The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-06-14
TRAGEDY IN CONNECTICUT.
ONE MIN KEEPING 4 TTLLIGE IN A
CONSTANT STATE or 1LRROR.



Events that Preceded the Tragedy.
HARTFORD, June 13.-The village of West
Hartford. which is about Ave miles from this
city, was in n state of excitement to-day over
tragedy Of the previous evening. In the little
school house on the corner. n group OF citizens
gazed curiously upon the body Of John Nc
Guiro. As the undertaken pulled aside the
shirt front. eighteen holes in tho breast and
throat could be seen. No ono expressed any
regret at McGurc's death on the contrary,
there was feeling Of relief thut his end had
come. For the past six months he has been
terror to the inhabitants. The events that
paved the way TO the tragedy are out Of the
usual order.
Mcclure was about 30 years old. He hal no
home. 80 far as known. but had friends in New
Haven and NV Britain. Two years ago the
coming July. Mr.. Il. I. Bissoll hired him as n
farm hand. Mr.. Bisscll died suddenly last
October. Much comment was mnde upon hs
sudden dccease. and there werc hints that his
wife or VI eGuire had poisoned him. Tho names
Of these two had been coupled rather unpleas-
antly in the local gossip. To set the suspicons
nt rest Mrs. Bissell had the body Of her hus-
band cxhumcd and the contents Of the stomach
anayaed by Prot. Hall Of this city. No evidence
Of poison WIS found. Mcclure began to grow
surly after Mr.. Bissell's death. The gossi pabout
him and the widow enraged him, and he threat
cnel 10 shoot various persons whom h" thought
circulated these stories. H. manifested tho ut
most jealousy toward other men whom Mrs.
BiSsell engaged 10 work on the fnrm
In April when Mcclure was suffering from
n d-loration of his shoulder. Ms. Bisscll sent
Il newly en- aged hand. Elias N Tvs. into the
city t. get load of furniture. N'Guirc WIS 40
enragcd at this. that he pushed her over upon
the floor. severely hruising her. She had IA
CURE. This rupture led 10 the dismissal Of
MGuire. The WIDOW could only get rid Of him
III Sayenfher " 81" b"rr5% h,HS hs moH@y WIN Gsy Hp
9ni h" departed promising not 20 trouble her.
quarters at VI .Phcr,on's liGuor s'orc. and aiigr
"A while began t. visit Mrs. Bl-s II. doman Ing
money and 4 raat"nins the dir"-t v'ngenp'e
inrhcd that -lN weeks tgo she consulted w. ?.
told her that II VI Ciure made an assault upon
her, she ougltto shoot hin.
Within the past two weeks McGure's assaults
upon the house have been desperate. H. ilrnl
pistol balls nt me house. and throw large stones
tInual fear Of HIM. Tho two hired mon when
them and a boy on the watch. At dusk th"
house wgs not'd and barred. and no lights
were used. Miss Bis-ell says that IN the day
time she was afraid to open windows or doors,
and If door WIS opened some on" would be
Mcnnwhilcthr whole community was alarmed.
II j. astonishing that the lonl authorities lid
Hartford firm of London 4 Bidwe!l. who has a
..unir, sHa, near by. had been Threatened 10y
rayoItrr M Mr. % John Braee. i amother m,iRRb mne,eRbor
never v"nmrcd out at night without having
On the 81 ofJunc Mrs Bsscll received the fol-
low NJ letter from NJ CURE. 1t post marked
Newlnsion, and dressed 70 " Mrs. Mary \.
Bissell. West Hartford. Conn :;
Mas 4 B!s.s,t have waited long eaoash 70 ,.ee you
Sn s, sn s wg & Su % Ss & NE VEN ss ene s 9nis
never Mi s,k Won ss,n Wa Know II i, WI tn Ina,
A not ~, fIu I