Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-06-22
Tragedy i'm Missouri.

A horrible murder was committed on
the 31st of May, in Balls county, Missouri,
four miles from the village of Perry. IT
grew out of feud about line fence.
The five Sons of one Wesley Underwood,
with the brother-in-law, accompanied by
the father, armed with shot guns and re-
volvers, are alleged to have gone te place
where two brothers, Robert aud John
Menefee. were quietly at work on their
own land building fence. Some dispute
had existed previously between the parties
regarding the ownership OF the rails and
the boundary line of the fence, and as the
Underwoods approached Mr.. Menefee,
three of them are accused of deliberately
firing upon him. The shot caused Meme
fee, to fall. but it appears having his gun,
loaded with bird shot, lying by him, he
seized it while down, and discharged the
contents into the leader of the Under
wood gang, and then called on his broth
er, John Menefee, to go for doctor. John
said that if he went, they would kill him
(Robert) during his absence. John then
attempted 10 carry his PROSTATE brother
away from the field.
The Underwoods then closed around,
and it is alleged deliberately knocked
ElODtEk Oh LDb IEdl Win d hIs DAthhlbS
the breach of the weapon by the force of
the blow. They then knocked John
Menefee on the head with the barrel,
causing a severe confusion. John then
abandoned the nearly lifeless body of his
brother, and made his escape from the
scene. not without, however, receiving
several shots, which perforated his clothes
but did no other injury. The Under
Z -,
eral shots into the body of their victim,
and broke the latter's gun over bis head,
and by repeated blows disfigured the face
of the corpse. The citizens in the vicinity
Immediately Joined the officer and effect
ed the arrest of all the Underwoods, with
the exception of one who managed to con-
cesl himself. -f .-.-- ...
The Underwoods are considered des-
perate men. Some six weeks ago, they
being involved in lawsuit, went to q
Justice of the Peace, in Rails county, who
was hearing the, ease,- and seizing the
records and affiiavits, destroyed them.
The Uuderwoods living in Monroe county,
the Justice proceeded with a witness, a
Young man named Hatfield, to the latter
county to procure warrants for their ar
rest.
|
geance on Hatfield for acting as witness.
Oneo them approached him with drawn
revolver, but was promptly knocked down
by Hatfield before having time to dis
charge his weapon, Hatfield taking two
revolvers from him and throwing him
into the street, and giving his assailsnt g
few kicks, left him. Underwood still sp-
preaching, Hatfield struck him with his
!, fist, and after knocking him down, kicked
him so that be had to be carried TO his
: bed. Six of the Underwoods med them
selves that night and went TO the house
of Capt. Hoag, and, surrounding II, de-
manded Hatfield, who was staying there.
Hatfield walked out past the party, snd.
being unarmed, fed for safety TO New
London, the county seat of Rails. The
next day Sheriff Steers went TO the Un-
derwoods and notified them that they
were needed at New London. They
obeyed the summons, going heavily armed
with revoIvers, but attacked no one, and
concluded TO give bonds to keep the peace
in the sum of $500 each. The bonds being
entered into by two respectable citizens
they were discharged.