Evening journal., 1895-04-12
DEADLY KENTUCKY FEUD
State Senator Goebel Kills an
Old Enemy.
SHOT AT EACH OTHER ON SIGHT.

Bank Cashier Sanford Got In the First
Shot. but the Senator's Bullet sped Trusr
Citizens of Covington, KY, Much Excited.
More Shooting May Follow.
CovtNGToN, KY, April 12.-State Sen
ator W. p Goebol shot and instantly kill
ed John L. Sanford, cashier Of the Farm
ers and Traders bank. The two were po-
litical and business enemies for years
Goebel was coming out Of the First
National bank when he met Sanford, who
drew revolver and fred, the bullet strik-
ing the victim In the shoulder
The senator pulled his pistol and shot
three times I'm quick succession. all three
shots taking effect and causing almost in
slant death. Goebel then gave himself up.
Both men are prominent citizens OF
Covington. Goebel is lawyer and at
present state senator from Kenton county.
He is one Of the best known politicians in
the state.
Another account Of the shooting is that
Senator Goehel, with Attorney General
Hendricks. was walking toward the First
National bank whom he came face to face
with Sanford The latter stepped up to
Goebel and said:
"I understand you are the author OF
that article, - meaning publication in
The Commonwealth. a newspaper.
Goebel replied
Yes
Sanford then leveled revolver at Goe-
bel and fired, the ball passing through his
coat and lodging in the hip. Goobel turn
cd around and fired, tho bullet entering
! Sanfords hoad near the eve. Ho fred two
moro shots as Sanford fell, both taking
effect.
| A feud May Follow.
A fow minutes after the shooting de-
tail Of police surrounded the First Nation
al bank and had hard work TO keep tho
crowd away. Goebel was leader Of the
antiringitos, while Sanford led the other
faction OF the Democratic party. Senator
Goebol was a director Of the Citizons' Ma
tional bank, while Mr.. Sanford was cash
ior and director Of the Farmers and Trad
ers' National bank.
When arrested. Senator Goebel was
calm nc FIRST but later became yisibly OK
cited.
Here Is the reason killed him, he
exclaimed as he showed where the ball OF
Sanford's pistol had passed through his
trousers, tearing away portion Of tho
cloth
He was lying in wait for me. " con-
tinued the senator IT saw him when
reached the gas office, about 90 feot away
from tho stops Of the First National bank.
] was on my way TO tho Citizens Nation
al bank with my friend Hendricks. As
soon as / saw him reach for his revolver
! reached for mine"
Tho homicide grows out Of business
and political foud OF several years stand
ing and was not a surprise Not since the
famous Goodloe- Swope affair at Lexing-
ton, In which both Of those distinguished
mon died, has 80 deplorable murder oc'
currod.
It has created a state sensation, while
locally the greatest excitement prevails,
as continuation of the III feeling that
mado the murder possible Is certain 70 ro-
suit in more bloodshod
The Trouble of Political Origin.
For years Theodore Hallam and Harvey
Meyers, two Of the brightest lawyers IN
the south. have been tho Democratic lead.
ere Of this county. Goebel appeared on
the field while they woro at the zenith OF
their career, and under the guise Of an
antiringster fought for prestige in the par
ty. He was frequently rewarded mosi
generously and became deservedly popular
Personal i'll feeling naturally resulted
and IL was not confined 20 the leaders
Partisans sprung from every quarter
Sanford was one Of these and he espoused
the cause Of Hallam and Myers. Personal
encounters and convention fights were nu
merous. 1t Is not an exaggeration to say
that 100 prominent citizens have con
stantly carried pistols for the past thre'
years, expecting an attack any moment
Besides this bitter political feeling san
ford and Goebel were rivals IN business
Goebel is director OF the Citizens Ma
tional bank OF Covlngton, and SANFORD
had for years been director and cashie
Of the Farmers and Traders bank.
The men have been enemies since tn
two factions in politics began, and Their
have been some bitter attacks and counter
charges made by both men and thoi
friends through the columns Of the Va
rious Coyington newspapers.