The herald., 1895-04-12
THE PISTOL AND POLITICS
A Duel to the Death in a
Kentucky City
SENATOR AND THE BANKER
John L. Sandford Killed by William
Goebel
Result Of Feud Of Long Standing Growing
Out of Business Affairs-The Dead
1an Shot First

CINCINNATI. April lin the bust
ness center of Covington, KY. John l..
Sanford, cashier of the Farmers and
Traders bank, was killed at 80 by State
Senator William Goebel. Both fired at
each other on the crowded street. An
hour later one of the wealthiest citizens
was dead and leading p olitician was in
custody at the station house, while the
streets were thronged with excited crowds
The factional agitation over the bloody
affair continues to run high tonight on
this side of the river, as well as in Gov
ington and other Kentucky towns.
Goebel and Sanaford were the leaders of
two bitterly contestihg d emocratic fac
tions. The feud is an old one, but it be-
came intensely personal Saturday when
the Covington Ledger published a very
bitter attack on Sandford, which the lat
ter attributed to Senator Goebel. The lat
ter acknowledged authorship. The friends
of both have been talking this week in
such a manner that trouble was expected
the first time the two men met.
The meeting today showed both were
well armed. Senator Goebel and At
torney- General Hendricks were walking
up Madison street. AS they approached
the First National bank Sandford, who
was leaning up against the railing. ap-
preached quickly toward Senator Goebel
and spoke to the latter. at the same time
drawing his revolver.
Senator Goebel turned to one side just
as Sandford fired. The bullet from Sand
ford's revolver passed through Senator
Goebel's coat and trousers in two places
over the hip. Senator Goebel then drew
his revolver and fired, his shot taking
effect in the righ. side of Sandford's fore
head. The first word was spoken and the
first shot fired by Sandford.
There were but two shots, one by each
of the assalants. Sandford 5 friends deny
that the latter was lying in wait for the
senator. Sandford was shot over his left
eye, blood flowing profusely on the side
walk before he could be removed. Sand
ford's mansion is four mile; out His
family telephoned friends to bring him
home Immediately, but he could not be
removed. Sandford's son was the only
one of the family who reached him before
he died. The victim never regained con-
sciousness. He died in less than an hour
and the remains arrived at the homestead
about the time of his usual return in the
evening.
The police were called to keep the
crowd away from the scene at the bank
during the afternoon and evening.
During the shooting. when he saw
Sandford fall Senator Goebel returned to
the court house, stopping only moment
I, fo 6rt, rfo nd
gave himself up.
Here is the reason killed him." ex-
claimed the senator, jumping up excit-
edly and turning about he threw his coat
tail around and showed where the ball of
Sandford's pistol had passed through
tearing away portion of the cloth.
''He was lying in wait for me. l saw
him when l reached the gas lamp about
twenty feet away from the step of the
First National bank. I was on my way
to the Citizens National bank with my
friend. General Hendricks. AS soon as |
saw him reach for his revolver l reached
for mine
The trouble between the two men dates
back for years. In the legislature Sena
tor Goebel had bill giving the city treas
urer OF Coyington the power to make the
city depository of any bank he desired.
Previous to this time the Farmers and
Traders bank. of which Sandford was
cashier, had been the, city depository.
The city treasurer had drawn funds from
the Farmers and Traders bank. which
at times amounted t, 100000. and made
the Citizens National the depository.
Senator Goebel had another bill pass re-
moving the toll on the Lexington turn
pike of which Sandford was president.
MI Sandford was 81 years old. His wife
was Marshall and sister of the cele-
brated Thomas Marshall OF Kentucky.
Mr.. Sandfords grandfather was distin
guished in the state. being at one time
state senator and a member of the con-
stitutional convention.
Senator Goebel isa successful business
man as well as a lawyer. He is 40 years
of age and unmarried. lie located in
Covington when quite young. He is out
tonight on bail