The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1894-03-24
MURDER And SUICIDE.
Humphrey Mcdonald of TyrconneII
Killed by James A. Robinson,
WHO COMMITS SUICIDE LATER.

Killed by James A. Robinson,
WHO COMMITS SUICIDE LATER.
They Quarrelied About the Possession
Of Farm Formerly Owned by Rob-
inson But Later Transferred to Nc.
D0nald-The Officers Who Went to
Arrest Robinson Found Him Sitting
in a Chair, Dying From Three Bullet
Wounds.
TYRcoNNELL, w. VA, March IA
Humphrey F. Mcdonald, one of the
wealthiest citizens of TAYLOR county,
was shot, and killed by James A.
Robinson at nine o'clock this morn
ing, about mile and half west Of
Tyrconnell.
The most intense excitement pre-
walls throughout the neighborhood
and it is extremely bard to get
strictly reliable information, but
from the most reliable sources the
following details are obtained:
Some time during the past year
Robinson, who was a stock dealer;
became financially embarrassed and
sought relief in the sale of his farm,
which was purchased by McDonold.
with the understanding that Robin
son was to occupy the premises until
March Is. 1t now leaks out that
there was an agreement between the
two men whereby Robinson was to
have his land back provided he
could raise the money before the
time specified for vacation, which he
seems to have done, but which Nc
Donald refused to accept and Robin
son was in the act of moving his eff
fects at the time the shooting occur
red.
Robinson sent for Mcdonald to
come over to his house, and shortly
after, an alteration ensued, Robin
son drawing a revolver, but was
caught and held by two farm hands
who were present. 1t is claimed
that Mcdonald seized club, and in
striking at Robinson, hit one Of the
men who was holding his arms,
whereupon Robinson rushed into the
house, procured a double barreled
gun which be used with deadly eff.
feet upon Mcdonald, who by this
time had started to run. Mcdonald
begged piteously for his life, but
Robinson turned and EN- ptied the
contents of his revolver into the dy-
ing mans body, which finished him
in few seconds.
McDonald's body lay in the
field near the house from the hour
of the shooting until some time in
the afternoon, when an inquest was
held by county officials.
Robinson resisted arrest at the
hands of the local authorities and
posse, headed by Sheriff Davidson,
Deputy Selvey, and Prosecuting At
torney La Toilette, started frem
Grafton to effect his arrest, but they
found Robinson well armed and de
termined to resist, and up to 10P M.
had not succeeded in effecting mis-
capture.
He would allow his friends to come
near enough to converse with him,
but forbade all officers of the law to
come near Prosecuting Attorney
La Toilette, who was well acquaint-
ed with the man, attempted to get
near enough TO reason the case with
him, but he leveled his Winchester
on him and compelled him to retire.
The house is now surrounded and
developments are hourly expected,
as Robinson has threatened to leave
the house tonight. He stated that
he would not be taken alive, but that
if they would wait until to morrow
that he would give himself up.
The latest telephone inform alton
at Tyreonnell states that three shots
were fired in quick succession in the
vicinity of the trouble, and Regis
ter reporter is now on his way to the
scene to ascertain latest develop
ments.
Mcdonald was about 70 years old
while Robinson was perhaps not over
80. Both parties are well known
throughout the county and the news
of the shooting has spread like wild
fire.
BATER-M idnight-Special mes
senger sent out has just returned to
Tyrconnell. He states that Robin
son has committed suicide
The guard, which had surrounded
the house all evening, had planned
an attack for about P. M.
They were surprised by hearing
three shots fired in rapid succession
within the house. They advanced
and, opening the door, found Robin
son sitting in a chair in dying
condition and bleeding profusely |
from bullet wounds in the forehead,
temple and abdomen.
1t is supposed that he stood up
before locking glass and fired the
two shots which took effect in his
head and then sat down in chair
and fred the one into his abdomen
as the revolver was still in his lap.
Robinson's wife and family had |
gone to his father in laws during
the morning before the trouble began |
and it is stated Robinson was drink
ing heavily up to the hour of his
death.
The entire community is in the |
widest excitement and much sym
patty is expressed for the heresved |
families of both men.