Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-10-21
The Murder of Charles ii. Davenport, in
Kansas. Conviction OF the Murderer.

Most of our readers will remember that in
February last, we chronicled the murder of
Mr.. Chas. ii. Davenport, in Peabody, Kansas.
Mr.. Davenport belonged in Chelsea, in this
county, where he has relatives, and where his
body was brought for interment. He went to
Kansas about four years ago, and was a young
man who was held in very high esteem. Mr..
Davenport traded in the place; on the 18th of
February last, a man named Lewis Crawford,
who had previously been on good terms with
Mr.. Davenport entered his store, leaned over
the counter, produced a revolver, and fired
three shots at Mr.. Davenport. The first shot
took effect in the side, the second in the head
and shoulder, and the other missed. The
victim lived about three hours.
Crawford's trial took place at Marion, Kan
sas. week before last. The testimony showed
the facts we have stated, and that Crawford
was an Incorporate man. He was allowed to
testify in his own defence, and we give an ex-
tract from his sad story:
Have been in the habit of drinking intoxi-
eating liquors. Commenced drinking about
1862. The habit gradually grew me. My
health was not good, and | think it did not
help me. Have heard the testimony that has
been offered against me in regard to this bus
mess. Lived in and around Peabody since
year ago last March. In the months of June
and July drank pretty heavy to keep up
with my work. Have recollections of part OF
the month of February, not all of it; think |
drank considerable. Have no knowledge of
the shooting of Davenport, only what have
heard about it. l recollect of telling my wife
that morning felt like having another bad
spell again that day, and thought | would not
open my house. Felt that my mind and
judgment was leaving me and that was not
capable of doing business. Started to Mr..
Campbells office, a lumber dealer, stopped at
the saloon and drank hot drink of some
kind. Think that's where l went when left
the house. Went up to Mr.. Sosbury's store,
got cigar, collar, and revolver. Was 60
ing to kill myself. Felt weak and miserable,
and didn't want to live any longer. Recollect
of being in Mr.. Campbelrs office to settle
with him. Told him l didn't feel very well
would come in again. Think it was in the
fore part of the day. Left Campbelrs office;
got as far as the railroad track, which is the
last remember. Mr.. Davenport and were
very intimate and ON good terms L have
never been troubled with snakes until after |
went to Topeka. After | went to Topeka my
left foot swelled up and | thought there were
% snakes on my foot and ankle. Had no
trouble with them except at nights when alone.
In about three weeks some twenty odd places
broke out on my leg, and j thought a snake
lett each one of them. Then it got well.
lhought there was one snake that did not
trouble me- Had one snake for about four
years, but not all the time. 1t appeared to be
about an inch and a half long and about the
size OF my thumb: it grew out of a Joint in
my back. The time had the tremns it ap-
peared to keep everything, such as insects,
wild beasts, &c., away from my back. Got