My Maternal Great Grandfather, James Henry Ray, was shot and killed by a neighbor in Blossom, Lamar County, Texas sometime in the year 1900. The name of the neighbor, according to family history, was Gossett (probably John Gossett). There was a fire in the county seat, Paris, Texas, in the year 1916. All records pertinent to this case were destroyed. The only newspaper in the county at that time was destroyed. The local college has no information in their archives. The Dallas Morning News, (the nearest large newspaper) has been contacted, with no answer received. James Henry was buried in the Red Oak Cemetery near Blossom, Texas, with no headstone, therefore his date of death is only known as 1900. Does anyone out there have any ideas as to where I should search for the particulars surrounding the death of my Great Grandfather? Herschell hebe@peoplescom.net

Herschell, if there were charges brought or a trial, there might be a State vs (John?) GOSSETT. That case would be found in a TX law library. The librarian on-site would be able to instruct you if you do not know how to use the law library. Fran powell@closecall.com