The Irish standard., 1898-12-10
Sad Death of Luke currv.

Wv
Editor of the Irish Standard: One of the
saddest events that have ever happen
ed in the history of Great Falls occurred
here on the morning of Sunday, the Goth
ult. Luke Curry. while performing his
duties as policeman, was shot dead by
one of the merchants of the city. AS
near as facts can be ascertained he came
to his tragic end in this manner: 1t has
been the custom of the police of this
city for some years past to try the front
and rear doors of the business houses
and stores at night to see if they were
properly secured. On the fateful morn
ing of the Goth, Policemen Curry and
Sheehy went on their usual rounds for
this purpose, and about 2:45 a. M coming
to the rear door of the store of Isaac
Schaeffer. situated in the Dunn block on
the city, found it unlocked. Mr. Curry
putting his hand on the latch found the
door to open, and calling the attention
of his comrade officer to this fact, both
rule on such occasions. Curry now pro-
ceeded to open the door wider, asked if
there was any one there. and flashed his
search light at the same time. No hui
man voice made response to this inquiry,
but instantly, the sharp report of shot
fired from double-action revolver rang
out in the stiffness of the night, the bull
let came from the darkness inside,
struck Policeman Curry directly on the
temple ard entering the brain he fell dead
on the spot. Death was instantaneous.
A second shot quickly followed the first,
narrowly missing the head of Officer
Sheehy, who, suspecting burglars, retired
a few steps keeping guard of the door,
and giving the alarm. The premises
were soon surrounded and the body OF
Luke Curry was removed to McAllisters
undertaking rooms close by pending the
coroner's inquest. 1t developed that
Isaac Schaeffer, one of the propretors of
the store, who had recently established
themselves here, was unacquainted with
the nightly custom of the police, slept
in the rear of the store, and on being
aroused at once suspicioned the police
men to be burglars, became frantically
alarmed and from craven fear fired reck-
lessly in the direction from which the
voice and light came, the first bullet by
mere chance INJECTING the death wound
Of Luke Curry.
Mr.. Curry was born in Irishtown,
County Mayo, Ireland, in 1854, where he
lived until 1878, when he came to
America, settling in Hartford, Conn.,, for
some time, then coming West to Fort
Benton, Mont, he worked for 1. G. Baker
& Co. till 1892. when he came to Great
Falls Ever since his arrival here he has
acted in the capacity Of policeman. About
twelve years ago he was married to Miss
Slattery, who with five young children,
now mourn his loss. One of his broth
ers, Thomas Curry, is at present located
at Lethbridge, N. w. r., being United
States consular agent at that point Two
other brothers, John and yPutricK, and a
SlSIef Sllll i've III Ile O!u homestead IN
Ireland. His mother died about a year
ago in Ireland.
Luke Curry was man universally re-
spected in this community as testified to
by the lengthy procession of sorrowing
friends who accompanied his remains to
their final resting piace-Calvary ceme-
terry, Great Falls. He was an upright
and conscientious man, loving husband
and kind father, ever watchful, prudent,
faithful and fearless in the performance
, of his duties as police officer, one of ma
lures noblemen, who always made
friends. He had no enemies. He had
been member of two benevolent soci-
eties-the Ancient Order of Hibernians of
America and the Woodmen of the World.
He was insured to the extent of S., 900 in
the latter society, which, together with
other life insurance of about $4,000
leaves his family comfortably provided
for.
Sincerely yours,
/ MAJONV