The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1877-10-04
A DUEL TO THE DEATH.

[Richmond (Hy.) Cor. Cincinnati Enquirer
Jasper Maupin was a member Of q
large and wealthy family living q few
miles east of here. The family numbers
in all its branches perhaps thirty or
more men, noted for their horses and
hounds, their love Of fox-hunting, and
for their utter indifference to danger
when attacked or their honor called in
question.
John Burnam was constable of Glade
township, that portion of the county
where the Maupins lived, and is typi-
cal Kentuckian. In person tall, broad
shouldered, handsome, quick on the
trigger, but unfortunately quarrelsome,
and indeed, it is said, rather fond of
killing people. His history, which I
shall give you more in detail by letter is
marked by number of desperate crimes,
including the murder of two men, one of
them, it is said, in cold blood, and other
conduct which marked him as a man to
be feared and dreaded
January last quarrel sprung up be-
tween Bulnam and Jasper Maupin,
which resulted in the shooting of Bur
nam five times by Maupin Yesterday
the trial of Maupin was to have occurred;
and Burn9m, partially recovered from
his wounds, was in town, evidently with
the determination of having revenge
upon Maupin He was backed by four
of his friends, the principal of whom
were Ballard and Corneison, while
Maupin was backed by his relatives,
each armed heavily with heavy revolvers,
and determined upon the determination
of the other or death to themselves.
The parties first met in the corridors
Of the Court House, and revolvers we're
drawn on both sides, but by the inter-
vention of friends they were induced to
refrain from shooting. After the adj
iournment Of the court, however, Bur
nam, accompanied by his friends, sta
toned himself ON the sidewalk near a
livery stable, where Maupin must pass
to get to his horse. The Maupins, see
ing this action, consulted a moment, but
only moment, when Jasper, putting his
hand upon his revolver, started boldly
along the sidewalk in the direction of the
stable. His hackers, many Of whom
were already mounted, stopped about
fifty feet away to watch the result.
Maupin walked quietly down the
street till he got opposite and nearly past
Burnam, still having his hand on his re-
vOlyer, and looking back as he passed.
when suddenly Burnam drew heavy re-
volver from under his coat, and stepping
quickly toward Maupin, without saying
a word, placed the muzzle nearly against
his forehead, and before Maupin could
draw fired. The ball entered the brain
and Maupin fell to the sidewalk, diving.
Then Maupins friends opened fire
from the corner, jumping from their
horses and rushing up toward the party.
Lee Maupin ran toward Burnam, and
leveling his revolver, fired. Burnam
fell dead upon the sidewalk, his feet
resting across those of his victim, and
the blood flowing from his mouth and
wounds in his head. Lee Maupin, not
yet content with his revenge upon his
brothers murderer, rushed again to the
body OF his victim, and stopping over it,
sent another ball through his head, and
was followed in this act by another of
the Maupin family.
At the same time the others had
opened fire on Corneison and Ballard.
who both received shots through the
head, and, staggering few steps, fell
dying. The example of Lee Maupin
was followed by his fellows, who DELHI
erately approached their victims while
they were dying, senaing the heavy balls
from their pistols through their heads.
Then, there being no more Of the friends
of the vanquished party remaining alive,
the carnage ceased.
The brothers of the wounded Maupin
gathered about the dying man, and, still
grasping the instruments of death in
hands red with the blood of his murder
er, kissed his pale face and wept like
children. Then he was carried into a
store near by, but expired in few mo-
ments. Then they turned again their
attention to his murderers, and, finding
them, too, dead, sheathed their revol-
vers, and quietly gave themselves up to
the Sheriff.
Jaspar Maupin was about % years
old. He received one shot over the
right eye, passing through the brain.
John Burnam was about 81 years old.
He received one shot about the left eye
brow, passing through the brain, two
through the right shoulder, one behind
the right ear and one in the right hand.
VIM. Cornelison, was about IS years
old. He received one wound in the
right breast, passing out under the left
shoulder-blade, and one shot in the back
of the right arm about five inches below
the shoulder-blade.
Kit Ballard was about 20 years old.
He received one shot in the cheek, one
in the temple, one in the back, ranging
through the heart, and one in the right
rear hip.
The scene on the field of battle after
the bloody work was done was remark
able one. The principals, Maupin and
Burnam, who had so hated each other in
life, lay in death with their feet crossed.
so near to each other did they meet
death. The blood flowed in torrents
from the mouth and nose of Maupin.
and trickled down across the sidewalk