|
Submitted byIf you would like to Thank Roger Harvell for sharing the following info, simply click on the above Friend of ARF Library Button. You will be taken to a page where you will find his e-mail address, as well as an index of items that he has submitted to ARF.
Melbourne Times August 14, 1913
G. B. 'Uncle Gid' Bruce of Lunenburg township met his death yesterday morning in an altercation with A. C. Byler, who until a year ago was also a citizen of Lunenburg township but whose home is now Plano, Collin County, Texas.
Mr. Byler arrived in this county some three weeks ago and it is said the fact soon became known that he intended to wed Miss Elzie Anderson, a granddaughter of Mr. Bruce. To this Mr. Bruce strenuously objected and it is alleged on last Tuesday hunted up Byler and with a double barreled shotgun drawn and cocked ordered him to leave the state within three days or die.
Thursday morning Mr. Byler was travelling the public road and when at a point near the blacksmith shop conducted by Mr. Bruce and his son, he was attacked by Mr. Bruce who threw rocks at Mr. Byler and then threw a double bit axe at him. At this juncture, Mr. Byler picked up the axe and turned on Mr. Bruce, hitting him, it is claimed, two blows, one of which cut a gash in his neck and the other crushing his skull.
The altercation occured at 8 o'clock in the morning and Mr. Bruce lived until 3 o'clock in the afternoon and never regained consciousness.
Mr. Bruce is a blacksmith 71 years old and has resided in Izard County practically all his life Mr. Byler is a farmer, is 55 years old, and until a year ago had lived in Izard County nearly if not all his life.
Soon after Mr. Bruce was struck, Mr. Byler was placed under arrest and his preliminary hearing will be held this afternoon.
Note: This was an especially tragic turn of events, Gideon Blackburn 'Uncle Gid' Bruce was the son of George W. and Indiana (nee Atkinson) Bruce. Indiana was the half-sister to Medean Atkinson who married John E. Byler, Augustus' grandfather. Grandmother Della Byler Walker was said to have fainted when told of her father's act. Uncle Gid was the father of William Walter Bruce who married Augustus' daughter Lettie. Great-grandfather was found to have acted in self defense...RDH
Killed With An Ax
Return to Stories and Shared Memories Index
Thank You for visiting my Izard County, Arkansas site.
To contact me specifically about this webpage, send email to:
About This PageFor other subject matter, you can reach me at my base email address.
Take Care, Judy Tate