Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1905-02-08
.ASRANCHER
MURDERED?
MYSTERIOUS D1SAPPEARANCEO OF
WILLIAM QUAY LEADS TO Of
FlCIAl INQUIRY.

What has become OF William Quay,
rancher who lived at the head of
the east fork Uf Spring creek, about
rs miles from Lewistown? That is the
question Mr.. Quay's neighbors are
asking, and have been asking for
nearly three months past. And their
questioning has become so persistent
as to bring about an ofrlcial investiga-
ton which may ultimately throw some
light upon the strange disappearance
OF William Quay.
MAN of Steady ffabits.
FROM all that can be learned, Mr..
Quay came to Fergus county about
three years ago, and after looking
around. decided to locate at the head
of the east fork. There he engaged in
ranching after the usual fashion, and
did about as we'll as his neighbors
Quay is about 80 years IF age. and
unmarried. Being a man of steady
habits, he gained the good will OF
those living in the vicinity, and to all
appearances had settled down to the
business of ranching permanently
About the day after the election III
November, a ,neighbor who had oc
casion to call at Quay's place found
that he was away. That, of course
was not a circumstance to attract the
slightest attention, nor did it, but
when a week or so later it was found
that the young rancher was still alb
sent, there was some comment, which
increased as the weeks went by, and
stiIl brought no word from Quay. Fl
na1ly it was decided to make some
Investigations. and these led to the
discovery that all of Quay's clothing
with the exception Of his shirt and
mderclothes, were in his house. The
rooms were not disturbed. He own
ed about Is head of stock, and the
animals were all accounted for. These
facts only tended to deepen the mys
terry. and when it was learned that a
the time he was missed, he had a sun
of money, estimated at ABOUT $500, ir
| the house, there was some shaking u
heads and dark hints of foul play, bu
so far, none of these misgivings have
been confirmed.
Fortune Awaiting Him.
Another very singular feature II
the case is that Quay has recent.
been left fortune in Scotland. Thi.
was not brought ont until after th'
man had been missed. and so far al
can be learned, he did not know q
the circumstance when he disappear
ed. Since then, however, letters hav'
been received from the old cOuntr!
asking what had become of the heir
and those who have charge of his in
terests in Scotland are evidently dis
turbed at their failure to get in com
munication with their client
| The whole matter was laid befor
County Attorney Ayers and Sherii
Slater Monday, and they decided t.
make an investigation at once. Al
ter gathering all the facts they coul'
from their informants here. the Off
GERS left Monday afternoon for tn
Quay ranch to complete the inquiry
On their return from the ranch, tn
officers stated that they had confirm
ed all that had been told them. an
the facts, so far as learned, tende
to strengthen the theory of foul play
They make no specific charges agains
any person, but are convinced tina
there are some in the vicinity of tn
ranch who could throw some light. a
least. on the mystery If they woul
speak. The investigation is by n
| means over