Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1886-11-11


the sadest, and at the same time the
most awful tragedy which has eyer oc
Cured in the history of crime. On
Friday, the 9TH inst; at about or
eight clock in the morning, a farmer
by the name of Samlel S. Purple
living about three miles west of Mare
na postoffice in the eastern part of
this County murdered his wife, his
young baby, about two weeks old,
and his little daughter about SIX years
OLD
From the very best information we
can gather the crime was committed
about as follows: 1t seems that Purple
has been in the habit, by spells, OF
becoming violently intoxicated, and
that for several days after one of his
sprees, he seemed to be taken with
spells of insanity. it is also reported
on good authority that he has, on
more than one occasion, violently a
bused and beaten his wife. During
Mrs. Puppies sickness, her sister,
Miss Tillie LAUDER, has been waiting
on her and doing the homework.
On Friday morning Mrs. Purple git
out of bed for the first time since
the birth of her child-and Helped to
get breakfast. When breakfast was
ready she spoke to husband-who it
is said had been intoxicated the
night beforehand said: Sammy, get
up now, breakfast is ready, He imme-
diately got out of bed, put on his pants
and before putting ON his stocking
or boots, deliberately walked across
the room, took down a loaded revol-
yer and placing it against the temple
of the little infant, fired, killing it in
stantly. He then turnedand shot bis
wife through the head, and she fell
dead by the side of the bed. He then
struck Miss LAUDER in the face with
his fist She ran out of the door, and
just as she passed throug the door he
fired at her. the ball entering should
err and ranging backward and upward.
The wound is not thought to be fatal.
Miss LAUDER made her escape and to-
ward Mr. Blunt,s and when about
half way to his house she became so
weak from her wound and exhaution
that she sank down ON the prairie.
She was found soon after and helped
to Mr.. Blunt,s, when she gave an ac-
count of the terrible crime as stated a
bove.
Just after she left the house she heard
g. shot which it was found afterward had
killed the six-year old girl-the ED
est of the four children. Mr.. Blunt and
another gentleman went at once to
Puppies house and found him there in
the midst of his crime, with his wife
and of his children dead, and a little
boy and girl unhurt. Mr.. Blunt did
not safe in attempting to arrest him
at that time, and went to Squire Bran
ley, s to get warrant and additional
help to make the arrest. As soon as
Mr.. Blunt was gone, Purple threw
the body of the murdered girl across
that of the dead infant on the bed,
lifted the lifeless body of his wife on
bout the little forms of the two living
children, locked them in the room
with there dead mother and sisters,
went out and saddled his horse and
came to Jetmore and surrendered him
self to Sheriff Gilland, telling Mr.. Gil
land at time that he murdered his
wife and children. He his now in Jail.
The widest excitement prevails
throughout the entire community, and
some strong threats have been made
in favor of lynching. But Sheriff Gil
land has got some eight or ten resolute
men 10 aid him guarding the:prisoner-
We earnestly wish that the good
people of Jetmore and vicinity may
maintain there good name, which Is SO
earnestly set toward good order and