Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1890-05-08
IN COLD BLOOD.
A Prominent Citizen Of Putnam Assas-
sinated While Asleep in His Bed.
The Murderer Supposed to be HIS Tenant, a
Man Named Ferguson, Who Has Dis
appeared-A CHASTITY sight.
Special to the Gazette.

| Special to the Gazette.
PUTNAM, TEX, May What ut this hour in
the light of investigation hurrleoly and incom-
pletely made seems to be one of the most afro
cious and bloody murders that ever stained the
hand and damned the soul of the demon, was
committed FIVE miles east of this place, some
Time last night, Mr.. E. Plott, a most worthy,
Industrious, peaceable citizen of this village
| being the victim. The developments at present
made are about as follows, the justice of the
peace, Esquire ornesby, not having yet con-
cluded the inquest; Bud Plat, as he was familiar
ly called by his friends here among whom he had
resided for twelve years, and known to be
man of pure life and stainless reputation, left
his home here yesterday morning for the pur-
pose Of spending day or two on his farm which
was rented to man by the name of Ferguson,
and on which Mr.. Plott making some i'm
provements. Little did he or his loving wife
think when they separated that they were doing
children LETT at home think when they
were saying, goodbye, papa" that
that when they ne4s saw 1 papas dear face il
would be cold in death, the result Of the muir
derer's bullet; But such is the end Of good
honest Bud Plott. The story as told by little
Henry, the son of the murdered man, is SIS fol-
lows, he having accompanied his father out to
little fellow said between his sobs, az left papa
and Mr.. Ferguson, the renter, at the house and
went over to Grandma Sublett's to stay, all
rms rms morning morning when returned
the house being fastened up. found evidence
that something had been dragged from the
house toward the creek. 1 followed the track
made by the blood and body and found papa in
deep hole Of water, only his face being WIS.,
When the report reached town at noon large
number of friends and leading business men
started for the scene of the tragedy. finding
everything as reported by the boy. Further
investigation developed that Mr.. Plot was shot
in the neck while asleep in bed with his face TO
the wall and that the weapon used was pressed
close to or against his neck, which is badly
powder burned, the murderer evidently stand
ing or being behind his victim. Ferguson, the
renter, who tenanted the place, and vino was the
only person left with the murdered man last
night when the little son went to his grand
mothers, is gone with his best horse and some
of his best clothes. After killing his victim the
murderer, Judging from the bruised condition Of
the neck, put rope around his neck and dragged
him from the house TO the creek some little
distance off and threw the body into
the deepest part, leaving the body almost
nude, the night clothes having been dragged
nearly off the body. No cause can be discovered
for the crime, as Ferguson was not known to be
a quarrelsome man. having, so far as can be
learned, borne the very best reputation a
peaceable, industrious man, and the most init
mate friends of the victim say the relations be-
tween the two men were of the pleasantest char
acter. The fact of Ferguson's disappearance,
if not prima facia evidence OF his guilt, is at
least very mysterious. Esquire Ornsby empan-
eled jury, and after viewing the remains and
looking over the scene of the murder, adj
journed the inquest until 10 O'Clock to-
morrow. when It will be continued at the
residence OF the deceased in this place. The be-
reaved and heart-broken wife and family have
the deep sympathy of the entire town and
county. kilograms were Immediately sent to
Baird for Sheriff Jones, and his arrival is ex-
pected soon. No pains or expense will be spared
to capture the fend who murdered Bud Plott.
Ferguson, the supposed murderer, is a man
about thirty-tve years old, weighs about l60
pounds, rather red complexion, light mustache
and stammers slightly. The horse he is sup
posed to be riding is bay stallion eleven years
old, large and thin in flesh.
This Is the first murder committed in
the vicinity of Putnam, which village and sur
rounding country is populated by the very best
people in this or any other state, and our people
area unit in support of any measure that win
secure the capture and punishment Of the foul
fend who committed this great crime.
THE STORY FROM BAIRD.
Special to the Gazette.
BAIRD, Tex, Lay News reached here this
afternoon from Putnam, that E. Plott had been
murdered and thrown in the creek near there.
he was until recently section foreman on the
Texas aud Pacific railroad, but when killed he
was engaged in hauling ballast stone for the
same company. but it is said he had partner
helping him whose name is Ferguson, and that !
the partner is missing Officers are investigat- |
ing the affair. Plott was well liked by all who |
knew him, He leaves family.