New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1888-08-01
SHOCKING TRAGEDY
4 Man at Wahpeton, Dakota, Kills Young Lady,
and is Summarily Lynched.

Man at Wahpeton, Dakota, Kills Young Lady.
and is Summarily Lynched.
Miss MoIlie Korbell, of Wahpetan. Dakota.
was murdered by deputy sheriff s. s. Elmer
Inc victim was respected domestic in Sheriff
Mlilersj family and was entrusted with the
management of the household during the
family s temporary absence, and atthe time of
the murder had just given the prisoners in the
JAN their supper. Elmer and other employees
OF the sheriff boarded with him, and after
supper Elmer asked the deceased if she IN
tended going out. She replied that If she felt
like it, she would do SO. At this Elmer pulled
his revolver and shot her three times-in the
arm, below the ear and in the neck The
murderer immediately gave himself up to an
other deputy sheriff. who locked him in a.
cell great crowd soon gathered and be-.
gan 70 prepare ropes and to break into the
JAIL The police were active and under di-
rectlon OF the mayor several men were ar
rested and locked up. The latter belonged to
the hre department, and some fremen rang
the fire bell Almost every member of the
department. gathered, and the mob made a
rush for the city hall to tear it down.
masked mob of 100 determined men then
overpowered Sheriff Miller and Deputy Bronte
through the cages and took the murderer
out. The mob was well organized and headed
by resolute men of Whapeton atd Brecken-
resistance his $50 pound afforded. but did
not attempt to shoot or fight because
the mob were all his friends and said the life
OF the murderer not worth the life of a friend
After the hanging the mob quietly dispersed,
and the hundreds of men and women who
witnessed the hanging went home satisfied.
Elmer said he did not know why he killed the
girl, and was sorry thathe had done SO. When
asked It wished to prey he said. mo
Miss Korbel was twenty-one years old and
was highly respected by all who knew her.
Elmer had never kept company with her,
and had no claim to her attention, and why
ne should murder the girl is a mystery.
The murderer came from Massachusetts to
Minnesota in 1862 and enlisted at Fort
Smelling He has been about Wahpe-
ton two years and has borne a
good character, though frequently
exhibiting a weakness for strong
drink; but he was sober when the murder
was committed. He formerly lived in Fargo
and is well known throughout the county
Six years ago he was employed by John
Haggart, sheriff of Cass county, and served
as deputy sheriff. Previous to his arrival
at Fargo he had been deputy sheriff at
Rochester, Mimi. He was given to drink
ing, more or less, and four years ago Mr.,
Haggart discharged him. He remained
while longer and then went to James B.
Powers Helendale stock farm From there
as deputy under Sheriff Miller.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT.
The Bohemian farmers began to gather in
town towards night. After some consulta-
ton it was decided to use strategy, and the
Bohemians withdrew. In the middle of the
night a sudden outburst of voices near the
jail reused the whole town. All the citizens,
and those of Breckenridge as WELL repaired
f0f ho A hon Toll
mob of about seventy-fve masked men.
They made a rush for the Jail, but at the
command of Sheriff Miller they halted 1t
was only for a moment, however. They sur
rounded the sheriff and his twelve deputies,
and firmly, though without harsh treat
ment, hustled them to one side.
With crowbars and sledge hammers
they then attacked the cell of the prisoner.
The wonderful nerve of the murderer was
admired even by the most desperate of his
lynchers. Elmer sat on his cot in his cell
and watched the progress made by the work
ers who We're gathering down the cell doors,
as if he doubted their skill in such work Not
word escaped his lips, but when the third
steel door that separated him from the mob
fell he stood up and presented his head for
the moose to be slipped over. When the mob
left the jail, Elmer clasped the rope with both
hands to keep from being ierked down and
appeared perfectly cool After leaving the
court yard, the mob qulckened its pace and
was soon in a, swift race for the bridge
The immense crowd pressed closely about
the running prisoner when one partially
tripped him and Elmer said Don't do
that boys, I've got the worst of the deal
now" When the mob stepped on the bridge
| and the rope had been thrown over astriuger,
Elmer was asked if he had anything to say
mo, guess not, . he replied. why did you
kill the girl?" was asked ssI did it in the
heat of passion" he said. Elmer was asked
he wanted to send any word to relatives or
if he wished to pray. He said not, and asked
the mob if they wanted to tie his hands in
front or behind his back. They were tied be-
hind his back. care you ready, " was asked.
Yes said Elmer hoist away" The hor-
rid deed was done; blood atoned for blood
The body was cut down at O'Clock by the
coroner. The parents of the murdered girl
watched every movement Of the lynchers
with delight.