraged. Sunday morning the citi-
zens felt almost like taking the law in their own
hands, and disposng of the offender at once, but
better Judgment prevailed, and the law was al
lowesl TO take its course. At last accounts, Mrs.
Pangburn, wife Of the deceased, was lying in a
critical condition, and little hope is entertained
| of her recovery-overwhelmed with extreme an
guish-with pain Of mind. produced by the death
of her husband.
Constable Story returned Thursday night with
Cochran. He overlook him at Hanover, Kansas.
Officer Story deserves much credit for the expedi-
tious manner of his pursuit-leavins here on Mon
day at noon and returning Thursday evening at
nine o'clock-travelling in that time distance Of
two hundred and fifty miles Cochran had q par
tia hearing before Justice Abbott on Friday NOR
ming, which was postponed till today at ten
o'clock, for the purpose Of giving the defense time
| to prepare his case.