New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-01-11
SWIFT JUSTICE FOR A MURDERER.
SHOT TO DEATH BY POSSE WHOM HE HELD
AT BAY-A TRAGEDY IN NIAGARA


Buffalo, Jan. 10.-In the town Of Ransomville,
ten miles from Lockport. this afternoon, Robert
Clapsaddle, an aged farmer. was brutally muir
dered by his prohigate son-n-law, George II.
Smith. and three hours later posse of seventy
five of the most prominent farmers Of the section
meted out swift Justice to the assassin, Kidding
his body with score OF bullets.
Clapsaddle who was sixty-eight years DID,
lived about q mile south of the village with his
wife. their youngest daughter and a grandson
twelve years old. the OF Smith. who fifteen
years ago married Clapsaddles Oldest daughter
About three years ago Smiths dissolute habits
and brutality caused his wife to obtain a separa-
ton from him. Smith nursed the idea that Clap
saddle had induced his daughter to make this
move. and just after the separation proceedings
were begun he beat the old farmer in a brutal
manner He was sent to prison three times for
this and other offences but the terms Of his con-
fncment were short About eighteen months ago
Mrs smith married John De Clute. a farmer liv
Ing about four miles from the Clapsaddle house.
Smith swOre revenge upon Clapsaddle for alenat-
ing his wife's affections, but about this time he
was convicted of perjury In swearing falsely
against farmer. John Moore, whom he charged
with smuggling Cinnamon. and was sent 10 prison
for a year. As he was taken from court he swore
TO xiii Clapsaddle when he reganed his liberty.
HIS term expired November /, and since that
time he has lived Migrants life. Early this
father-in- law. whom found reading paper.
and without word of warning fired a bullet into
his head. killing hin. instantly. The murderer
then fed across the fields. and. the alarm being
soon given a posse headed by deputy sheriff
and constable gathered and started in pursuit.
being followed by additions as the chase proceed
ed. until il numbered over threescore.
Smiths course lay in the direction OF De
C!ute's house the home Of his divorced wife.
and the posse. fearing that he meditated further
murders hurried in the same direction. They
had gone about two and n half miles when
Smith vas sighted in the dstarce about a
quarter OF a mile from De Cutes house. When
the hunted murderer saw the posse closing in
upon him he changed his direction and sped
toward the house OF a farmer. one Brown
Turning I'm the doorway OF the house. Smith
fred shot at his pursuers shouting The
first man who follows me in here will be killed.
The posse surrounded the house and Brown
came out and told them Smith was secretcd In
n clothespress which had window looking
upon the yard A rush was made for this win
down but Smith, thrusting his arm out OF the
opening fired another shot, which broke the
arm Of Elmer Clapsaddle. relative Of the
murdered man. and the crowd drew back
Deputy Sheriff Wolf called upon the muir
derer t. surrender. but receiving no response.
end fearing that Smith was preparing for an
other attack. he ordered the posse TO fire. Two
score Of rifles and shotguns rang out their re-
ports and poured their contents into the wall or
the house The sound OF falling body and n
groan followed the volley and the posse enter
ing the house found Smith the floor. bleed
ing frcn a dozen wounds and unconscious. He
was brought to Ransomve, where he died late
tonight.
Mr.. Clapsaddle was ono OF the most respected
men in the section Of Niagara County in which
he lived. and had the sympathy Of all his neigh
bors in the troubles which arose out Of his
relations with Smith.