The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1877-09-16
THE ST. ELMO TRAGEDY.
4 DESPERATE TRAMP-nE SHOOTS An

DESPERATE IRAMP-HE SHOUTS AND
ALMOST INSTANTLY KILLS THREE MEN-
THE MOST DARING DEVIL OF THE TIMES.
The particulars OF the st. Elmo muir
der,s committed on Tuesday last, are
thus described in the Chicago Tribune
OF Wednesday morning;
"Ihe little village Of st, Elmo, ILL.,,
situated on the VaDdalia Road, seventeen
mites from EtliDgham, was this morning
thrown into intense excitement by a
series OF the most dastardly, terrible
murders that have been committed In
this section OF the country. The par
tlculars are these: About B o'clock this
morning Mr.. John Scolcs, a most estim.
able citizen OF the village, with his
family, returned TO their residence,
STATED in the midet OF a thlckly
set'ra nart OF the place, from
,I..v East where they
lad teen absent tor several days. On
the house he immediately dis
covered that hc had been robbed OF nu-
merous articles of value, and from sew
eral indications was convinced that the
burglar had but just LEFT the place, AS he
had lett freshly prepared breakfast on
the table. w. fact induced Mr.. Scoles
to cor.Iu...e Instant search for the thief.
lie searched carefully through the house,
outhouses, and out IN the rear yani, go
ing towards his stable. AS he did SO he
perceived man running rapidly through
the field 10 the rear, look
ing back and showing I'M
unsuitable evidence of being the
party wanted trying 10 escape. Mr..
ScolcS mounteda horse standing near,
and started in pursuit, watched by his
excited family. When within about thir-
~ yards OF the man, Scoles ordered him
10 halt. The villain did so. but with con-
summate GOODNESS and murderous dar-
ing he drew revolver and fired, shoot
ng Mr.. Scoles three times, each shot
giving fatal wound; one taking effect |
n the head and two In the body. Mr..
Scoles tell from the horse and expired In |
about three minutes, living until his |
family aud two or three observers
reached him, TO whom lie spoke a lev
words.
The news spread with electric rapidlty
througs out the village, and i'll about
twenty live minutes upward OF 100 men,
armed with hastily seized rifles, ievolv>
ers, aud shotguns were in pursuit. Ow-
ing to the country being very level
there, the rapidly escaping iiend was still
IN view OF the purSuers. He was fleeing
like deer, urged on by his great des.
peration, but his numerous pursuers,
many being mounted, swiftly overlook
him. As soon as he arrived in mailing |
distance, Mr.. Frank Barnes, who was
IN advance OF the citizens. called 10 him, |
Halt, or you are dead man." At this |
tue desperate tiend turned and holding a
revolver in each hand, cOolly commenced
firing at distance OF about forty feet. |
The first shot fired from his right hand
revolver hit Mr.. Barnes, q very worthy |
young gentleman, in the head, killing
MIN instantly, the body falling with
a thud to the ground. The second shot,
given from his lett hand. hit Mr.. Wise-
man, another excellent citizen, in the
head, also with deadly effect, he falling
from his horse and expiring in few mo
ments.
Still coOlly facing the advancing citi-
Gems, lie aimed with his right hand re-
voiyer, and fired, killing horse from I'm.
der pursuing farmer, whose name is not
learned. Then giving terrible demon.
lac yell. he rushed toward the entire
party of about dozen hOrsemcn. This
bold and utterly unlocked for action by
the demon Disconnected the party, and
caused them to turn and flee in all direc- |
tons. Still intent with deyilish murder
Gus deeds he again aimed and hit horse,
N!9pHpan9dii.n!g It SO it fell unable 70 .moys
make his escape on foot.
The demon then turned aud easily jog
ged TO some timber and thick under
growth at some distance, in which he is
now supposed 10 be hidden. He is GER
ainly a dangerous object, q dead shot
With either hand, is well armed, and tear
ully desperate.
AT this writing the country is alive
With armed citizens numbering several
but all are feeling cautious OF
approaching his hiding place, and it is
cared that when darkness comes on he
Will make his escape. He is unknown
o any that saw him, but is supposed to
,e some wandering tramp. lie ap.
,cared TO be about 50 years old. low 10
tature, heavy set, dark complexion.
heavy dark hair, fierce black eyes, and
would probably weigh about l4j pounds.
The whole village is in mourning for
he three murdered citizens. and the
most intense excitement prevails.
LATER-The murderer has been seen.
nd II is now believed he will be caught,
IS hundreds are in hot pursuit.