Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1878-07-13
MURDER AND SUICIDE.

WURUEh ANU SUICIUE.
Two Independence Lovers Go 10 their
Death Together.
Dubuque Telegraph.
Last spring, Sydney Toman, son of Judge
Toman, editor Of the Bulletin, was assaulted
and shot, evidently with murderous intent
Two men, named Stroll and Henderson,,
we're arrested, tried, and Stroll was convict
ed and sentenced TO penitcntiary at Anamosa,
where he is now confined. Later develop.
ments conspired to fix suspicion on a man
named Shaw. who was q rival Of young To |
man for the hand of Miss Sherwood, an &C. |
complishcd and beautiful young lady of Inde-
pendence. Lately the suspicions have been
80 fully confirmed as to leave no doubt in
the minds Of the public as to Shaw's guilt.
In the meantime, Shaw continued bis at
tentions TO Miss Sherwood without any open
conflict with Toman. He had frequently
threatened TO take his life, however, which
was a source of much alarm TO Miss Sher.
wood. Last Sunday Miss Sherwood spent the
afternoon with lady friend, Miss Van Os-
del daughter Of the sheriff at Independence.
Mr. Shaw also visited the house, and Joined
the ladies in game Of croquet and other
social amuscmentF. Shortly after Shaw pro-
posed boat rid, and for this purpose the
ladies, with Shaw and another gentlemani
started for the river.
On the way Miss Sncr. ood became alarm
ed that something unusual was going to
happen, judging from the strange conduct Of
Shaw, but in spite of her suspicious, accom-
panied him to the river alone, their COM
panions going to store where Miss Sher-
woods brother was employed. Arriving at
the store, Miss Van Osdel related to Shcr-
80. 81 Al I
ed her.suspiciona, and Sherwood at once went
just pushing from the shore in boat. He
tried to persuade them to return, but tl,ev
would not. He then plunged into the river.
and, scizing the boat, pulled it ashore. He
then accompanied the couple for some dis.
tance, when Miss Sherwood stated that she
had forgotten her parasol and must return
to Mr.. Van Osdels residence to get it. Her
brother followed, and on reaching the sher-
if's house, Shaw said he wished to wash his
hands. He was shown to room, and Miss
Sherwood followed him. No sooner had the
lady stepped into the room than Shaw turned
about, drew a pistol, and with unerring aim
shot her through the heart, He then imme.
diately placed the pistol to his own breast
and fired. In an instant both lay on the
floor together in pool of mingled blood.
Neither returned to consciousness or spoke
again after the fatal shot was fired.
The tragedy has given rise to all manner
of stories and vague suspicious. The conduct
of Miss Sherwood, in receiving the attentions
of Shaw has been severely criticised, but in
extenuation thereof it is said she submitted
to them through fear. There are some mis-
terious features to the affair that time alone
can explain. The parties 10 the affair are
all we'll known and respectfully connected.
Shaw was responsibly connected with the
Conservative, and Miss Sherwood was a
teacher in the public schools.
Another rumor in regard TO the affair is
set aiioat that has strong appearance Of
truth and credlbility about it. 1t is said
that the tragedy was preconcerted plan
between Shaw and Miss Sherwood. Miss
Sherwood was anxious to marry Shaw, it is
said, but her parents were opposed and de-
termined d she should marry Toman. 1t is
supposed that rather than be frustrated in
her plans, and separated, they proposed
to die with each other. This can account
for the strange conduct of Miss Sherwood
in consenting to accompany Shaw in boat
ride against the will Of her brother and after
Shaw had given the party to underst and
that he was going to kill himself On this
hypothesis can the conduct of the lady in
accompanying Shaw to the room where the
murder was committed be accounted for.
and on no other. From all indications it is
believed the affair was premcditated, and
that the intention of Shaw and Miss Sher-
wood in taking boat ride was to drown
themselves. Surely this is dark and av-
full tragedy,