The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-03-29
A DREADFUL AFFAIR.
A Husband Decoyed by His Wife and
S.epson Into Trap and Nearly Hacked


SPRINGFIELp, H., March rs, 1874.
terrible tragedy is reported from the northern
part Of Edwards county, in this state, where a
farmer, named William C. Madding, married some
time since, as his third vile, Mrs. Hunt. who
had a son named Christopher, about eighteen
years oil age, and other children. Mr.. Madding's
children by his former wives did not
agree very well with the new corners;
their parents naturally became involved in
their broils and the result was separation about
q year since, the husband gong to live with u rc!a-
tive and leaving the farm to the wife condition
that she should keep ii in good oder; failing to 90
this The homestead should revert 10 Mn. Absence
did not, IN this instance. make the heart grow
fender; the feud continued and both par
ties were constantly before the Court
till Mrs. Madding and her son having
threatened Mr. Madding he had them
bound over to keep the peace. To make assurance
douDly sure he bought and carried revolver,
whereup0n they in turn alleged Tears OF violence,
and had him bound over. Thus matters went on
till the beginning OF this month, when Madding
notified his wife that she was neglecllng her duty,
turned her out OF the house aud occupied 1t him.
SELF allowing her, however, to reside III another
house on the farm. Sac made several efforts to
induce him to give up the revolver but he persist
idea Of using it, save in sel-deiencc, 50 that she
need feel no uneasiness. She tainted him or
With 1t under his pillow.
on sunday morning she changed her tone anc
sent him word TO come over to ner house and have
q social chat. He was getting his break asst, anc
returned q reply that he would go As soon as ne
had flushed his work. She almost Immediately
sent back the child with "a message Co come at
once ana bring his pipe with aim. so that he could
smoke. He followed the child aud sat down on
chair which had already been placed Tor him. WITH
his back to the door. He was Just lighting his
pipe when young Hunt stepped out from behind
The door and with a heavy hickory club struck
him terrible blow the skull, telling him to the
floor While his stepfather lay there sensclcss
the young murderer twice repeated the blow;
then, thinking that his work was accomplished,
and aided by his mother. bore the BODY out into
the orchard and leaned 1t against a tree.
Meanwhile the hOrrOr-striCken younger children
mad rushed from the house, screaming wildly, and
one OF them had gene TO the residence OF
neishbor where one OF their elder brothers, Jesse
Maddng, was employed. lie and his employer, Mr..
ibbottson, ran towards the house, aud as they
approached young Hunt dashed out OF
the shed on horse which, already
saddleG, had been tied there and made his escape.
The men were just in time, for Mrs. Madding was
going back to the orchard with an axo as they ap-
preached, evidently With the intention OF finishing
her husband, who still showed signs OF lie.
At last accounts Madding was alive, though his
case was hopeless. His wife was custody and
the officers were In pursuit Of ner son.