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]
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[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]
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[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]