The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-10-23
SHOT DOWN In COLD BLOOD
A DELIBERATE MURDER IN MISSOURI.
Frank j. Bowman. the Well-Known Law
yer, shot and Instantly Killed by B.
M. Chambers, Formerly a Prom
inent Resident OF ST. Louis.

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 2l.-Frank J. Bowman, the
weIl-known lawyer, who has figured in so
many matrimonial troubles here and in Chi
cago, was shot and instantly killed by b. Nj.
Chambers, this afternoon, at Ferguson, Mo.
The killing grew out of the trouble between
the parties over the old Times newspaper.
Chambe bers was a large stockholder and principal
owner of the paper up TO the time Of its de-
mise. Bowman was also financially interested
in il. He bought, among other things, the
Associated Press franchise OF the paper ana
has been in litigation over the matter Win
Chambers ever since. This afternoon Bowman,
accompanied by Deputy Sheriff Garrett oil st'
Louis county, called at Mr.. Chambers home IN
Ferguson, Mo-, about eighteen miles west OF
st. Louis. His purpose was TO levy an attach-
ment on Chambers life interest in his wife's
estate, or whatever other property he might be
able TO find. Chambers met Bowman and Oar-
rett at the gate. Bowman said:
81 have come to levy on your property.
"All right" responded Mr.. Chambers, and he
entered the house.
Deputy sheriff Garrett afterward explained
that he thought Mr.. Chambers had gone IN to
get some paDers lie was mistaken, for IN a
few minutes Chambers stepped out into the
yard with double-barreled shot gun IN his
hands.
Garrett. you get out of this place, and get
out quick" he said.
Garrett walked away.
Now Bowman, I'll give you three minutes
10 get out Of these grounds" continued Mr..
Chambers.
Bowman did not move. and in an instant
Chambers raised his gun and poured the load
into BOwman's heart The men were close to-
gether and the full load took eiectin Bowman's s
chest Bowman fell dead Chambers coolly
walked into the house and at 80 p. m. he W as
still there awaiting arrest, while Bowman S
body lay in a pool of blood in the yard. NOBODY
venturing TO touch il, as the coroner's jury had
not yet arrived. A large crowd surrounded the
place, but there was no demonstration.
Bowman was one of the best known men IN
81. Louis, although his reputation was some
what unsavOry. He practlced law here Tor
many years and about three years ago removed
10 New York. Previous 10 his departure he
figured in n couple OF scandals. lie sued his
wife for divorce and afterward compromised
her suit on a cross bill, paying fer large sum
of money Shortly afterward IL was given out
that he had married woman IN tn Last. AS
soon as this became known Chicago woman
who claimed common law marriage with
Bowman sued him for divorce In Chicago. lie
fought the case hard but the Chicago courts
decided that the woman was his wife and gave
the woman the divorce. This lett Bowman
badly mixed up matrimonially. Bowman was
at one time prominent at the local bar, but was
disbarred for questionable practices.
B. NJ. Chambers was at one time promi-
nent St. Louisan. He was president of the
Butchers and Drovers' bank, which failed a
dozen years since. After this he bought out
the old Times, succeeding Stllson Hutchins.
He stayed with the paper until it failed.
Bowman came here from the East few days
since to attend to the Chambers and other
legal matters.
When Sheriff Dausenbach arrived at Cham
bers' house he found the slayer of Frank j.
Bowman ready TO accompany him and offering
no resistance. Chambers was taken TO Clay
ton and lodged in Jail. He refused
TO talk. The body of Bowman was also taken
TO Clayton, where the coroner's inquest will be
held tomorrow. Bowman was shot in the
head and not through the heart.