The New York herald., 1877-09-15
A TRAMP All BAY.

THE ST. ELMO TRAGEDY-DEADLY SKILL WITH
REVOLVER.
From Chicago Tribune's Terre Eaute (Ind.) Corre-
spondence sept H.
Tho little village Of St Elmo, ILL.,, situated on the
Vandalia road, seventeen miles from Enngham. was
this morning thrown into intense excitement by q
series OF the most dastardy, terrible murders that
have ever been perpetrat ed in this section OF the
country. The particulars are these About eight
o'clock this morning Mr.. John Scoles, most es-
tmable citizen Of the village with his family re-
turned to their residence situated in the midst OF a
thickly built part of tho place, from visit East,
whero they had been absent for several days. On
entering the house he Immediately discovered that
1t had been robbed Of articles Of value and
from several Indications convinced that the
burglar had but just left the place, as he had
left freshly prepared breakfast on the
tablo. This fact induced Mr.. Scoles to COM
mcncs instant search for the thiet He
searched carefully through the house, outhouses and
out in the yard, going toward his stable AS ho
did 20 ho perceived Iuan running rapidly through
the field to The rear, looking back and showing un-
mistnkablc evidence OF beng the party wanted try
ing 10 escape. MIR. Sc0les mounted horse standing
near and started in pursuit, watched Dy his excited
Iatnily. When within about thirty yards OF the
ScOles ordered him 10 halt The villain did So but,
with consummate coolness ana muraeroas DARING, no
drew q revolver and fred, shooting Mr. Scoles three
times, each shot giving a fatal wound, ono taking
effect in the head and TWO in the body. Mr. Scolcs
fell from his horse and expired IN about three minutes
iivng until his family and two or three observers
rsacned hun, to whom ne spoke tew words.
Tho news spread with electric rap'dty throughout
the village and in about twenty live MINUTES upward
OF hundred men, armed win hastily seized rifles.
Tevolvers shotguns were in close pursuit Owing
to the country being very level there The rapidly
Gaping siill fair view OF the pursuers He
was aceng like deer, urged by his great despcra
ton, but the numerous pursuers, many being
mounicd, swiftly overlook him. AS soon as hc ar
rived wihn hailing distance Mr. Frank Barnes. who
was in Of the citizens, called To him, Halt,
or YOU are "A dead man." AT tins the desperate hend
turned, and holding a revolver in each hand, cooy
commenced firing ut a distance OF about fofty icct
Tho nrst shot fired from his right hand revolver Int
Mr. Barnes, very worthy young gentleman, In The
head, killing him instantly. the body falling with II
thud the ground. The second shot, given from HIS
lott hand, hIt Mr.. Frank Wlseman another excellent
citizen, in tho head also with deadly elect, he falling
from his horse and expiring IN IA lew moments.
Sill cooliy iacing the advancing ctizcns no aimed
with MS right hand revolver and fired, killing horse
from under a pursuing farmer, whose name not
learned. Then giving terribly demoniac yell no
rushed toward the cnte party Of about dozen horse
mon. 1his bold and utterly unlocked Tor action by
the demon dsconccr,ed tho party aud caused them TO
turn and fee IN ali dircclIons. sun intent with
deviiish murdcrous deeds, he again aimed and hit q
horse, woundiug u so IL Ie unable TO move urther,
and tue rider obngcd To escape on foot
The demon then turned and easily logged to como
timber anu under growth at distauce wnicn he
Is now supposed 10 be hidden. He is certainly ter
rbiy dangerous object, IA wonderful dead Shot with
ether hand, is well armci and tcarfuy desperate,
Az This writing the Country Is alive with armed citi-
zcns Numbering several hundred, but all feeling
cautious of approaching his hiding place. ana u Is
feared that when darkness comes ON ne viii make bis
escape. He is unknown TO any tDat saw him, but Ia
supposed TO be some wandering tramp. lie appeared
to DE about thirty years old low IN STATURE heavy
set, dark complexion, heavy dark har, herce olacR
eyes, and would probably weigh aDout one hundred
ana iorty five pounds Ihc whoic vuge Is IN mourn
Ing the three respected murdered citizens, and tht
most intense excitement prevails The murderer has
been seen and 1t Is believed he will caught,
hundreds are IN hot pursuit.