The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1876-12-07
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A AURDEROUS MELEE.
Particulars of the Recent Tragedy IN
Meridian, Mich six COmbatants En-.
gagged with ShOt-Guns and RevoIyers
-Four Men Shot.
From the lansing Journal Nov 18th


From the Lansing Journal Nov. 10th.
The tOwnship of Meridian, on Sunday
night, was the scene of a fearful tragedy,
which viii long be remembered by the
peaceable country people of that section,
The scdne was the Marble farm, mile
northeast ofthe Agricultural College On
this is \ long one-story frame farmhouse
standing not far from the District No. 8
Schoolthouse. On the north side,of the
farm house is large orchard, and on the
south pm enclosed dooryard, beyond
which san open lot. 1t was there that
the blopdy ARRAY occurred.
The prime causes of the murder were
family troubles in the household Of Jno.
?. Marble, which some time ago led to
his separation from his wife, Emma U.
MarbleI MIR. Marble has been known
for many years in this community as
well'to-do and industrious farmer. His
wife, now under arrest with him as an
accessory to the murder of Ayres, has
gained no small notoriety on account of
her separation from Marble and the con,
sequent scandals Intending it, and also
from the prominent part played by her
in former tragedy, of which more anon.
The Marble farm house was occupied
by Mrs. Marble, her son by a former
marriage, Willard H. Chapman by name,
and William Martin, a man who was ar
rested some time ago for deserting his
family and compelled to give bonds to
support them. H..e E't "'"' .,.
Marble has for years had much trouble
with his wife. He has thought for some
time past that he had good reason TO sus.
pect a criminal intimacy between Martin
and Mrs. Marble, and for months past
has employed John Morley to watch the
residence Of the pair with view of OBJ
tanning positive evidence against them.
On Sunday night, Morley, Charles W.
Ayers, his son-in-law, and Marble went
to the farm in carriage, which they Sc
creted in the woods near by. They then
took their stations under a tree in the
lot already mentioned as lying south of
the house. This being in slight depres-
sion, served we'll for concealment, and it
is here that the killing TOOK place. Ac-
Cording to Marbles sworn testimony, Civ
en- at the inquest, he and his comrades
heard noise on the south side of the
house, and saw a wagon drawn up as if
for the purpose Of removing household
goods. This caused the watchers to take
d circuit around the house for the pur
pose of observation, after which they
met under the small tree mentioned.
While lying there in waiting, according
to Marble, his party was surprised by
Mrs. Marble, young Chapman and Mar.
tin, all armed to the teeth, and murde-
rous fire was opened upon them, result
ing in the death of Ayers. The approach
of the party from the house must have
been stealthy, as, according to Marble,
they came to within ten or fifteen feet of
him before they were discovered, and i'm
mediately opened fire, killing Ayres by
firing a load of heavy shot into his brain
before he could rise to his feet. Morely
sprang up and retreated across the lot to-
ward the road on the west, followed bv
the assailants.
When near the fence, he states, he re-
ceived shot on the top of the head, but
did no firing after he was beset by the at
tacking party. He was afterward found
in the lot sitting against the fence. There
was frightful wound extending across
the top of his head, and his skull was
fractured so that his recovery, if it takes
place, will be almost miraculous. When
found he presented pitiable appearance
being covered with blood and unable to
articulate, although he now seems to be
conscious. ....-
The injuries received by Morley were
probably given as he was endeayoring to
get over the fence in4his effnrt to escape.
The barrel of the gun carried by young
Chapman was aiterSar found in the
house, covered with blood and bent as if
by striking heavy blow. 1t was empty
and the stock was picked up some yards
from where Morley was found; and, as
young Chapman admitted upon his ar
rest that he had struck some one with it,
there is but little doubt that the weapon
caused both the death of Ayers and the
frightful injuries inflicted upon Morle,
Marble SAYS he remained beneath the
tree where they were first seen by the
assailants until the assault was made up
on Morley in the retreat ofthe latter to-
ward the fence. In rushing up to Nor.
ley's assistance, Marble received a shot
in the back, which inflicted no serious in.
Jury, as it lodged Just below the skin. He
also heard his wife crv out to her son.