Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1893-04-21

ShOpiere,, Wis, April 14.-Intense eX-
element over the double murder Il mile
out from this village yesterday morll-
ing still continues.
Mathew BetSOn, the murderer, WAS Il
tenant on the farm of Arthur Hearn,
which is located within sight of the
depot here. Betson was married only
last September. BetSOn was the wo-
mans second husband She was di-
vorced from her first husband two or
three years ago, and he now lives near
Clinton. His name is Mortimer Hines.
AS soon as the Betsons moved to the
Hearn farm they began quarreling.
Many times the wife of their employer
was called upon by Mrs Betson to pro-
tect her from abuse. She had always
been successful as Il peace-maker, and
no one was surprised when she started
across the field yesterday morning to
quiet a fresh disturbance. Mrs. Hearn
was accompanied by Il little girl about
ten years old.
AS they entered the house Betson was
standing in the kitchen. He had gun
in his hands and brandishing it in the
air he exclaimed:
''Now ] will kill you BOTH
He was warning Mrs. Hearn and his
wife, but the little girl thought he
meant her as well and fled in terror
across the pasture to where her father
was. But before she had gone half
way there were two sharp reports.
She turned and watched the house for
4 moment and as she did so a curl of
smoke came from one wing 1t was
followed hy more, and the little girl
turned and ran faster than ever.
'Mat Betson has killed mamma and
his wife and has set the house on fire."
she gasped to her father
Mr.. Hearn saw flames bursting from.
the house and rushed to the spot. He
was alone at first and could do but
little Before he reached the scene the
flames had gained such foothold that
it was impossible to enter the house
The roof and walls still Stood but from
every door and window fire was burst
ing.
A horrible sight was revealed. Close
beside one another-in fact, hardly
three feet apart-lay the bodies of the
two women. From head to foot the
flesh was burned from the bones and
nothing but a charred mass remained.
1t was only by the size that the two
could be distinguished. Mrs. Ielrn
was finely proportioned woman near
ly feet in height, while Mrs. Betson
~,f nd ctpn rID
built
Indignation ran high when the two
bodies were brought to light.
''He will be lynched if we catch him"
was the general expression regarding
Betson 1t told very plainly what the
sentiment was regarding the murderer.
1t was not until the fire was under
control that pursuit of the fleeing
husband was thought of. Until then
checking the flames. Neighbors called
to mind that they had seen Betson bur-
I.ying north toward the Turtle creek
timber about 10 o'clock. Searching
parties were at once sent out and hum
dreds of men are now securing the
country with shctguns.
Betson had three hours start and has
a straight stretch Of timber that runs
from Rock county almost across the
state to Milwaukee.
Betson was seen running for the |
woods just before the fire broke out, |
going in the direction Of Whitewater
1t is supposed that he shot both women
and then, in his rage, set fire to the
house. They may not have been dead
when the murderer added the finishing
to his terrible work, and may have suf-
tered the torture of being slowly Gre
mated while lying wounded unto death.
It is this uncertainty which adds to the
horror of the crime.
Little Pearl Hines, the S-year-old
laughter of the murdered, Mrs. Betson,
saw the beginning of the tragedy,
Mrs. HeaIn, she says, told old Mat that
le could not come into the house when
he came back. 'fWhy not:" asked
Mat. Because you can't" But I
VIII ''Then he came in" says Pearl,
and when mamma was making the bed
Nat got his revolver and loaded it. Mrs.
Iearn stepped between them and Mat
grabbed her so that he could get at
mamma. Then mamma ran outdoors
md Mat chased her. She ran toward
he gate and heard her say: For Gods
AXE, Mat. don't kill me- Then 1 ran
way down to Mr.. Millers."
Pearl is years old and is the daught-!
r of Mrs. Betson by her first husband,
# Beloit-
Arthur Hearn. husband of the MUIR |
Tered woman. was one of the first to s
each the scene Of fire. He worked I
to break into the house. but {
vas able to accomplish nothing. Later |
le Joined the searchers headed fer Del
van. I
1t is believed that Betsoa shot both t