Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
"Man Killed" headlined the Nov. 13, 1880, New Era, predecessor of the Vindicator.
The news article continued:
"John C. Chapman and Robert Conley, who lived in the northeastern part of Jackson County, near the Jefferson County line, came to Valley Falls to mill last Saturday. Not being able to get their grist ground in time, they started back and stopped at the Half Mound Mills, got their work done. Before leaving Valley Falls, a gallon of whiskey was put in the wagon and both parties are supposed to have drank freely on the road. They also had a double-barrel shotgun in the wagon with them.
"Sometime after leaving the Half Mound Mills, Chapman got out to shoot some quail, and in some way, both barrels of the gun were discharged. One lead struck Conley in the abdomen inflicting a flesh wound and the other in the back between the shoulders, killing him almost instantly. Chapman claims the shooting was accidental, but the coroner's jury did not so find, and Chapman was arrested and had a preliminary examination before Justice Osgood last Wednesday resulting in his being held in the sum of $500 for his appearance next term of district court."
A portion of the evidence at the inquest follows: Mr. John C. Chapman testified.
"We were coming along the road talking together as we were going along; we saw some quail by the roadside, I having my gun in my hands attempted to jump out; my foot caught in something; I stumbled and fell to the ground when one of my knees struck one barrel of my gun discharged, when I fell on my face the other barrel discharged. My impression is that Mr. Conley was standing up in the wagon when I raised up; Mr. Conley and the team were about 60 yards ahead of me. I did not know that Mr. Conley was hurt by the discharge of my gun; I called for him to stop but he did not do so. I then reloaded my gun and followed the team on a run, after going about 80 rods I came upon the body of Mr. Conley, lying face downwards in the road. I then realized that Mr. Conley had been hurt by the discharge of my gun. I had some difficulty with Mr. Conley about two months ago about some rope, but settled it peaceably some time ago. I did not leave the road after I raised up until I came near the body lying in the road. A pair of mittens being found in wagon I identify as belonging to Robert Conley, deceased. JOHN C. CHAPMAN."
Next, an apparent eyewitness, Mr. L.R. Strawn, testified:
"I first saw Mr. Chapman and Conley about 4 o'clock, Nov. 6, 1880, about a quarter of a mile from my house driving along in a wagon; heard them talking very loud; they drove up to my house and inquired the road to the Half Mound Mills. After passing my house, I heard Mr. Chapman say that he proposed to have a settlement; that he did not care for orphan children, or something to that effect; that he was going to have the corn. He was talking very loud. I could still hear them talking afterwards, but could not understand what the dispute was about. I am under the impression that they were quarreling. I heard the report of gun in the direction which they were going about 15 minutes after they left. In a few moments afterward I heard another report of a gun, the time intervening between the two reports was about ten seconds. I also heard a man's voice between the two shots as if trying to stop the team. I live 200 yards east of Half Mound Mills and about three-fourths of a mile from where the body was found.
L. R. STRAWN"
Next — the verdict of the coroner's jury:
"STATE OF KANSAS/ ss
County of Jefferson / ss
An inquisition holden at the residence of Benjamin Hamon, in Jefferson County, on the 7th day of Nov., 1880, before me, a Justice of the Peace of Delaware Township, in said county acting as Coroner of said county, on the body of Robert Conley, there lying dead by the jury, whose names are hereunto subscribed. The said jurors, upon their oath, do say that the deceased came to his death from the discharge of a shotgun in the hands of John C. Chapman, and there is probable cause for malicious intent on the part of John C. Chapman.
MELL LEGLER
E. M. HUTCHINS
J. R. BEST
ISAAC FRIEND
J. W. FALLS
W. J. WETHERHOLT"
The Feb. 26, 1881, issue of the Valley Falls New Era reported:
"The trial of J.C. Chapman for the murder of Conley resulted in an acquittal."
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24.
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