The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1878-07-12

terrible tragedy occurred on the morning of
the 4th of July, at Port Deposit, in the shooting
OF James and Thomas Armstrong, of the iron
foundry firm of Armstrong IL Co., by VIM
Magill, workman formerly in their employ.
VINO Immediately shot and killed himself James
Armstrong died on Thursday night and his
brother Thomas fingered until Sunday night
last, when he also died.
The firm of Armstrong e Co. was composed
of James, Thomas and William Armstrong.
James conducted the business at branch store
on Light street. Baltimore, while the business
at Fort Deposit was managed by the other two
brothers. Magill was first cousin of the Arm
strongs, and was married TO q sister of James
Armstrong; wife. He is said to have been an
industrious and intelligent mechanic, While
in the employ of the Messrs. Armstrong he in
vented certain Improvements upon stoves. His
improvements were patented and the right To
manufacture them was assigned to the firm the
latter agreeing to pay Magill royalty upon the
stoves sold. The inventions proved to be n par
tial failure. Three years ago Magill was dis
charged and worked at his trade at Westminster,
Lynchburg, Va, and Sing Sing, N. Y, leayinp
his family at Port Deposit. About a year ago
he brought suit in the United States Court
against the firm for royalties which he claimed
had not been paid, fixing the amount at 50, 900.
This suit is still pending. During his absence,
and after this suit was brought, lev, was
made upon his household goods for rent, the
house his family resided in belonging to the firm
The goods were replevined, and on this account
another suit at law was pending between Magill
and the Armstrong;.
For several months past Magill has been liy.
ing in Port Deposit, in destitute circumstances.
his family at times being on the verge of starva-
tlon. On the morning of the ARRAY he was walk
ing up the street, leading his two little daugh-
tiers by the hand. He left his children unattend-
ed upon the street and went to the store of the
Messrs. Armstrong, meeting the brothers James
and Thomas upon the pavement in front of the
store. he spoke to them about the ROYALTY
claims and pressed for settlement They an
swered him that they had no settlement to make
Loud words ensued, when passer-by urged
them to go within doors. The two Armstrong;
went inside and Magill followed them, at the
same time drawing from his pocket q five bar
relied Colts revolver loaded with powder and
ball. Scarcely had he got inside when he began
firing, hrst at James Armstrong, who was twice
hit, once in the abdomen and once in the left
breast below the nipple. The third shot struck
Thomas Armstrong, who attempted to escape,
and was in the back part of the store in The
right leg, below the thigh. The fourth shot
Magll fired at citizen, George Mackey, who
had attempted to prevent further firing. The
ball missed its mark. But one ball now remain
ed in the revolver, and this Magll reserved for
himself Deliberately placing the weapon at
his right temple, he fired. The ball crashed
through his skull, penetrated his brain, and kill
ed him instantly.
The Armstrong brothers were assisted to
neighboring drug store, and from there removed
to the residence of Thomas Armstrong, on Main
street, near the depot, where Drs. Cromwell, A.
A. Hanna, j. II. Mccullough aud G. ii. Shure
attended them. Medical aid was also summoned
from Baltimore, and it was deemed necessary to
amputate the right leg of Thomas Armstrong
The operation inexperienced by DIR. l.. McIane
Tiffany assisted by Drs. Bromwell, Shure, Vir-
din, Hanna and Mccullough.
James Armstrong died the same night and
his brother Thomas survived until Sunday night,
the 18th inst. Magil was buried on Saturday after
noon, his funeral being attended by the Knights
of Pythias and by large number of citizens.
Great sympathy has been expressed for his fami-
ly, and fund has been raised to place them be.
You'd present suffering.
Magill, who was AZ years old, leaves q widow
ed mother, wife and two small children. James
Armstrong was 4S years of age and has wife
and five children. Thomas Armstrong, the eld-
err brother, was "a years old, and has wife and
family
The full extent of the terrible calamity to the
town can scarcely be realized. By it three wives
are widowed, fourteen children left fatherless
and large and prosperous business firm para.
lyzed if not destroyed. The Armstrong firm
gave employment to about fifty men, and even
If the surviving partner William should continue
the business, ii will be some time before it can
be reorganiZed and set in lotion again