Previously:
[May 3, 1892] -
The report comes from Somerset that Tom Scott slipped up behind Editor Rucker and knocked him down with a policeman's billet because he published that the grand jury had indicted him for some of his numerous offenses. We hardly thing Mr. Scott could have been guilty of so cowardly an act, but if he is the law should put him where he won't be able to assault anybody else soon. [1]---
[May 10, 1892] -
Editor Rucker, of the Somerset Reporter, who was recently assaulted by Tom Scott, charges the mayor and police with complicity in the matter and rakes them over the coals for it. He also handles the city council without gloves. [2]---
[September 20, 1892] -
A BLACK HAT
The Clew In the Horrible Rucker Murder.
Ex-Chief Anderson Charged With the Crime.
He Skips With All the Money He Can Secure.
SOMERSET, KY., Sept. 20.--[Special.]-- Joseph B. Rucker, editor of the Reporter, was assassinated on his way home at 8 o'clock last night, a few yards from the Public Square. The electric lights had just been turned on as Rucker reached the Square. There was a flash, a report, and a pistol ball passed into his body from the right.
The assassin escaped in the confusion and is unknown. Rucker ran 75 yards and fell, and was carried to his home near by, where he died at 12:30 a.m., surrounded by his wife and two daughters. Mr. Rucker was an old and prominent citizen, the editor of an aggressive weekly paper and had some enemies. Detectives are on the ground working every clew, and, if caught, the murderer will be lynched.
SOMERSET, KY, Sept. 20.--[Special.]-- Ex-Chief of Police Anderson of Somerset, is charged with the bloody assassination of Editor Rucker, of the Reporter, and is not to be found here this morning.
There is a reward of $1000 offered for his arrest. Anderson was Chief of Police of this city for over two years, but resigned about two months ago and went into the saloon business with Roberty Coffey, of this city, who says his partner, Anderson, has skipped since last night's tragedy with all the money he could rake up.
A large black hat was found in the garden just back of where the murder of Rucker happened last evening, and it is said to be the hat that the ex-Chief of Police has worn for some time, which he purchased at the firm of Waddle Brothers.
Editor Rucker has criticised the ex-Chief of Police several times for his bad conduct, and the editor received the approval of his criticism from the best citizens of Somerset.
Mr. Anderson has frequently made threats against the editor of the Reporter, and everything points to the guilt of Anderson, and if he is captured it will indeed go hard with him, as it is the most dastardly deed ever committed in the county. Mr. Rucker's funeral takes place tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. [3]
---
[September 20, 1892] -
KILLED IN HIS SANCTUM.
Editor Rucker, of Somerset, Ky., Assassinated by a Gang of Desperadoes.
SOMERSET, Ky., Sept. 19.-- Special Telegram.-- The office of Joseph Rucker, editor of the Somerset Reporter, was the scene of a bloody affray to-night, which ended in Rucker's death. For some time he had been denouncing a gang of desperadoes in his paper, an their frequent threats to kill him only served to strengthen his attacking pen. At 8 o'clock to-night, as he was at his desk writing, several members of the gang entered. He was alone, but pluckily ordered them out, at the same time drawing his revolver. Before he could use it, however, he was riddled with bullets. The men then fled, keeping would-be pursuers back with their pistols. [4]
---
[September 20, 1892] -
An Editor Assassinated.
SOMERSET, Ky., Sept. 20. -- Joseph B. Rucker, editor of the Reporter, was assassinated Monday evening at 8 o'clock, while on his way home. It was the most dastardly and cold-blooded deed ever committed in this county, and everybody is wild with excitement. Mr. Rucker died at 12:30. Every clew is being worked to catch the man who did the dirty work, and we have it that the murderer will be caught before Tuesday night. There will be several witnesses introduced in court who will testify who did the shooting. [5]
---
[September 21, 1892] -
FOULLY MURDERED
An Old Quarrel Terminates in the Killing of an Editor.
SOMERSET, KY., September 20.-- Joseph B. Rucker, the editor of the Somerset Reporter, was foully murdered here last night at 8 o'clock while on his way home. Indications point to ex-Chief of Police J. C. Anderson as the guilty culprit, they having had numerous quarrels. Anderson was Chief of Police for three years previous to two months ago, when he resigned to engage in the saloon business against the advice and counsel of Rucker, who although a Democrat, had affiliated with the Prohibition party.
Anderson's hat was found five feet from where the fatal shot was heard, where it is supposed to have been knocked off by a clothes line in his hurry to get away from the scene. Knowing it would be identified, Anderson concluded to escape. Telegrams have been sent to several places to intercept him. He was Tax Collector for this city. Rucker leaves a wife and four children. Anderson leaves a wife and child about eight months old. [6]
---
[September 21, 1892] -
A Fatal Shot.
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 20.-- Editor J. B. Rucker, who was shot down in the crowded portion of Somerset, Ky., last night by an unknown assassin, died at 12:30 o'clock last night. Indications point to Chief of Police Anderson as the murderer of Editor Rucker, they having had numerous quarrels. Anderson has fled. [7]
---
[September 21, 1892] -
NOT YET CAUGHT
Murderer of Editor Rucker, of Somerset, Still At Large.
Warrant For the Arrest of Ex-Chief of Police John C. Anderson.
Belief Among the People That He Was the Cowardly Assassin.
The Dead Man a Convert of Central Gospel Mission, of This City.
MR. MUNNELL'S TRIBUTE.
Somerset, Ky., Sept. 20. -- (Special.) -- It is thought that the assassin of Editor Joseph B. Rucker, who died at 12:30 o'clock this morning from the effects of the wounds received last night, will soon be run down. If he is not, it will not be because every effort possible is not being made to get him.
When the news of Mr. Rucker's death was made known the feeling of excitement and indignation over the cowardly crime amounted to frenzy. Not the slightest clew could be found, and for hours, no one seemed to know which way to turn. The posses were still scouring the woods, and it was not known whether or not the murderer had been caught.
Early this morning a number of citizens and officers were at the scene of the assassination. Directly in the rear of the spot where the killing occurred, under an old wire clothes line, was found a No. 7 1-2 broad brim black slouch hat.
The excitement was intense at this discovery of the only clew, and dozens of men proceeded at once to the store named on the lining of the hat. Immediately afterward a warrant was issued for the arrest of ex-Chief of Police John C. Anderson, charging him with the assassination. Men started to find him. He had left for parts unknown, and there are few here to-night who do not believe him connected with the murder. The hat found is exactly like one Anderson always wore, and, as he and Mr. Rucker had often quarreled, his sudden disappearance is regarded here as criminating. He was here the afternoon before the killing, and a Sheriff's posse is now looking for him. All railroad points have been wired, and escape is almost impossible.
Anderson would be known in the crowd of a thousand. He is tall and erect, black heavy suit of hair, black mustache and weighs over two hundred pounds. Judge James Denton and County Attorney George Shadoan to-day offered a reward of $1,000 for the arrest and conviction of the assassin. Anderson resigned as Chief of Police about two months ago, and about a month ago went into the saloon business here. He took all the available money at his place of business, and if he is the assassin he certainly committed the murder after having made every arrangement for it. He would not have time to get to his saloon after the killing, as posses took up the search almost immediately. The murderer was evidently a very tall man, as the clothes line which knocked off his hat, presumably, as he fled, was fully six and a half feet above the ground. [8]
---
[September 21, 1892] -
Regret at Georgetown.
Georgetown, Ky., Sept. 20. -- (Special.) -- The news of the assassination of Joseph B. Rucker at Somerset was received at this place with feelings of great regret and indignation. Mr. Rucker was born and raised in Georgetown. At the breaking out of the late war he was a clerk in the post-office here, John A. Bell, editor of the Times, at that time being Postmaster. He enlisted in the Southern army and served with credit. At the close of the war he returned to Georgetown, and in connection with Mr. Bell started the Times. At the end of six months he severed his connection with the paper and moved to Warsaw, where he started a paper. He afterward moved to Lancaster, where he remained a short time and then went to Somerset. He married Miss Annie Hamilton, of Lexington. He enjoyed the respect and confidence of all here. [8]
---
[September 21, 1892] -
His Life at Lancaster.
Lancaster, Ky., Sept. 20. -- (Special.) -- Joseph B. Rucker, editor of the Somerset Reporter, who was assassinated at Somerset last night, was a citizen of Lancaster from 1870 to 1877, and ran the semi-weekly Central Kentucky News during his entire stay here. Three copies of the old paper were handed your correspondent this morning by one of the county's oldest men, who say that Rucker was often threatened during the publication of his journal in Lancaster, and but for timely prevention would have been killed by the notorious Ebb Kennedy*, when he made the race against Faulkner for Sheriff. During the fearful cholera scourge here in 1873 Rucker issued a morning daily, giving the previous day's deaths and developments. His death created quite a sensation here. [8]
[*most likely Elbert Kennedy, who was killed in front of the Lancaster courthouse Feb 1877 by his nephew Grove Kennedy]
---
[September 21, 1892] -
HE ONCE LIVED HERE.
Mr. Joseph B. Rucker a Convert of the Central Gospel Mission--Resolutions of Respect.
It is not generally known that Mr. Rucker was once a citizen of Louisville. He lived here before his removal to Somerset, and was a frequent visitor here. Mr. Rucker was a Prohibitionist, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Combined Temperance and Third party workers. While in this city he was a frequent visitor and worker at Central Gospel Mission, and action was taken upon his loss last night. At the conclusion of the service Mr. Munnell arose and said:
"The greatest shock that has come upon us, as a band of brethren, is the sudden and atrocious death of Brother Jos. B. Rucker, editor of the Somerset Reporter, at the hand of an unseen and unknown assassin. It is only two months since Brother Rucker stood in our midst and spoke tenderly and beautifully of his trust in the Lord and of the love of God shed abroad continually in his heart, and ascribed his utter fearlessness in his fight against crime and criminals in Pulaski county to this fact. He also referred to the time he first came into my ministerial services as a missionary in this city, and went away and took up the Bible to contest certain doctrines I had proclaimed; and how he came again and again to get material for opposition, until at length he was converted. He then lived in this city. He was one of the original members who organized Central Mission, August 1, 1887. When, later he moved to Somerset, and became proprietor and editor of the Reporter, he also established a branch of this mission there, and had me come up and hold two different revival services in Somerset.
"I never knew a more thoroughly converted sinner, nor a more faithful, tender hearted and gentle servant of the Lord. His life and faith and love int he Lord was ever an inspiration to me. That such a man, and such a Christian, should be cut off in the ripe years of his most useful life by the assassin's shot is a loss to the community in which he lived that is irreparable. As a mark of our respect to his memory, and an evidence of our appreciation of his life and character as a Christian, I move the adoption of the following resolutions, and that the Secretary be instructed to enter them in our book record, and send a copy to the bereaved widow and children of the deceased:
"Whereas, we, the members of Central Gospel Mission, have learned of the assassination of our fellow member, Joseph B. Rucker, of Somerset, Kentucky, with grief and horror:
"Resolved, That, in our opinion, a purer, more loving and trusting Christian never gave up his life in a fearless discharge of what he believed to be his duty to society as a Christian and an editor of a public journal.
"Resolved, That we extend our sympathy to the bereaved family, and counsel them not to mourn as those that have no hope of eternal life and joy in the world to come, for 'precious is the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.'"
The resolutions as read were adopted. [8]
---
[September 22, 1892] -
Couldn't Bear Criticism.
SOMERSET, Ky., Sept. 21. -- Ex Chief of Police Anderson is charged with the assassination of Editor Rucker of the Reporter, who was shot dead last night in the street. Anderson has disappeared and a reward of $1000 is offered for his arrest. Anderson has recently kept saloon and Rucker had criticised his bad conduct. [9]
---
[September 22, 1892] -
FUNERAL OF EDITOR RUCKER.
Anderson Still At Large and Heavy Reward Has Been Offered.
Suspected That the Inquest Will Show That the Cowardly Assassin Had Confederates.
Somerset, Ky., Sept. 21. -- (Special.) -- The funeral of Editor J. B. Rucker was held at the Christian church at this place to-day. It was one of the largest funerals in the history of the town. Rev. Harvey Glass delivered the funeral sermon. He spoke at some length of the prevalence of crime in the vicinity, and urged the officials to throw aside personal motives and all unite to one grand attempt to rid the community of its lawlessness.
John C. Anderson, his supposed assassin, is still at large, and it develops that he took with him $700 of his partner's money. A reward of $2,000, composed of $1,000 by the county, $500 by the State and $500 by a brother-in-law of Rucker, has been offered for the capture and conviction of the assassin.
The Coroner's inquest will be held to-morrow morning. So far little evidence has been given to the public, and sensational disclosures are expected. It is alleged that the assassin had confederates and that several persons are under surveillance.
Middlesborrow, Ky., Sept. 21 -- (Special.) -- John Anderson, the supposed assassin of Editor Rucker, of Somerset, is thought to be hiding in the hills near this place.
Chief of Police Conway has just received a telegram from the Marshal of Somerset, asking him to keep a sharp lookout for the suspected murderer.
Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 21. -- (Special.) -- Gov. Brown to-day offered a reward of $300 for the arrest and conviction of the murderer of Editor Jos. B. Rucker, of the Somerset Reporter. [10]
---
[September 23, 1892] -
Editor Rucker, who was assassinated at Somerset Tuesday night, published a newspaper in Lancaster about 20 years ago. He had many admiring friends here who deeply deplore his untimely death. [11]---
[September 23, 1892] -
The man Anderson who is accused of killing Editor Rucker, of Somerset, is a half brother of Rev. W. T. Bryant's wife, of this city [London, Ky]. [12]
---
[September 23, 1892] -
As he was going home from his office Monday night, Joseph B. Rucker, editor of the Somerset Reporter, was fired at by a cowardly assassin hid in the darkness and two of the three shots struck him in the back. He fell, apparently dead, and was taken by friends to the nearest drug store, when he gave signs of life. He was then removed to his home, where he died a little past midnight, after recovering consciousness enough to say he did not see who shot him. Mr. Rucker has been very outspoken in his denunciation of crime and criminals and it is thought that one of the many who have felt the deserved lash of his pen, committed the foulest deed known to the law--an assassination. It has not been very long since the same gentleman was clubbed from behind by a man who was smarting under the showing up of his deeds by the editor, and the fact that he has so far gone unwhipped of justice no doubt emboldered the cowardly scoundrel to do his infamous work. The citizens are thoroughly aroused and if the assassin is caught they will deal summarily with him. It is the kind of case that needs no judge and jury and calls aloud for lynch law. Mr. Rucker was a peacable, kind-hearted man, but could not countenance crime in any shape and he has made his paper of late a terror to evil doers, as every editor should feel it his duty to do. He leaves a wife and three children, all of them grown, who have the consolation that he died a victim of what seemed to be to him his duty. We sympathize sincerely with them and execrate the miserable fiend, who has deprived them of a husband's and father's love and protection. May the crime be wiped out in short order so far as the life of the assassin is able to do it.
The assassin is thought to be Ex-Chief of Police Anderson, for whose willful neglect of duty he was frequently scored by Editor Rucker. He finally resigned and went into the saloon business, going from bad to worse. The county has offered $1,000 reward for his capture, the State $500 and a brother-in-law of the deceased $500. Strong efforts are being made to apprehend him when we hope he will not be allowed long to cumber the earth. [13]
---
[September 23, 1892] -
PULASKI county and Somerset are getting up a deserved reputation as being the rottenest section in the State as to lawlessness. The cowardly murderers there do not give their victims any show, but shoot them down in darkness and through the back. The assassination of Editor Rucker is followed by that of Daniel Norfleet, who was waylaid and shot by Milt Britton. He has been arrested and if the facts are as given, he ought to be hung without the usual formalities. Tom Scott, a very degenerate son of a worthy sire, is also in jail for furnishing the gun to do the killing. It would take all the hemp raised in Fayette county to hang all in Pulaski county who deserve to have their necks stretched. [13]---
[September 23, 1892] -
Jas. B. Rucker, editor and proprietor of the Somerset Reporter, was shot and killed by an unknown assassin Monday night while on his way from his office to his home. Rucker had been very bitter in his denunciation of lawlessness n Pulaski county, and his fearless manner of handling the subject had made him many enemies among the outlaws, one of whom it is believed committed the deed. Posses are out on the hunt of the assassin, and if he is caught there will certainly be a lynching. [14]---
[September 24, 1892] -
Joseph B. Rucker, editor of the Reporter, of Somerset, Kentucky, and who at one time was an employe of the Yoeman office in this city, was mortally wounded by an unknown assassin Tuesday night. It is supposed that the cause of the shooting was the editor's relentless opposition to the lawlessness that has prevailed in Pulaski county.
Ex-Chief of Police Jno. C. Anderson, whose conduct Rucker has severely criticised, is alleged to be the assassin and a reward of $1,000 has been offered by the county for his arrest and conviction. The wounded man died early Tuesday morning. In addition to the reward of $1,000 by county, Gov. Brown offers one of $300 and Rucker's brother-in-law supplemented it still further by one of $500, making $1800 total reward for the perpetrator of the crime. [15]
---
[September 27, 1892] -
O. H. WADDLE, ESQ., of Somerset, was here yesterday on legal business, accompanied by Mr. Morgan Craine, of the C. S. Mr. Waddle tell us that, while not so intense as at first, the excitement over the assassination of Editor Rucker is still very strong and that there is a determination to bring his slayer to justice, and repair the foul blot on the city's good name that this and the many other crimes have placed on it. There seems to be no doubt that ex-Chief of Police Anderson is the cowardly assassin. Everything points to him, though his friends can not imagine how he could have nerved himself up to such a dastardly deed. Mr. Waddle tells us that Mr. Rucker fully realized his condition after being shot and told his wife and daughters not to grieve for him; that he was fully prepared for death and that it was no doubt for the best. A singular circumstance was that after the shot the very bad impediment in his speech disappeared and he conversed as clearly and as calmly as if death had not already claimed him. He was a true Christian and a brave man. May his death not be in vain. [16]
---
[October 7, 1892] -
It is thought that ex-Chief of Police Anderson, of Somerset, Ky., suspected of assassinating Editor Rucker, has skipped to Mexico. [17]
---
[October 7, 1892] -
Worse Than The Mountains.
The assassination of Joseph B. Rucker, editor of the Somerset Reporter, which took place last Monday night under the electric lights of his adopted home, is a deeper stain upon the reputation of the State than all the feuds of all the mountains of the State. That single action had more of the elements of craven cowardice and brutal lawlessness than all the mountain feuds of the past fifty years combined. When the character of the man, the nature of his alleged offendings, the time, place and circumstances of the deed are considered, it becomes the most appalling spectacle ever witnessed in the State, the assassination of Judge Elliot by the insane Thomas Buford, not excepted. -- Lexington Observer. [18]
---
[October 11, 1892] -
KILLED AN EDITOR.
REWARD FOR THE ARREST OF AN ASSASSIN.
A Kentucky Chief of Police Who Deliberately Shot a Newspaper Man.
Three weeks ago the press dispatches told briefly the story of a deliberate assassination in the little town of Somerset, Ky., when Joseph B. Rucker, editor of the Reporter, a weekly published in that town, was killed by a shot in the dark.
The murder was done about 8 o'clock on the night of September 19th. Editor Rucker had been detained at his office and was on his way home. From the shadow of a livery stable the assassin fired two shots, both of which took effect. The wounded man was carried to his house, where he died at midnight.
Rucker was as fearless as he was honest, and severely criticised certain local officials, prominent among whom was John C. Anderson, the Chief of Police. He had retorted in personal abuse and was known to be a bitter foe of the editor. Anderson's hat was found near the scene of the shooting and tracks were observed in the direction of the railroad track. Anderson, it was afterward learned, went to his saloon a little after 8 o'clock that night and emptied the cash drawer of several hundred dollars. It is believed that he took an outgoing train that night.
The citizens, with whom Rucker was popular, raised a fund and employed detectives. Photographs and descriptions of Anderson have been sent all over the country, coupled with the offer of $1500 reward for his arrest. Anderson's description is as follows: Age 32, height, 6 feet 2 inches; weight, 207 pounds. He has coal-black hair and mustache and may wear a black beard. He has a peculiar swinging walk, with a flat-footed step.
Editor Rucker was an ex-Confederate soldier, 50 years of age. He had lived in Somerset and edited the Reporter for fifteen years. He left a widow and three children. His son, whose home is in San Francisco, started for Somerset as soon as he learned of the tragedy. [19]
---
[October 11, 1892] -
JOHN S. VAN WINKLE of Danville has purchased The Somerset Reporter, owned by Joe B. Rucker when the latter was assassinated. Under Rucker the paper was a Prohibition organ. Mr. Van Winkle will make it a straight-out Democratic journal. [20]---
[October 11, 1892] -
The Somerset Reporter has been purchased by Mr. John S. VanWinkle, of Danville, who will change its politics from prohibition to straight out democracy. Mr. W. is a graduate of Centre College and has had some experience in the exacting business to which he will devote himself. [21]
---
[November 8, 1892] -
The monument to Editor J. B. Rucker is to be of granite, 22 feet high and is to cost $650. The Republican says it has already been contracted for. [22]---
[February 21, 1893] -
A dispatch from Sherman, Texas, says that a man answering to the description of J. C. Anderson, the assassin of Editor Rucker, of Somerset, Ky., has been arrested there. A Somerset officer was sent at once to Sherman to identify the suspect. [23]---
[January 2, 1894] -
It is reported that J. C. Anderson, charged with the assassination of Editor Rucker at Somerset, has been arrested at Jonesboro, Ark. [24]
---
[October 25, 1895] -
AFTER ANDERSON
WHO IS CHARGED WITH RUCKER'S ASSASSINATION.
(The Post's Special Service.)
Somerset, Ky., Oct. 25.-- Sheriff Link Denton left with requisition papers for ex-Chief of Police John C. Anderson, who has been arrested at Port Hope, Ontario, by Detective Morrison.
Anderson is wanted here for the assassination of J. B. Rucker, editor of the Somerset Reporter, Sept. 15, 1892.
This murder caused much excitement, and the arrest will cause more, as it is expected that Anderson will talk and will implicate a number of people in the lynching of the Gilliland boys. [25]
---
[October 29, 1895] -
The good news comes that ex Chief of Police Anderson, who assassinated Editor Joseph B. Rucker at Somerset, has been captured and is now in jail in Canada, with officers on their way with requisition papers to bring him back for trial. It will be remembered that the editor criticized him and that one night as he was on his way home he was shot in the darkness and killed. Anderson's hat was found near the body and his disappearance at the time left conclusive evidence that he did the cowardly deed. He deserves death in its worst form and he ought to suffer it without judge, jury or the benefit of clergy. [26]---
[November 1, 1895] -
A HOAX.--Deputy Sheriff Lincoln Denton went all the way to Petersboro, Ontario, to find that Assassin Anderson was not in jail there. So another hope that the murderer of Editor Rucker was soon to suffer for his heinous crime went glimmering. [27]
---
[December 22, 1896] -
Chief of Police Hughes and Sheriff Wm. Cooper are still getting letters telling of the location of John Anderson, who killed Editor Rucker some eight years ago. One received Saturday stated that he was at Lima, O. During the two years he has been sheriff Mr. Cooper says he has gotten at least 10,000 letters and telegrams concerning Anderson. [28]---
Editor Joseph B. Rucker is buried in the Somerset City Cemetery. [29]
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[1] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 3, 1892. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-05-03/ed-1/seq-3/
[2] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 10, 1892. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-05-10/ed-1/seq-3/
[3] "A Black Hat." Cincinnati Post, Cincinnati, OH. September 20, 1892. Page 3. Genealogybank.com.
[5] "An Editor Assassinated." Daily Public Ledger, Maysville, KY. September 20, 1892. Page 4. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069117/1892-09-20/ed-1/seq-4/
[6] "Foully Murdered." Arkansas Gazette, Little Rock, AR. September 21, 1892. Page 2. Genealogybank.com.
[7] "A Fatal Shot." Dallas Morning News, Dallas, TX. September 21, 1892. Page 4. Genealogybank.com.
[8] Excerpts from "Not Yet Caught." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 21, 1892. Page 4. Newspapers.com.
[10] "Funeral of Editor Rucker." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 22, 1892. Page 3. Newspapers.com.
[11] Excerpt from "Lancaster, Garrard County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 23, 1892. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-09-23/ed-1/seq-1/
[12] Excerpt from "London, Laurel County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 23, 1892. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-09-23/ed-1/seq-1/
[14] Hopkinsville Kentuckian, Hopkinsville, KY. September 23, 1892. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069395/1892-09-23/ed-1/seq-2/
[16] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 27, 1892. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-09-27/ed-1/seq-3/
[17] Excerpt from "News Items." Big Sandy News, Louisa, KY. October 7, 1892. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83004226/1889-10-07/ed-1/seq-1/
[18] "Worse Than The Mountains." Big Sandy News, Louisa, KY. October 7, 1892. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83004226/1889-10-07/ed-1/seq-2/
[19] "Killed an Editor." San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, CA. October 11, 1892. Page 11. Genealogybank.com.
[20] Excerpt from "Our Daily Mail." Daily Public Ledger, Maysville, KY. October 11, 1892. Page 4. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069117/1892-10-11/ed-1/seq-4/
[21] Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 11, 1892. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-10-11/ed-1/seq-2/
[22] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 8, 1892. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-11-08/ed-1/seq-2/
[23] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 21, 1893. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1893-02-21/ed-1/seq-3/
[24] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 2, 1894. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1893-01-02/ed-1/seq-3/
[25] "After Anderson." Kentucky Post, Covington, KY. October 25, 1895. Page 7. Genealogybank.com.
[27] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 1, 1895. Page 5. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1895-11-01/ed-1/seq-5/
[29] Grave site of Joseph B. Rucker. Somerset City Cemetery. Findagrave.com.
4 comments:
So, it appears that Anderson was never brought to trial for the murder of Rucker. Any idea what became of him?
Thanks for commenting. To answer your question, not really. As far as I could find he was never captured. The man supposed to be him arrested in Canada wasn't him, and the last article four years after the murder and says "During the two years he has been sheriff Mr. Cooper says he has gotten at least 10,000 letters and telegrams concerning Anderson." With so many leads I'm sure there was no way they could follow them all up, so Anderson managed to evade the law.
Thank you for this blog. I have written an article on Joseph B. Rucker for our Rucker Family Society newsletter, and much of the credit goes to you for the newspaper citations.
Thank you for this blog, which has assisted me greatly in writing an article to be submitted to our Rucker Family Society newsletter. Indeed, the suspect was never found. Truly an old "cold case."
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