St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-09-15
BRUTAL MURDER.
An OwatOnna Policeman Killed by a
Circus Canvasman.
The Murderer Arrested and in Fair Way
to be Lynched.
Ispecial Telegram to the Globe.l

OwAToSNA, Aug. 13, 1SS4.-A foul and most
unprovoked murder was perpetrated here last
evening about II p. m, the victim being John
Blair, special policeman, and the murderer one
Kelly, who was boss canvas man for ). II. Barrett
i Co.'s circus which showed here yesterday
(Eriday) afternoon and evening. 1t seems that
Blair had his attention called to the actions of
this Kelly who was trying to inveigle q rather
green sort of looking girl away with him as the
crowd was about dispensing. Blair had taken
hold of the girl and was walking off with her
through the crowd, when Kelly, who had made
number Of threats against him, ran up behind
him and struck him over the side Of the head
with q tent stake, some two feet long, knocking
him crazy for few moments. He was at once
supported, and the circus gang
being rallied at the sound Of their
signal whistle crowded about and let the rufian
escape. Blair recovered in a few moments and
was able to walk and even to talk, but became
insensible soon after reaching home, saying to
his wife, 81 feel so tired" and died at o'clock
this Saturday morning.
An inquest was summoned by Coroner L. j.
Harrington, composed of the following persons:
l.. l.. Bennett, John Sewel, Jr., B. S. Cook.
Geo. Z. Peck, Henry Jones and W. A. Dynes.
large number of eye witnesses were ex-
amined who all testified to the occurrence as de-
tailed and the remains were viewed.
The post norton showed not only
a fracture of the skull but that
small pieces were driven into the brain and the
wonder is that the man was ever able to speak
orwalk. The following is the verdict OF the
coroners jury:
''We the jury find that the deceased came to
his death from the effects of blow upon the
inst MT in tha bond OP
party to US unknown
John Blair, the deceased, was marble cutter
by trade, was about thirty-ive years of age
and well connected. He had been
at one time upon the night force for year and
was regarded as fearless and intrepid officer.
He leaves wife and one child, who are not in
very good circumstances. He was and old SOL
der and member OF the G. A. R., which organ
ization will probably have charge of the funeral,
the city coming to the front to defray all ex-
penses. He was well thought of as man
and citizen and the sad manner of
his death while in the performance
OF duty oxcites the sympathy of everybody. AS
the sv ,rity of the injuries which Blair had re-
ceived were not known before the circus train
left they were allowed to depart in peace and
Kelly no doubt sneaked aboard with them.
Sheriff Hugh Murrey, however, followed the
train to Rochester and succeeded in finding and
arresting his man. He was lodged in Jail at the
latter city and at present writing is uncertain
to his being brought up here imme-
diately strong threats of lynching
are heard upon every hand.
The girl who was the cause Of the whole mat
ter was found by the GLOBE representative in a
cell at the county Jail, where she had been placed
for safe keeping as witness. Although very
reticent and refusing to talk previously, she par
TALLY unlocked her jaws and stated that her
name was Emma Riglene and that she came yes
terday from Waseca, where she had been
for some time working for Mr..
Louden, proprietor Of the Dayton house. That
she came TO Owatonna to attend the circus but
had never seen the murderer before. She ad-
mitted that he was trying to get her to go with
him but said she did not ask for help. She saw
him run up behind the policeman who had hold
Of her arm leading her away and strike him. She
was very much ashamed of her part in the
transaction evidently and did not want
her mother, who lives ten miles from New Ulm
to hear Of it. She is large, feshy person,
about twenty years Of age, and has sort of
dull, stolid look, if she not exactly bright.
She will be detained as a witness. 1t is most
earnestly to be hoped that an example may be
made OF this scoundrel. 1t has come to this
pass that every time circus gang comes
to town in any OF the smaller places
in the country, the local authorities
must stand aside and let the gang paint
the town red il they want to. Thieves, gam
blers and cutthroats Of the worst description gen
orally make up large share of the party, and
the public in smaller places are usually at their
mercy. AS was the case last evening, at the
sound of the whistle the bruisers all rally, and
| it wants about file of men armed with Win
chesters 10 contend against them. No city ought
to allow them to exhibit. Their entertainments
are demoralizing to society, and officers of the
law and decent people generally find life and
property in danger.
Especial Telegram TO the Globe.
OwAToYSA, Sept, 10, 9 p. m.-The murderer,
| Kelly, was brought up here from Rochester this
evening and lodged in jail. There are ominous
gatherings and talk Of lynching, but it is not
thought any violence will occur tonight 1t would
not be surprising IL he should be lynched as soor
as some organization can be perfected, as the
feeling runs high and the hopelessness OF melting
out legal justice in view of our laws, is generally
| understood.
Logan at Detroit.
DETROIT, Sept. 3.-This morning Gen. Logan