The Daily Republican from Anthony, Kansas • 1

ii 40c PER MONTH A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE. SINGLE COPY, 6 CENTS VOLUME I. AJNTHONY, HARPER COUNTY, KANSAS, TUESDAY EVENING" APRIL 20. 1886. NUMBER 102 I A Bloody Deed! THE WEAVER BOYS LYNCHED Snow BRICKLAYERS AND CONTRACTORS.

Residence In the Moll Mason properth on cost Mam street. -Job work promptly attended and prices reasonable. By Maskfed Citizens from Danville and Vicinity. THE ANTHONY THE SCENE OF HORRIBLE AFFAIR- The First Killing Within Its Limits. JL E.

WELCH, Merchant Tailor, If they were going to kill an innocent man, and they quit firing, and they said no not if he will come out right away; and they said that they would cease shooting for a tew moments if he would come out, and I spoke to King and told him what they said, and he said that he would come out, and then I came out, and in about five minutes they took me back someone hundred to one hundred and fifty feet from the house, and they kept up a continuous firing in the building and in the direction ot the parties where we left them and where King left them. The firing continued for at least one hour and a quarter, or it seemed to me that long, and then they came out and said that they had got them and wanted a rope, and they got some ropes out of the wagon and went back in the house, and went back in the cellar, the best I couid see they went back down the same door that 1 went in, and they were not in there very long until I heard another volley of shots, probably thirty, or forty or fifty.shots, and then they came out and says we have got them, and they said every man to his horse. They said we have just got two others to get and then our job is complete. They got on their horses and went east. When they turned me loose I went in the house.

I went in with Forbes and a good many others and saw the eaver boys there and they were dead. Q. In what house was that? A. In the school house, the same house I went to with Philip, Oliver and Henry Weaver. 1 saw them laying there and 1 recognized them.

Give me the time and place. A April the 19th, I would say between one and three o'clock in the morning, Harper county, Kansas. How many persons were there in that disguised mob A To the best of my judgment there were between forty and fifty. I made a count when they were getting on their horses when they had me there as a prisoner, as best could, and 1 could count forty-one in number, that I saw that belonged to the mob. You may describe the appearance of the crowd as near as you can.

A They were masked or painted, some of them had daubs on their faces, kind of dark colored stuff, and some had ANTHONY, KANSAS. T-TAVING OPENED A SHOP, on Jennings av-enne, one door north ot tin' Pacific Kxpres office, and having a large assortment of sample of first class goods, I am prepared to put up tine suits at the most reasonable prices. 49Cutting and repairing promptly done nnd satisfaction guaranteed. Call and sec me. or tell them where they could find him.

But he was not there. Philip, Oliver and Henry went to town again on the 22d of February, and the following statement, made Dell Shearer, when lie was on his supposed death bed, will show what took place on that day State of Kan sal Harper County, Adelbert Shearer, being duly sworn, deposes and says, and believing that this is his dying declaration: Between Neeley Johnson's the Weavers, Phillip, Hank and Ol, and as I understand, one of their cousins drove up close to the side of my wagon when Henry Weaver said to me: 'You've got to either fight me or I'll shoot yii right here to-day." and then I told him to just keep away from me and let me alone. They then followed me upon the scales, when I drove off and left them. I drove out in the country with Henry I reton and stayed till I thought they had left town, then I came back into town, and as Boon the Weavers saw me they followed me up and called me -sons-of-bitches," each and every one of them, and swore they'd either whip me or shoot me, that had to fight or they would shoot me. I told them to go away and let me alone.

They kept following me up, when the fracas begun by Phil. Weaver shooting at me. I then drew my revolver and shot at him, the same instant Oliver Weaver shot me through the left hand. Then Henry Weaver, as he came past D. P.

Cole's scales, grabbed two of the largest weights and threw and struck me in the left side with one of them. It stunned me and knocked me down. As 1 fell, Philip Weaver shot me here in the left side above the hip bone, it lodged near the naval in front, but was cut out by one of the doctors. I got shot four times five places instead of four. Phil.

Weaver shot me in the side. The first shot Oliver made was through the left hand. I can't tell who made the other shots, but believe they all had revolvers and used them. When I fell, being knocked down by the weight. Henry jumped onto me and then Philip Weaver shot me.

That was the first time we came together. I can't tell how many shots I fired. I dropped the revolver and it will show for itself. I wouldn't be positive that Henry Weaver had a revolver, but I think he did. This took place Monday, February 22nd, 1886, in Danville, Harper county, Kansas.

I don't know whether I will get well or not. I haven't much hopes. I believe that I am on my death bed, and that I am as near my death as any one can be and live. Yes, I believe I will be punished hereafter, after death, according to the deeds done here. There was no provocation that I know of to cause them to do as they did.

When I was knocked down Henry Weaver got my revolver, and I believe he shot it off at me. Adelbert Shearer. Witness to above being read and signed: A. J. McAdams, M.

D. W. E. Butcher. State of Kansas Harper County, The above and foregoing declaration MEAT We Must Have.

-AND- one on dark colored cloths, some were way and some the other. crowd of masked men A. 1 heard them when they fell in line alter they had got on their horses, and they counted thirty some odd, and they still was not through, but some one ot them commenced handing me the revolvers; 1 was busy taking care of them and lost count, but 1 guess that there were somewhere near fifty men. Q. You may describe the appearance af the men.

A. They were masked; some had handkerchiefs over their faces, some had just a black piece of cloth, with holes cut for their eyes and nose. Some ot them had a muddy like paint on their faces. Q. Did you know of any of them? A.

1 did not. 1 suppose that they all live out east of town, and 1 am not acquainted out that way at all. Q. Which way did they come in and which way did they go out? A. They came in from the east wheni first saw them when 1 looked out at the window the3T were coming along right south of Gosses.

They were about one hundred yards troni the house when 1 first saw them, and when they left the sheriff and myself they went back east the way that they came, and they were going east the last 1 saw of them. Q. Was any of the boys hit in running to the school house? A. No sir there was none of them hit when 1 lett them; 1 asked them just before 1 left it any of them was hurt and they said no not yet. Q.

Do you know how the boys came by their death, what was the cause of their deaths. A- Well. 1 would judge that the wounds where they were shot killed them. Q. You imi3 describe the appearance of the wounds aud so forth.

A. 1 did not examine the wounds close, 1 wasn't any closer to them than from here to the stove. 1 did not care to look at them, but 1 could see considerable bullets; 1 could see a good man3 holes through then clothes, and 1 saw consid-31-able bollet marks about their head. Q. On each of the hoys? A.

Yes sir. Q. Do you know as to the number oj wounds on each? A. I don't; I did not examine them closely at all. Q.

Who do you think killed the three Weaver boys; was it a mob? A. 1 would take it to be a was a company of masked men that did it. MRS. WEAVER'S TESTIMONY. Nancy K.

Weaver, called as a witness, being duly sworn, testified as follows: Q- Were you present ai the time there was a mob near the new school house in the city of Anthony, Harper county, Kansas, last mght? A. Yes sir. Q. You may state the circumstances what you haw occur there. A.

I can tell you just how I know all about it. I was sitting by the window in the hotel and 1 heard a guv. go off and a yell and I jumped up and opened the door. 1 heard some ohe hollow murder and I run up there and they met me and caught hold of me and told me to throw up rav hands or they would blow mv brains out. Did you know any of the parties? A.

I did not positive; but there was a big man there that I think wa Cole. Q. We only want whut you MOW. A. I don't know positively.

Q. Can you swear positively that vou know any of them? A. Nosir; there were two men that led me around and searched me to see if I had a pistol and I thought that I knew them but could not swear positively. Q. What is the age of your A.

lam so riled up that 1 hardly know what I am doing to-day. The youngest one is about 23. Q. What is his name? A. Oliver.

Henry I think will be 25 his next birthday and Phil 27. The jury, after hearing the testimony of these and other witnesses, returned the following verdict: State of Kansas, Harper County. HS An inquest, holden at Anthony, in Harper county, on the 19th day of April, 1886, before me, A. II. Blackburn, a justice of the peace of the city of Anthony, in said county, on the bodies of Philip Weaver.

Oliver Weaver and Henry Weaver, these lying dead by the jurors whose names are hereunto subscribed, the said jurors, upon their oaths, do say That the said Philip Weaver, Oliver Weaver and Henry Weaver came to their deaths 011 the morning of the 19th day of April, A. 1886, in the city of Anthony, Harper county. Kan-say. means of leaden balls, and shot fired at and into the bodies of said Philip Weaver, Oliver Weaver and Henry Weaver, from rifles, revolvers and shot-guns, held in the hands of persons, from the evidence adduced before this jury, unknown, supposed to be an effort to avenge the shooting of one Adelbert Shearer I. B.

Forbes, With reference to whether or not J. B. FOSTER they were armed. A Yes sir, they were armed, all I saw. Some had double barreled that, shot Last Monday morning Sheriff Coach brought the Weaver boys from Wellington to this city for trial.

Since that time, and up to Sunday night, they were under guard. Each night they were manacled and kept at the sheriff's residence, and as no demonstration had been made by the enraged citizens of Danville and vicinity to capture them, and Sheriff Couch had been assured by leading citizens thereof that all such intentions had been abandoned, no extra pains were taken to guard against a mob. Then, it was fully understood that Dell Shearer, their victim in the Danville affair, was recovering from his injuries and would probably get well. So no one expected that violence would again be attempted. On the contrary, it was generally thought that the law would be allowed to take its course.

On Thursday there was an agreement that the case should be continued, and on Friday Hon. Thos George, one of the council for the defense, made application to have the bail (S30.000) reduced, and it was understood that the matter of a reduction was to be heard on Tuesday. It was said, at the same time, that the boys woidd be able to execute a bond, and would do so this (Monday) morning. Reports also reached here on Saturday that Shearer had taken a relapse and was in a very critical condition. There were very few who were aware of these last reports, however.

Sheriff Conch not being appraised of any change in Shearer's condition. Suniay night, a little after 12 o'clock, the guard on duty. Sidney King, with the prisoners, heard the tramp of horses feet, and looking out of the window saw a large troop approaching from the east, and at once notified the sheriff, in an adjoining room, of the fact. It had previously been agreed upon between the sheriff and his deputies that in case of a move to capture the prisoners that they should be taken to the new building, and the sheriff at once instructed Sidney to proceed to that place. The prisoners had not been manacled that evening.

They were aroused from their slumbers and informed of the situation. All three had their pants and socks on, and without waiting followed Sidney as directed. The mob was now in close proximity and discovered the movement. About fifteen or twenty shots were discharged at Sidney and the prisoners, but they succeeded in reaching the school building basement. Furnishes Every Variety of Fresh and Salt Meats the Best the Market Affords.

O-Two doors east of Forbes' grocery, Main street. Anthony, Kansas. same so that the prisoners could plainly be discerned and fired at from without. In the meantime, guards had been thrown out to prevent citizens from approaching. About two hundred shots were fired before the prisoners could be secured, and so much time had elapsed that the city was rapidly being aroused.

Finally all of the prisoners were secured and taken from the basement to the first floor (partly laid) in the center of the building, and, at a command from the leader of the mob, a final volley was discharged at the poor wretches, the balls taking effect in every direction. Judging from the fact that ropes had previously been placed around the prisoners" necks it was evidently the intention to hang them. Philip Weaver received sixteen shots in the region of the chest, all around, and four in the lower extremities, the balls taking effect in every direction. Henry received two shots anteriorly, and two posteriorly in the region of the chest, and two in the lower extremities; also a fracture of the skull in the rear. Oliver received two shots in the left side and two in the right side in the region of the chest.

The mob seemed to be solicitous that none of our citizens should be harmed, and was actuated by but one motive that of avenging the shooting of Dell Shearer. The men all wore masks so that recognition was out of the question, and when they had completed their deadly work, left town by the east road and scattered in every direction. They brought two hacks with them for the purpose, no doubt, of caring for any of their number that might be wounded. The Weavers emptied the revolver, which the- captured from King, at the party, and it is believed, by citizens who had congregated near the scene of the horror, that one of the number was wounded and carried away in one of the vehicles. Sheriff Couch informs us that there were not less than forty-one of the party.

He counted that many, and thinks there were others he did not see. The mother of the Weavers, and the wife of Oliver, were in the city at one of our hotels, and both were near the school building when the deed was finally consummated. Their piteous appeals for help, and heart-rending moans, screams and sobs are indescribable. The wife of Henry was confined at home, having given birth to a child last week. The father and another brother were expected to arrive here by nine o'clock, but had not made their appearance.

Dr. McAdams, of Danville, county coroner, was telegraphed at an earlv hour. He arrived here at 3 o'clock p. m. and declined to act in the case, but requested Justice Blackburn to act in his stoad, who at once empanelled a jury composed of the following gentlemen: I.

B. Forbes, P. C. Firestone, Dr. C.

E. Bowers, S. E. Adams. W.

S. Cade, and W. P. Olmstead. TESTIMONY.

Evidence taken at the inquest field April the 19th, 18S0, before A. R. Blackburn, a iustice of the peace in and for the city of Anthony, Harper county, Kansas, over the bodies of Oliyer, Henry and Philip Weaver, State of Kansas Harper County bb Testimony of witnesses taken this 19th day of April, 1886, at an inquest, by the undersigned justice of the peace. A. Blackburn, as the coroner, Dr.

A. J. McAdams declining to sit or hohl the inquest in sail cause, and a jury of six citizens of said county, P. C. Firestone, S.

E. Adams, Dr. C. E. Bowers, VV.

Olmstead, I. B. Forbes and W. S. Cade, were empanelled and sworn as jurors in the cause.

I. P. Couch called as witness, first being duly sworn testified as follows: Question. You may state what you know concerning" the death of Philip Weaver, Oliver Weaver and Henry Weaver. I will state that I had them in my possession as prisoners, and lust night, during the latter part ot the night, there came a crowd of men there, 1 would call them a mob, they were what we believed to beamob, at the time we saw them coming the boys left my house with my guard, Sidney King, by my orders.

1 was in the bed at the time that I first ascertained tbat they were coming, and 1 dressed myself, or partially dressed myself, and followed them out as quick as I could. When I got outside I heard firing in the direction ot the school house, at th time some parties with pistols and guns stopped me and disarmed me and took me up to the school house, where they said that they had followed the Weaver boys and had seen them go in there in company with A. D. SMALL, (Successor to Small fc Kyan,) CONTRACTOR AND BUILD ICR. Shop Corner Kansas Ave and Evans Anthony.

Kansas. Carpentering and Building in all the Modern Styles. An Extensive Experience Enables Me to Guarantee Satisfaction all Kinds of Work in My Line. Zfcf-Estimates furnished promptly of Adelbert Shearer was written by me FOR SALE OR RENT. as made by said Adelbert Shearer, and was read over to him by and after being guns and some had revolvers.

I could not tell the character of the revolvers, but 1 could see them in their hands, and some had what 1 would take to be a Winchester. I saw one or two that I took to be Winchesters. Did you Know any of the parties'? A No sir, I did not. Sidney King, called as witness, first being duly sworn, testified as follows: You may state what 3011 know, if anything, concerning the cause of the death ot Philip Weaver. Oliyer Weaver and Henry Weaver, A Well, between twelve and one o'clock last Hight I was guarding the Weaver boys; I was setting up and was awake, and 1 heard a rumbling sound and 1 went to the window and saw a posse of men coming on horseback, and as they had attempted to mob them once before 1 supposed it was the mob after them.

I threw the partition door open between the room that I was in with them, and the room that Mr. Couch was in, and I called out to him and told him that I supposed that the mob was coming, 1 saw a posse of men coming on horseback, and he says get the boys out and get them in the barn it 3011 can. I ran to the youngest one of the boys, that was sleeping in the bed with the colored man that we had there as a prisoner, and I jerked him clear out of bed and called to the other boys and told them to follow me that the mob was after them. I led and them after me. and we ran to the school house, and when we got near Privetf they detected us running, and commenced firing on us; there were several shots fired, I could not say how many, I don't have any idea, but we managed to get in the cellar or the basement of the school house, and ent into the the main cellar up under the school house and got right next to the wall; they kept coming in and I held them at bay as long as 1 could; I had only one revolver with me, and I told the boys that it was useless to make any thither resistance, and 1 told them that I would have to leave them, and the' said, Sid-ne3 5Tou have done all j'ou can tor us, and we can't ask you to stay; and as I started, one ot them asked me for my revolver, and then one of them caught hold of me and the other one twisted the ievolver out of my hands.

I says don't make any tight until I get up' on the floor, and they said that the3 would not, but told me to get up quick, and I raised myself up on the sleepers, and as I lett them the Weaver bovs made a run back toward the north end. There were several shots fired, and some of them started in after the boys, and 1 heard one of the boys hollow out, stay back there, the first man that sticks his head in there will get killed; and then they commenced firing; there were several shots exchanged, and I heard Couch call out not to kill the men, that his guard was in there, and not to kill him; he called to me and I told them that I was coming out, and 1 went out at the southeast door, and Couch came out of the cellar as 1 came out, and then they used both of us as prisoners until after they killed the boys. There were a good many shots fired, and then the3 came back to their horses and said that they had them and wanted the ropes, and after they came A large, well built and nicely finished hotel building, on Jennings avenue, one block north of the depot Recently known as the 1'antier house. The house has just been renovated and overhauled and in every way placed in a condition to open a fii st-class house. Call immediately.

d-w-may 1 H. W. PANTIER. One block west of depot. AMBLERS signed by him in the presence of A.

J. McAdams, M. and W. E. Butcher, he solemnly swears that the declaration as above, to which he subscribed his name, is the truth and nothing but the truth, and that he does this in the full realization that he is about to die.

so help him God. Wm. M. Glenx, seal Notary Public. Commission expires Aug.

1, 1887. By way of explanation in regard to our new school building, it is well to state that it is constructed of brick, with stone foundation. The walls are up anddhe roof is nearly completed. The workmen have just commenced laying the floor. There are no windows nor doors in the building proper or basement as yet, and the floor beams and The sheriff residence was at once I AND Graham, Bye and Cream Bread, Pies, Cakes.

Fresh Every Day. partition studding are not enclosed, so that from any direction the greater part of the immense interior can be seen. The shower of bullets came through the open windows and doors and went whistling in among the timbers in every direction. Bullet holes in the earth floor of the basement, the masonry, the heavy timbers and casements are visible everywhere, and many spent balls have been dug out by relic hunters. On the east side of the basement the upper part of the window casings are powder burnt from the guns which belched their deadly shower of lead into their interior.

I P. C. Firestone, Jurors -j Dr. C. E.

Boaveu. S. E. Adam. W.

S. Cade. W. P. Olmstead.

After the inquest was held, the remains of the men were removed to the Adams building, across from the Montezuma hotel, where they were taken in charge by members of the family present. They were neatly dressed and placed in elegant caskets. Here they remained during the night. The funeral took place this (Tuesday) morning, from the building mentioned Meals at all Hours! DAY BOARDING. 209 AVest Main Street, Anthony Kaus.

LIVE AND LET LIVE surrounded. Mr. Couch emerged fjom the rear of his residence as soon as he could don a few garments, and attempted to get around to the school house by the back way. He had not proceeded far when several masked horsemen appeared, and, firing their revolvers, commanded him to halt. The command was obeyed.

At this time he was in the vicinity of his stable, standing with his back to the same. He was then commanded to throw up his hands. The left hand was raised, but the right was held behind his back. In the latter hand he held his revolver. At this juncture a masked man, with a shot gun in hand, emerged from the stable in Ms rear, and, leveling the weapon fairly upon him, commanded him to drop the volver.

This command he also obeyed, whereupon he was made a prisoner and marched off in the direction of the school building. Arriving there, he was pushed to the front of the mob, which entered the south portion of the basement, and commenced firing into the other portions where the prisoners were supposed to be secreted. Mr. Couch remonstrated, and asked the men if they wished to kill his guards, whereupon they desisted and directed him to call off the guards. He called to Sidney to come out.

At this juncture the prisoners seized upon Sidney, who was alone with the three, and wrenehed his revolver from him. Sid- and a large concourse followed the remains to the Anthony cemetery, rue cause. The cause of this unfortunate affair is about as follows On the 12th day Old Reliable Transfer, Baggage and Express Line. back again they hollowed all get to your Qf February Henry Weaver went to -REFERENCE3: the leading of Anthony. LIVERMORE.

Prop'r. ANTRUM CIGAR Havir.tr commenced the manufacture of cigars at my location over Hammers Bros meat shop, I am prepared to furnish the lovers of good cigars with my popular brands, "SHORT HORN," a good live cent cigar that talks for itself. "boat clxJb," a choice ten center that cannot be excelled anywhere. Merchants of Anthony, build np your town by handling my home-made brands. I have come to stay and will keep my business up to all demands made upon it.

CHAS. IIANSLEMAN. J56SCome to the Republican office for all kinds of job printing. noises, anu iney 10m ukil tuum go, and Couch went around in where the boys were, and 1 went down to the house to let his wife know that he was all right; she was very uneasy about him: 1 had been down once before with one of the mob; we went down; he went to guard me and he came back with me; and then after they left 1 went back down there again to tell her that he was all right. When 1 got back to the school house there were quite a number of citizens of Anthony there and the hoys were Teachers' Examination.

Kin They made me go aown miue the house under the basement on the south side ot the building. Right away Danville and made himself very obnoxious wanted to fight, and said he could whip any of a in the town. He finally encountered Dell Shearer, and forced a fight with him. Shearer gave him a drubbing. The next day Philip, John Henry.

Oliver and Philip, went to Danville hunting for Dell Shearer, and good citizens say that several of them were armed with revolvers, and that they made a public offer of five, dollars to anyone who would produce Dell Shearer after we srot under there some parties nev emerged and was made a prisoner. they are, and at the same tune the pntiv was under the impression that I saw The next regular teachers examination will le held in Anthony, at the Morse building. Saturday, April 24, 1880, commencing promptly at 0 a. m. .1.

B. Hutchinson, Co. Supt. Anthony, April 12, 1880. under me j.nen liic uiuu something moving in tront 01 all laying side by on the tloor, and there were a good many bullet holes through them and they had ropes around their Q.IIow many were there of that the house, and they commenced firing under the and I asked them to quit tiring, and told them that one of my guards was under there and I asked them building, and by lighting nay and throwing the same into the basement windows, succeeded in lighting up the.