The Worthington advance., 1888-08-02
SHOCKING TRAGEDY.
Nan at Wshpeton, Dakota, Kills Young Lady,
and Ia Summarilv Ivnched


Miss Mollie Korbell, of Wahpeton, Dakota,
was murdered by deputy sheriff s. S. Elmer.
The victim was respected domestic in Sheriff
Miller's family and was entrusted with the
management of the household during the
family s temporary aDsence, and at the time of
the murder had just given the prisoners in the
jail 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
cell. great crowd soon gathered and be-
gan to prepare ropes and to break into the
Jail. The police were active and under d.
rectlon OF the mayor several men were ar
rested and locked up. The latter belonged to
the fire department, and some firemen 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.
A masked mob of 100 determined men then
overpowered Sheriff Miller and Deputy Bronte
through the cages and took the murderer
out. The mob was we'll organized and headed
by resolute men of Whapeton atd Brecken-
ridge. The sheriff offered oil the physical
resistance his 2GO pound afforded, but did
not attempt to shoot or fight because
the mob we're all his friends and said the life
of the murderer not worth the life of u friend.
After the hanging the mob quietly dispersed,
and the hundreds of men and women who
witnessed tho hanging went home satisfied.
Elmer said he did not know why he killed the
girl ,and was sorry that he had done so. When
asked if wished to prey he said. "No."
Miss korbe! 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
he should murder the girl is 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 borno a
good character, though frequently
exhibiting n weakness for strong
| drink; but he was sober when the murdor
| was committed. He formerly lived in Fargo
and is we'll 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 no had been deputy sheriff at
Rochester, MINI. lie was given to drink
ing, more or less. and four years ago Mr.,
Haggart discharged him. Ho remained a
while longer and then went to James 3.
Powers He!endale stock farm. From there
| no went to Wahpeton, and has since acted
| as deputy under Sheriff Miller.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT
| town towards night. After some consulta-
ton it was decided to use strategy, and tho
Bohcmlans withdrew. In the middle of tho
night sudden Outburst OF voices near tho
jail reused the whole town. All tho citizens,
and those of Breckenridge as WELL repaired
| to the scene. About the Jail was gathered
| a mob of about seventy-fvc masked men.
They made u rush for the Jail, but at the
| command of Sheriff Miller they halted. 1t
| was only for Il moment, however. They sur
rounded the sheriff and his twelve deputies,
and firmly, though without harsh treat
ment, hustled them to ono 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 were battering down the cell doors,
us if he doubted their skill in such work. Not
steel door that separated him from the mob
fell lie stood up and presented his head for
the moose to be slipped over. When the mob
left tho Jail, Elmer clasped the rope with both
hands to keep from being jerked down and
appeared perfectly cool. After leaving the
court yard. the mob !9uickencd it's pace and
was soon in 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, Ive got the worst of the deal
now" When tie mob stepped on the bridge
and the rope had been thrown over q astringcr,
Elmer was asked if he had anything to say,
''No, guess not he replied. "Why did you
kill the girl?' was asked ''I did it in the
heat of passion" he said. Elmer was asked
| if he wanted to send any word to relatives or
if he wished to pray. lie 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. "Are 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 4 o'clock by the
coroner. The parents of the murdered girl
watched every movement Of the lynchers
| with <ln1iUht