The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-06
INDIANA.
Details of the Murder of DIR. Hornbrook, of
Pike County.
Sracio, 60 t,,a Tourna1

Special TO the Indianapolis JournRt
PRINCETON, July 5.-The dispatch in the
Journal to-day concerning the murder at
Union, Pike county, gives incorrectly the
names of both parties to the fatal affair. The
murdered man was DR.. w. P. Hornbrook,
and his murderer one Sam Heminger. The
circumstances of the murder are about as
follows Heminger has lived for some time
on Hornbrook's farm as a renter or hand
During his residence on the farm he had
received many favors from the Doctor
among other things gratuitous medical
services to his family. The Doctor found
his renter to be improvdent and trhing,
and began trying to get rid Of him. He
was met in his effort by
charge from Heminger that his
wife had been insulted by Horn
brook during time when he had given his
medical attention, and demanded Tor this a
certain sum of money. Hornbrook indig-
nantly denied the imputation and gave
Heminger to understand that he need not
repeat his demand for hush money. The
latter's demeanor from this time OH was so
ugly as to lead Hornbrook's friends to urge
him to pay something to the fellow and thus
avert further trouble. He declined to act
upon this advice, saying he would die
rather than tacitly confess crime of which
he was guiltless. Heminger meanwhile had
been ousted from the farm and was living
on the bank of White river north of Union.
On the afternoon of the Sd of July the latter
cam e to DR.. Hornbrooks office in Union,
and approaching the Doctor, who was
sitting on the porch of his office
leaning against the decreasing asked
him if he was ready to settle that matter
with him. Hornbrook replied that he owed
him nothing, and had no settlement to make
with him. Heminger at once drew his re-
volver, and Hornbrook, seeing the move
ment, jumped to his feet and as he did so
received the fatal shot through his chest.
As he staggered backward in his Office the
assassin fired two more shots, one taking
effect in the shoulder and the other above
the elbow. By this time Hornbrook had
reached a revolver somewhere in the Office
and fired one shot while he and his murderer
were yet in the Office; the latter ran out
and the Doctor, already in the throes of
death, followed to the stoop of the office,
and leaning against n post, with both
hands on his revolver, took careful
aim at the fleeing murderer and
pulled the trigger, but his weapon snapped
He Immediately fell and asked for water,
but before it was brought he died. l visited
the scene of this foul murder to-day for the
purpose of attending the funeral services,
and think the circumstances of the death,
both remote and immediate, as herein pre-
sented are pretty near the facts in the case
DR.. Hornbrook was physician of very con-
siderable prominence, and was Justly deserv-
ing of the reputation he bore in his profes-
sion. Notwithstanding he managed large
farming operations, he found time to be q
real student of medicine. He had reached
the age when most physicians begin to lose
interest as investigators, but attachment to
and activity in medical societies during a
few past years brought to him a new zeal,
and, as it were, a second professional growth
In all the community in which he
resided he was esteemed a model in honor
and integrity. Testimony of the truth of
this was borne by the vast throng that was
assembled to-day in and around the hamlet
church and burying-ground. Although
busy season the fields were emptied OF the
sturdy farmers for miles around that they,
with their families, might pay tribute to the
memory of good man. In person Dr.
Hornbrook was of imposing appearance. His
intelligent and handsome face was ruddy
with health, and his broad shoulders, deep
chest and sinewy limbs indicated a man to
whom nature had allotted as his rightful
heritage long and healthful life
The charge made against the Doctor
by his murderer and wife is believed
by no one in all the county The universal
sentiment is that ii his memory may hot be
protected against the vile shafts of slander,
now that his lips are forever sealed, then no
value may henceforth attach to the record Of
pure and bameess life. The murderer is
in Jail at Petersburg,