The Van Buren press., 1872-07-02
Shocking Tragedy.
Suicide aad Attempt to Murder.


On Wednesday morning about eleven
o'clock, this community was startled by
the report, that murder and suicide had
been committed in its midst Upon in
vestigation the report proved only too
true, and we herewith give the particu'
lara:
Frederick Grassc, an old citizen OF this
place, and gunsmith by trade, between
ten and eleven o'clock OF said day, at
tempted to kill Miss Annie McGrew, q
millinsr, with piece Of round iron bar,
two feet long and an inch in diameter, BY
striking her over the head with it. Ths
first blow fell upon the left eye, the sec
ond some inches above the lsft eye, in
hicting terrible cash some three inches
long, but not quite breaking the skull.
After committing this heinous deed.
Grasss started to escape across the Gov
ernment reserve toward the Indian coun-
try, but turned back directly, and, lock.
ing himself up in his room, puta rsvol-
yer to his head just above the right ear,
shot himself. The muzzle of the revol-
var pore traces OF the clotted blood and
hair OF the suicide. The bar with which
he struck Miss McGrew. bore tho same
evidences Of the horrible deed. In less
than fifteen minutes after the tragic oc-
currence, jury was summoned, and an
inquest held on the body Of the self MUIR
derer, Drs. Dunlap and Pierce were at
hand to examine the body Of the deceas-
ed, as well as to render aid to the unfor-
tunate woman who was made the victim
or fshe suicide
The horrible deed occurred on Garri-
son Avenue, in the business center OF the
town, at the residence OF Mr.. Grasse, or
rather Of his late wife, from whom he
was recently divorced. Miss McGrew
has been living for several years in q
portion Of the house, and when met and
struck down by Grass was talking to Mrs.
Grass in the back door Of her part OF the
house. The cause of both the attack on
Miss McGrew and the sdicids of Grasse,
are, rs near as We can gather, as follows:
Grasse, the suicide, had been living for
long time with his wife in q state OF
contention and domestic infslicity. The
demon of alcohol had for many years
past complete possession OF him. lie
was extremely brutal and vicious to his
wife, quiet, forbearing, lady-likc, Chris
tian woman. She was at last subjected
by her husband to such horrible treat
mcnt that she was compelled in order
to save her lie, to invoke the protection
of the courts. Public indignation was
then very high against Grasse and the
injured woman readily obtained = d-
voicc. A suit was pending besides
against Grasse for cruel treatment Of his
wife; but the writ was not served until
w Wedncsday morning; Miss McGrew,
who on repeated occasions had exerted
herself to save her poor landlady's life,
being the principal witness
Grasse gave bail for his appearance at
court, but remarked at the time, that he
would never go inside Of a Jail and that
he would kill Miss McGrew and himself
first No attention, however, was paid
to these threats. Immediately after be
ing released, he went to his former home,
where he still kept room and work
shop, and carried out his awful plan.
Miss McGrcw has the sympathy the
entire community and it is hoped that
she will recover, though the chances arc
not very favorable. Smith Nem
Era