South-eastern Independent. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1871-1871, 1871-11-24
A Singular Wife Murder.

A brutal wife murder was perpetrated
at No. 324 South Fifth street Philadel-
phia, as we learn from paper Of that
city. The murderer Is named William
II. OskiRs, and he has been employed
fer a long time past as foreman of the
carpenters Engaged In the construction
of the government appraisers stores on
Second street, below Chestnut. The
victim was Mrs. Mary A. Oskins. The
two lived for number of years at No.
Al South street, where Mrs Oskins kept
amillinery establishment. The husband
and wife appeared to get along very un-,
happily together, in CONSEQUENCES of his
dissipating and drinking great deal.
Or several previous occasions his wife
has left him. 3 day or two. ago she said
she would leave him for good, snd went
to the house of Mr.. Frank Register,
where the murder was committed. Dur
ing the time she was there the murderer
called Upon her several times and tried to
induce her to return and live with him.
Yesterday morning he made another
visit, and his wife told him in conse-
quence OF his bad habits she was afraid
of him, and would not live with him,
and that she intended to take measures
for divorce. He expressed his willing
ness to this, and said he would come
again to-day and talk the matter over.
BE then left. and Mr.. Register cautioned
him against making any trouble, as it
would be useless, and advised him to
meet the matter quietly. He answered
that he would. about 3:45 o'clock yes
terdsy afternoon he called again, when
Mr.. Register was out of his Office. The
clerk, Mr.. John S. Stow, was in the front
Office. Mrs. Register and deceased had
Just come in, having been out to consult
q lawyer with regard to procuring di-
vCrce. Oskins walked in, apparently |
rather excited; hut with steady step.
he appeared to be Somewhat under the
influence of liquor. He walked up to
his wife, who was sitting on chair, and
said to her, "Are you going to make this
your residence ." She endeavored to
make some reply to the effect that she
did not know but what she would have
to. He mumbled something, which
could not be heard. He then deliberate
" took. off his hat and placed it on the
mantle, pHllsd six-barrelled revolver
hOn LIS pants pOChSb rhQ IL GU rtNSId1
shots, two of which took effect, one In
the head near the left temple, and the
other near the heart. After he fired the
first. shot she tried to escape and get be-
hind bookcase, but he forced her right
into corner of the room and there fired
the fatal shot. Mrs. Register, Who was
in the room, endeavored to get the child
out of the room and render assistance to
the poor woman. Before she could do
this, however, the shooting was all over.
The firing attracted the attention of the
and Colonel r. A. Winslow,
who lives on the corner of Fifth and
Powell streets, was called in. When he
arrived he arrested Oskins and took him
10 the Central Police Station, where the
pistol was found oil him. He was ar
tanged before Afderman Becker, who
committed him to await the result of the
Coroner's inquest. Oskins is about 46
Fears Of age and his wife 45. She, for
Ter age; was a very fine looking woman.
They hate two children, one a young
nan nearly 20 years OF age, and the other
boy of 10 or IL.