6 May 1898--William Cunningham, a brakeman on the Wabash fell from his train at Huntsville Sunday night and was killed. 6 May 1898--Born, on the 5th, to D. M. Burns and wife, a son. 6 May 1898--Born, on the 3rd, to B. F. Bagby and wife, a son. 6 May 1898--SECOND CHAPTER IN THE SMOTHERS-DAVIS CASE--Mr. Smothers Called From His House by a Mob and Fired Upon Them, Killing Mitchell Lee-Others Unknown. Special to the St. Louis Republic--Armstrong, MO, May 1--A sad chapter enacted in the Smother-Davis imbroglio, by which bloodshed and death ensued since last related, when Miss Eppa, the Smothers' daughter and wife of Davis, had been abducted by friends and kept away from her husband and parents, screened and defended, as alleged, against apprehension and dangerous threats. Proceedings before the Grand Jury were brought, attempting to implicate Davis in the above acts named, but the Grant Jury failed to find an indictment, after which it was apparent that a change in sentiment and demeanor had been wrought with Miss Eppa, for she not only refused to compromise her father by testimony that he had unduly influenced her course in her marriage, but a secret longing for home and home influences began to have telling effect upon her actions. Robbins, the former suitor, was a frequent caller, and reports were rife that after her divorce proceedings against Davis should prove successfully her marriage to Robbins would take place. But the fickle Miss Eppa seemingly grew tired of her new environments, sought interviews with her father, which soon resulted in her throwing off the protection and friendship of those whom she had sought to be her captors, and signified her willingness and readiness to return to her parental home, which she did. The advice and counsel of her former captor friends began to lose power and influence, home and home influences seemed to again enrapture her, home rule was less oppressive, and upon the recommendations of her father, a meeting of all parties interested, both in the Smothers and Davis families, was arranged at a neighbor's house, and an arbitration of all points of difference discussed, resulting in the reunion of Davis and Miss Eppa in the relation of man and wife. No doubt Miss Eppa's friends had acted from the prompting of truly sympathetic hearts as they comprehended the situation, and were enabled to understand the facts, and their action was naturally hostile to Mr. Smothers, and seemingly warranted by the hearty co-operation of Miss Eppa. She now claims to have had nothing to do with doctoring the dog in order to secure his quietude and co-operation and that she was violently snatched from "Black Mammy's" arms, and with mouth stuffed with cotton to prevent screaming, she was almost unconsciously hurried away to a carriage in waiting for her rapid flight to her newly arranged home. Those who were now compelled to settle as best they could these seeming contradictions in words and action felt themselves the victims of misplaced confidence; in this state of passion, holding an unsettled grudge against Mr. Smothers, a party of men, how large is unknown, called at Smothers' house Saturday night, about ten o'clock, and called him out. When outside of his door in his yard he was ordered to throw up his hands, which he did, but in his hands was a double-barreled shotgun, which he quickly discharged at their company, suddenly killing one of their number, Mitchell Lee by name, the contents of both barrels having taken effect in the breast. It is reported that several shots were returned by the party, taking effect in the weatherboarding of Mr. Smothers' house, but leaving him unharmed. The dead man was taken to the main road, several hundred yards away, and left lying on the ground until Sunday morning when an inquest was ordered. Some of the party notified the neighbors of the existing facts, carefully concealing their identity. These neighbors took charge of the remains of Mr. Lee. The balance of the party disbanded, and their identity is at present unknown. Since writing the above it is learned that the coroner's jury has brought in a verdict that Mitchell Lee came to his death by a gunshot in unknown hands. It is understood that Mr. Smothers acknowledges the shooting, but it seems that the attacking party got a crossfire on him, and that he sought shelter behind a clump of evergreens, leaving it altogether uncertain whether Smothers' gun, or one of their own party on cross-fire actually did the killing. Smothers was enticed out of his house by the announcement that they had a telegram for him. The dead man, Mr. Lee, was about 45 years old, and reported to have been a reputable citizen. He leaves a widow and family. Complications in this unhappy affair are steadily growing more serious, and it is feared the end is not yet. But the motive had by this company is inferred by the presence of ropes and switches found on the front stiles, also a revolver, supposed to be the property of the dead man. Mr. Smothers testified before the jury that he shot at the man who commanded him to hold up his hands, and a wound in the thumb of the dead man, Mr. Lee, shows that he held his revolver in a shooting attitude at the time the death wound was inflicted. 6 May 1898--OBITUARY--(poem at beginning) Entered into life eternal April 28, 1898, Thomas Carter, aged 55 years. He had for two years or more, suffered from bronchitis and lung trouble, which caused much apprehension and anxiety, yet all that medical skill or human love could do to cheer him, the failing heart beat its last pulsation, and the gentle spirit fled to a brighter home. In the last conflict of life's agony, making the last testimonials of expiring love, he commended his soul to God. No rude blast hastened the extinction of the expiring lamp of life, and angels gently drew the curtain of death around him. Peace to his quiet slumbers! Sorrowing friends bore him to the tomb and joined in the last sad rites, while the winds whispered their mournful requiem. His memory cherished with undying love, will steal upon us like the quiet zephyrs of evening. These partings are very sad, but they have to come with us all, and we must submit to God's will, for He doeth all things well. Those who watched over him when only God was near, will miss him. A long and last farewell! May we be prepared to meet you in that beautiful home above is the prayer of CALISTA. 13 May 1898--Mrs. J. W. Breakbill, aged 59 years, died near Clark Tuesday of last week of heart trouble. 13 May 1898--Murdered in Cold Blood Eli Hursman Shot Down on His Farm South of Town Monday by Joseph Sumpter--The Murderer Surrendered To The Authorities. Probably one of the most cold-blooded and unprovoked murders ever committed in Howard county was the killing of Eli Hursman by Joseph Sumpter early Monday morning, on the farm of Mr. Hursman five miles south of town. From the best information we can get, the facts in the case are that Sumpter had been paying attention to the daughter of Mr.Hursman, which was not agreeable to the old gentleman who finally told Sumpter that his presence was not desired at his residence. This so angered Sumpter that he told some of his friends on Saturday that he intended to attend Sunday School the next day and that if Hursman was present he would shoot him. Hursman was notified of the fact and remained at home. Early Monday morning Sumpter armed himself with a revolver, mounted his horse and rode over to Hursman's. Not finding Hursman at home he told Mrs. Hursman that he had made no threats against her husband and that he was there to deny the report. He then left the house and rode into the field where Mr. Hursman was plowing and shot him twice, the first ball entering the breast and the second the head, killing him instantly. After threatening to shoot a small boy of Hursman's, who was present, he turned and rode away. One of Hursman's older sons who was at the house when his father was shot down, got his gun and shot twice at Sumpter, who promptly returned the fire. Neither of them were struck. Sumpter left the farm and a few hours later surrendered to Justice Sol Dougherty. His preliminary took place yesterday, but we were unable to learn the result. Mr Hursman was about 55 years old and was always looked upon as a peaceful and inoffensive man. He leaves a wife and a large family of children to mourn his untimely death. 20 May 1898--Married, in Higbee, on Sunday the 15th, John Dixon of Higbee, and Miss Blanch Fight, of Seneca, Illinois, Justice Rankin officiating. The News extends good wishes. 20 May 1898--James Ceck, a miner at Jones & Davis' mines near Huntsville, was accidentally killed in the mines about three weeks ago, leaving a wife and six children. Last Saturday Mrs. Ceck and James Nence were united in marriage at Huntsville. This rather beats the record in Randolph county, as only three weeks had elapsed from the time Ceck was killed until his widow had married--Salisbury Democrat. 20 May 1898--Fred Hanson, the 10-year-old son of Robert Hanson and wife, died Sunday morning, of pneumonia. The remains were taken to Brunswick for interment. 27 May 1898--John A. Swetnam, of Moberly, died Thursday of last week from the effect of a carbuncle on the back of his neck. Mr. Swetnam was at one time Surveyor of the county, and had many friends here who will regret to learn of his death. 27 May 1898--A FATAL ACCIDENT--One of the saddest accidents and subsequent deaths that it has been our duty to chronicle in many years, is that which befell Charles Drake, one of Howard county's most popular and enterprising young farmers, at his home near White's Store Friday afternoon. From Col John D. Ricketts, of this city, whose farm adjoins the deceased's farm, we learn that Mr. Drake, assisted by a colored farm hand, was engaged in building a wire fence and had almost completed the job when the chain used in connection with the fence building machine, broke. Mr. Drake was standing only a few feet down the fence, in a stooped position, fastening the wires to a post, and he received the full force of the frame work of the machine, which struck him on the head rendering him unconscious and from which he never revived. An examination showed that the scalp was not broken, simply an indentation in the skull. Every medical attention was given him, but to no avail. On Sunday Drs. McCalister and Moss of Columbia, trephined the skull with the hope of saving is life. So utterly unconscious was Mr. Drake that the physicians gave him no drug whatever, and he never quivered during the operation. Mr. Drake lived until 12 o'clock Monday night. His death is peculiarly sad. A young man about 25 years old; in the full strength of manhood; had been married a little more than two years and leaves a heart-broken widow an a little babe.--Fayette Democrat-Leader. 27 May 1898--The twelve-year-old son of Peter McGirk of near Elliott, was bitten by a rattle snake Tuesday morning. The child was in the Anderson school house yard, and was making his way to the well for a drink of water when the snake sprang from a bunch of grass, burying its fangs in the bare foot of the boy. G. A. Dougherty who was near by killed the reptile, and assisted the child to the house, a distance of about half a mile. When the house was reached the leg was tightly bound about the place bitten, and Mrs. McGirk applied her mouth to the wound and drew what poison she could from it. Whiskey was procured and the child drank freely. Dr. Hickerson of Moberly was summoned and did what he could to relieve the suffering of the patient. When last heard from, the child was in a critical condition. 27 May 1898--Joe Sumpter who shot and killed Eli Hursman in the north part of Howard county a short time ago, has been released on a $5000 bond. We are not informed upon what grounds he was granted bond. 27 May 1898--Mr. E. G. Hayden, one of the oldest citizens in Randolph county, died yesterday evening at about 7:30, at the home of Mrs. Maggie Limeback on Elizabeth street, of senility. There is quite an interesting story connected with the life of the deceased. Many years ago he removed with his family and settled in California. He was in good circumstance, financially, but it seems that his wife cared more for his money than she did for him, and in some manner induced him to place his property interests in her name, after which she turned him out of the home he had made for her, without a penny. He returned to Moberly, an aged, heart-broken man, and made his home for a time with Mr. and Mrs. Lineback. Some time later Mr. Lineback died and rather than be a burden upon the widow the old gentleman left and endeavored to make his way in the world. Soon after, by the death of a relative in the east, he fell heir to a large sum of money, whereupon he returned to the home of Mrs. Lineback, where he has since resided and spent the closing days of his life in peace and plenty. He was a quiet, kind-hearted, Christian gentleman, and was held in the highest esteem by all of his acquaintances.--Moberly Democrat 19th. 27 May 1898--Married, on May the 12th, at the residence of and by Elder S. B. Naylor, W. L. Redifer, of Chariton county, and Miss Cora B. Robb, of near Higbee. The News extends good wishes. Kathy Bowlin, Additions, corrections, comments welcome.