Click here for a list of my other Pulaski/Rockcastle/Laurel County KY articles
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These are articles relating to murders involving Mary Sigman, the "scarlet woman of Roundstone." Some of these articles claim that as many as 8 to 11 men were killed in fights over her. However, I could only find articles for three (Wat Bishop, Adam Hysinger, and James Rhodus), as well as articles about the murder of Mary Sigman herself, and her mother Bettie Sigman.
Updated: 9/22/2018 and 3/26/2019
Updated: 9/22/2018 and 3/26/2019
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[May 28, 1880] -
Last Saturday night a most terrible double homicide occurred in this county. The tragedy was enacted about 11 o'clock at the bagnio [def: bordello/brothel] of the notorious Mary Sigman in the Big Hurricane on the head of Roundstone. The participants were Albert T. Fish, Jr., who figured as the slayer, and Wat Bishop and Adam Hysinger, the parties who were slain. The spectators were McClellan Williams and Mary Sigman. The particulars, as I have been able to gather them are from the statement of Williams, and are as follows: Fish and Williams went to the house of Mary Sigman about 10 o'clock. After they had been there perhaps an hour Bishop and Hysinger came in. Nothing passed between them except the ordinary salutations. In a little while Bishop, who was drunk, left his seat, staggered out to the door and fired off a pistol. Williams went out and begged him not to shoot any more, lest he should frighten the horses. This enraged Bishop, who began to curse Williams, and to tell him that if "he had anything to draw it and defend himself." Williams responded that he was unarmed, and almost immediately Bishop turned and fired at Fish who had come out of the house. Hysinger had also come out and was standing near. Fish drew his pistol and returned Bishop's fire, sending a ball through the brain of the latter, who fell to the ground and died in a short time. Fish then opened fire on Hysinger, who dropped at the first shot, but rose to his feet and ran for his life. Fish continued firing until he had emptied his pistol, a five-shot Smith & Weston, 38 calibre. Hysinger ran about two hundred yards and fell dead. His body was found the next morning lying in the bushes above the house. Fish left in a short time and surrendered himself to Sheriff W. H. Albright, who brought him before Judge McClure, Monday, and his trial was set for Wednesday. The bodies of the dead men were brought to the residence of Samuel Hysinger, the father of one of them, and buried on Monday. Before burial a post mortem examination was made by Drs. W. P. McKee and J. J. Brown. They found that the ball which killed Bishop entered the left temple and passing back through the brain shattered the back of the skull. On Hysinger there were two wounds, one entering just below the mouth, and ranging round till it severed the jugular vein; the other entered in the small of the back and passing through the bowels. At the calling of the trial on Wednesday the witness, Mary Sigman, was absent, and an adjournment was had until yesterday (Thursday). Fish is defended by Isaac Stuart and Hon. W. O. Bradley. This terrible affair has thrown a gloom over the entire county. Fish is the son of Albert T. Fish, who is one of our wealthiest and most prominent fathers, and is about twenty years of age, and has heretofore been a quiet, well-behaved boy. His father seems almost heart-broken. Wat Bishop had no immediate relative here, except Hysinger whose cousin he was. Hysinger was a quiet, honest, industrious young man. His father is a good citizen, and an old man who is bowed down with anguish over the death of his boy. The sympathies of the community are freely shared with these fathers, and whatever the result of this trial, I hope the great shock which this killing produced will operate to restrain the commission of crime in the future.
[Special Dispatch to the INTERIOR JOURNAL.]
Fish was acquitted for killing Bishop and held in two thousand dollars bail for killing Hysinger. [1]
---
[August 20, 1880] -
The Grand Jury returned about 25 indictments, mostly for misdemeanors, the smallest number that has been returned by any Grand Jury for years. They failed to indict A. T. Fish, Jr., for killing Hysinger about two months ago. An affidavit of some sort was filed, however, and Judge Owsley held the defendant to await the action of the next Grand Jury. [2]---
[September 24, 1880] -
James Rhodus, of this county, was killed at a house of ill fame in Rockcastle last Sunday night, by James Hardin. It was all over a woman by the name of Mary Sigman. This makes the fifth man who has poured out his blood for her in her own house. [3]---
[October 1, 1880] -
Another man has been killed in Rockcastle. Last Sunday a week ago, at the bagnio of that most notorious prostitute, Mary Sigman, Jim Rhodus, of Madison county, and Jim Hardin, of this county, engaged in a difficulty about the woman, which resulted in Rhodus receiving a stab through the heart. It is supposed that the wound was inflicted by Hardin, though many believe that Mary Sigman herself did the murder. Rhodus about three years ago became infatuated with the strumpet, forsook his wife and family, and spent all his time at her bagnio. He had squandered all his means, and it is known that Mary has for sometime endeavored to rid herself of him. This victim makes in all nine (some reports say eleven) men who have been killed over this woman. There is, however, about her nothing attractive that is visible. She is about 25 years of age, and is the other of five children--a girl and four boys. For ten years she has led her life of shame, and in that time she has been the mistress of more men than any other woman in Kentucky. When once she assumes control of a man, it is rare if his infatuate does not lead him to his death. Her face is blank, expressionless; her lips are thick, and she has a flat, boneless nose; her eyes are a dull, pale blue, though occasionally a devillish light flashes in them, making their expression peculiar. She is low in stature; her voice is low and sometimes soft; she is modest in her manners, though she is nervous in her movements. That is Mary Sigman, for whom so much blood has been shed. James Hardin is a young man, and has always borne is good character. He and the Sigman are both under arrest. Their trial has already been twice called and continued because of the absence of an eye-witness to the difficulty. The day now fixed for the investigation is next Tuesday. The killing of Rhodus has caused considerable excitemant in the Berea neighborhood, of Madison county. [4]---
[October 8, 1880] -
James Hardin and Mary Sigman had their examining trial for the murder of James Rhodus before Esquires Cook and Taylor at Reedville last Tuesday. The theory of the defense was that Rhodus killed himself by falling on his own knife. The defendants had separate trials and testified for each other. Mary Sigman alone swore that Rhodus was fighting with a pocket-knife. The other witnesses all swore that he used a table-knife, and consequently could not have killed himself. The wound on Rhodus' person, the dying exclamation of Rhodus, the testimony of Betsy Sigman and all the facts and circumstances in the case utterly disproved the theory of the defense, and fastened a clear case of guilt on Hardin. But Mary Sigman came to his relief, and though she confessed on the witness stand that she had made different statements of the affair to various parties, and admitted that she thought Rhodus ought to be killed, yet she made sufficient impression on the Court to afford Hardin temporary freedom. After the testimony was all heard, and the case had been argued pro and con, the Court retired for consultation. 'Squire Taylor though there were reasonable grounds sufficient to hold the prisoner, but 'Squire Cook thought he ought to be discharged from custody. The Justices wrangled with each other for about an hour and a half, and finally brought in a "verdict" of not guilty. The prisoners were thereupon discharged. Hardin will hardly escape indictment by the grand jury. [5]---
[August 12, 1881] -
Mary Sigman, keeping bawdy house, fined $50. [5.5]---
[March 8, 1882] -
MT. VERNON, KY., March 8, 1882.-- Mary Sigman while sitting in a room with her five children and her mother, was shot and killed by an unknown man. The murderer afterward returned and sent a bullet through the body of the mother. James Bishop, a rough character from Tennessee, was arrested charged with the crime. Two men were killed some time ago at the Sigman house, and this last murder it is believed, was committed for revenge. [6]---
[March 8, 1882] -
A ROCKCASTLE HORROR.
Mary Sigman, "the Famous Scarlet Woman of Roundstone," and Her Mother Murdered at Midnight in the Mountains.
THE ASSASSIN ARRESTED.
(Special to the Courier-Journal.)
MT. VERNON, KY., March 7. -- Last night Mary Sigman, the famous scarlet woman of Roundstone, and her mother, Rhoda Sigman, were assassinated by an unknown person. They lived about seven miles from here. The assassin entered the little cabin about midnight, and shot first at Mary, with an instantly fatal result. He then went out and consulted with some one, and shortly after returned and killed the old woman. Mary's little children gave the alarm to the neighbors when the assassin was gone.
ARREST OF SUSPECTED PARTIES.
There were nine wounds on the body of Mary Sigman, five of which were singly fatal. The assassin fired fifteen shots in all. There is no doubt that he had confederates. James Bishop, a rough looking character, who came here last Friday from Tennessee, has been arrested charged with the murder. He is now in jail, and his trial is set for Friday. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of A. S. Henderson and William Hysinger as accessories. They will be arrested tonight. They have already stated that they could swear enough to establish an alibi for Bishop. James Bishop is a brother of Mat Bishop, who was killed at Mary Sigman's house more than a year ago. William Hysinger is a brother of Adam Hysinger, who was killed at the same time with Wat Bishop. The Bishops and Hysingers are cousins. The circumstantial evidence against these men is very strong. Henderson is a brother-in-law of Hysinger. The general belief is that Mary Sigman was murdered as a gratification of vengeance for the death of Mat Bishop and Adam Hysinger, who were killed by Ab. Fisher. County Judge McClure and the County Attorney went to the scene of the murder to-day. A Coroner's inquest was held and the verdict of the jury was to the effect that the two women were murdered by James Bishop. The excitement runs high and there is some talk of lynching. A guard has been placed around the jail to-night. [6.5]
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[March 10, 1882] -
A. S. Henderson and Wm. Hysinger have been arrested as accomplices in the Sigman murder at Mt. Vernon, Ky. [7]
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[March 10, 1882] -
A crime, so atrocious as to be without parallel, was committed in this county last Monday night. All black with crimes of the very worst sort has been the history of the county heretofore, but the horror of Monday night has added a page of hellish blackness.About seven miles from this place [Mt. Vernon], and North of here, in the head of a hollow that leads into Roundstone Creek is a little cabin, situated in the woods, wherein have dwelt for the past twelve months, Mary Sigman and her family. Mary has long been widely known as the celebrated courtesan of Upper Roundstone. Her family consisted of her mother, Bettie Sigman, aged about seventy years, and five children - two boys and three girls - whose ages range from fifteen to six years. Mary has, for some months, been enceinte [def: with child], and the arrival of another baby would have been among the events of the next few weeks.
Last Monday night the inmates of the little cabin retired to bed as usual. There is only one room in the house and this was made to contain three beds. Mary occupied one bed, her mother and the twin girls slept in another, and the two boys and youngest girl were tucked away in the trundle bed. Mary was restless, complained of being sick and none of the family slept well.
About midnight there came a knock at the door and a voice saying, "open the door."
"Who is that?" inquired Mary.
"Never mind who it is; open the door," was the answer.
"It's Ham. Brannaman," said old Bettie Sigman, who doubtless thought she recognized the voice.
"Is that you, Ham?" said Mary, getting up and opening the door. A man entered holding his hands up before his face.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Mary inquired again.
"Never mind who; I want to see you a minute," answered the man.
There was very little light in the room, save that made by a few flickering flames from some chunks in the fire. Mary lighted a lamp. The man blew it out, but not till the older boy and the twins had seen him sufficiently well to be able readily to recognize him afterwards. Mary asked the man to have a chair, and to excuse her for not staying up that she was sick. She returned to her bed. After sitting awhile the man got up and came to Mary's bedside.
"I am awful drunk," he said; "what is good for a drunk man?"
Mary laughed. "The best thing is to get sober, I reckon," she said lightly. She could not have suspected the man's evil mission.
"Get up, said the man, "I want to talk to you."
"I can't," said Mary "I'm sick, I don't know who you are; please go away and let me alone."
The man insisted on her getting up. "I want to talk to you a while," he said.
At last Mary told him to go to the fire and she would get up. He returned to his chair and she arose and took a seat beside him. The man sat in a stooping position, his face buried in his hands.
Directly Mary said: "If you want to say anything to me, say it now, for I am sick and must go back to bed."
"Wait," said the man, "until I get a drink." He got up and went towards the door where a bucket of water sat upon a shelf. Just as he reached the door he turned, and pointing a pistol at Mary, fired.
She sprang to her feet and rushed down between the beds shouting: "For God's sake, don't kill me and my little children!"
Another shot followed the first in quick succession. The woman dropped to the floor. Death must have been instantaneous. But the assassin continued to fire amid screams of the children and old Bettie Sigman. After emptying his pistol into Mary's body, he went out. In a little while he returned. Old Bettie was standing between the beds, wringing her hands and uttering cries of anguish, her daughter's corpse lying at her feet. The assassin leveled his pistol again and a bullet sped through old Bettie's brain. She fell across the bed a corpse. Other shots were fired at her and then the fiend turned the weapon again on the lifeless body of Mary. He fired about fifteen shots in all, and then left the house.
The frightened children did not stir for a long time. At last the older boy told the others to keep still and he would go and fetch the neighbors. With the first streaks of dawn a large crowd of men and women had gathered at the cabin. The spectacle which met their gaze was horrible beyond recital. The floor was spattered with blood and strew with brains. There was blood on the walls and ceiling, blood everywhere.
On Mary's body were nine wounds. One ball entered her body behind between the shoulders and came out through the right breast; another passed through the left breast, through the heart, lodging in the back; another passed in at the small of the back lodging in the front part of the abdomen; two balls went thro' the brain. Any one of those five wounds was necessarily fatal. A ball had gone through each wrist; another passed thro' the right arm, between the elbow and shoulder, and still another had passed through the left breast, making a flesh wound. Two wounds only were found on old Bettie, both in the head, and either of them fatal.
The women prepared the bodies for burial; the men began to make investigations. Just outside the door were found a number of empty cartridge hulls. Some tracks were discovered, one made by a fine boot, with small heel, and a plate on the heels, fastened evidently with large screws or tacks.
The older boy, whose name is Jason, and the twins, Lucy and Mary, aged eleven years, told their story of the occurrence. They gave the account which has been here written, with the additional information of a description of the man, and that he was followed into the house by a little dark, brindle dog, which old Bettie had driven out.
From the description given by the children, Bob Lear, a neighbor present, recognized the assassin."It's Jim Bishop, a brother of Wat. Bishop, who was killed at Mary's house more than a year ago," he said; "I saw him riding behind Sam. Hysinger. They were going to Wm. Hysinger's."
A consultation was held and it was decided on to arrest Bishop. Constable James Lear and two other men went to Wm. Hysinger's where they found Bishop at breakfast. He was taken into custody.
His pistol was found in a table drawer in the house. It was a Smith & Wesson, double-action, No. 38 calibre. Four of the chambers were loaded and one was empty. Into this empty chamber was slipped one of the cartridge hulls picked up before Mary Sigman's door. It fitted exactly.
Bishop wore a pair of fine boots, with small heels. On the heels were metal plates, fastened with large screws or tacks.
He was taken by his captors to Mary Sigman's cabin. The children all recognized him as the man who had killed their mother. This, before they knew he had been arrested.
He was brought to town, taken before Judge McClure, and his trial fixed for today (Friday). About the time he reached town, Wm. Hysinger (Bishop's cousin), and A. S. Henderson (Hysinger's brother-in-law), came in and said that they would swear that Bishop stayed at Wm. Hysinger's the night before; that Henderson and his wife also stayed there and Henderson and Bishop slept together.
This speedy vindication of Bishop had an effect contrary to what was expected. Later in the day a warrant was issued for Hysinger and Henderson, charging them as accomplices of Bishop in the murder.
A Coroner's inquest was held over the dead bodies of Bettie and Mary Sigman. The testimony of the children and that of Drs. McKee and Brown was heard and the verdict of the jury was that they came to their death at the hands of James Bishop. The tracks of three persons were found leading from the barn near Wm. Hysinger's house to Mary Sigman's cabin and back again. Wm. Hysinger has a little dog which answers very well the description of the dog at Mary's cabin the night of the murder. There are other circumstances that point towards the guilt of the parties accused. A full and fair investigation will be had and if they are innocent they will be vindicated; if guilty they will be punished, no doubt, as they deserve.
It will be remembered that in May or June, 1880, Wat. Bishop and Adam Hysinger were killed at Mary Sigman's one night by Ab. Fish. The Hysinger's have ever been unrelenting in their hatred of Fish and Mary Sigman. James Bishop came here last Friday from near Jonesville, Tenn. It has been said by the Hysinger's, so the report goes, that when Bishop came here the trouble about Wat and Adam's death would be settled.
James Bishop is about 5 feet 10 inches high, broad-shouldered, big-boned, and well-muscled. His age is 23 years, and he weighs 138 pounds. His eyes and hair are black, and he has a light, black mustache. His voice is course and the tones are drawling. He is in jail--Hysinger and Henderson are under guard. Bishop says he came here on business and intended to go West in a few days. It is supposed he gratified his vengeance for his brother's and cousin's death by this cowardly assassination of weak, helpless, defenseless women. Why, if it was vengeance he sought, did he not seek the man who killed his brother and cousin?
Mary Sigman has had a strange, eventful history. She was seduced at 14 years of age. At that time she was pretty, intelligent and promising. She has always lived in the country 'round about the upper Roundstone. For the past 15 years she has been the acknowledged queen of the courtesans in that section. She inspired men with a peculiar infatuation. It is said that, first and last, she has been the cause of the death of 8 men, and she has certainly been the mistress of more men than ever paid homage to one of her class in all this section of the State. She was a little woman of good form, active and compact. Her hands and feet were small and well fashioned. She had a small, round face, plain and expressiveless. Her eyes were a light hazel, and her hair was auburn. Her mouth might be considered pretty. The lips a trifle thick and decidedly sensual. Her eyes when she was animated, had a peculiar semi-fascinating lustre. She must have been about 33 years of age, but she did not look a day older than 25. The poor Sigman! To have been thus cruelly shot to death by a cowardly assassin! Surely, she deserved a different fate, even if a bloody one. For 'spite her long career of sin and the many blood stories in her history, there was something of the romantic in this woman and her life. She had a good heart, they say, and was never known to go back on a friend. Her disposition was quite a happy one, for she was always gay, except when she was in temporary mourning for some fellow who had killed some other fellow, or had been killed himself for her sake. And in all the difficulties that have been over and about her, it is not known that she ever handled a weapon. They say, too, that she was as truthful as the most truthful. She would not tell a lie, and her veracity was never called in question. After all, perhaps, she was not so bad as she was painted by some. It may be, she was only unfortunate. At any rate, now that she is dead, and her fate was so horrible, can we not all find it in our hearts to say, God, pity her? [8]
---
[March 10, 1882] -
An unknown man walked into the house of Mary Sigman, a woman of bad repute near Mt. Vernon, Ky., and shot and killed her and her mother, aged eighty years. The assassin fired thirteen shots in all, nine of which took effect on the younger woman. James Bishop has been arrested, and warrants are out for A. S. Henderson and William Hysinger, as confederates. [9]---
[March 10, 1882] -
MURDER MOST FOUL.
Bloody Particulars of the Killing of Mary Sigman and Her Old Mother.
Rockcastle County Furnishes the Details of a Murder Almost Unparalleled.
The Alleged Murderer, His Accomplices and the Helpless Victims of the Massacre.
CORONER'S VERDICT.
(Correspondence of the Courier-Journal.)
MT. VERNON, KY., March 8. -- About seven miles north of this place, on the Copper creek and Roundstone county road, close up in the head of a hollow which leads into Roundstone creek, stands a little pole shanty. The country 'round about is rough and broken, being, for the most part, an alternation of hills and hollows. This little cabin was erected about a year ago, and has been occupied by the celebrated courtesan, Mary Sigman, and her family. The family consisted of Mary's other, Bettie Sigman, aged about seventy years; and Mary's illegitimate offspring, Jason, aged fourteen, the twin girls, Lucy and Mary, aged eleven, Alexander, aged seven, and Maggie, aged six. Mary's condition had again become interesting, and within less than a month from last Monday, if matters had gone smoothly, there would have been "a baby in the house."
This little would-have-been never saw the light, however, and the promise of its being went out with poor Mary's life, swiftly through the holes made by the cruel bullets in her body. Because of her condition, Mary did not have much company lately, and so she busied herself preparing for the time of her accouchement [French for 'delivery'].
Monday night she was not feeling well, and for this reason the family retired early. There is only one room in the house, but this was made to contain, besides all other necessary furniture, three beds. One was a large bed in which Mary slept; another was occupied by old Bettie and the twins; the other children found a place of refuge in the trundle bed. The members of the family were thus disposed when they lay down Monday night. Mary was very restless; she rolled about and was up and down. Beyond question she was suffering considerably, but she did not complain. Was it pain that troubled her, or were there voices bubbling in her ears? Did she have any premotion that her checkered career had almost come to the finish? One could wish, indeed, that in those last hours while she lay there moaning she was taking a retrospect of her life, a life all black with sin, save in those places where the blood of some victim who had died for her or because of her had given it a crimson hue, and that, looking back at this crooked life of shame and folly and bloodshed, she found herself suddenly become repentant, and determined that with the birth of her baby she would forsake the old ways and do better during the rest of her days. But whether it was remorse or a sort of intuitive warning which she had of her awful fate, there was something which made her head lie uneasy that night. There was nothing in the night to speak to her of murder. A bright white moon, just past its full, was glowing in as clear a blue sky as was ever stretched over Roundstone's tortuous valley. It was a glorious night, but the cabin is in the woods, and it is half a mile to the nearest neighbor.
It must have been just about midnight, though there was no clock in the house, when there was a knock at the door and a voice said:
Mary started from her pillow. "Who is it?" she inquired. "Never mind who it is," was the answer; "open the door." "It's Ham Brannahan's voice," said old granny Sigman. The inmates, children and all, were awake. "Is that you, Ham?" inquired Mary, getting up and going to the door. There was no answer, but she turned the bolt and the door was open. A man stepped in holding his hands up before his face. There was no light in the room save that made by a few flickering flames from some chunks in the fireplace. Mary lighted a lamp which sat on the mantel. The man blew it out, but not until the keen-eyed children had gotten a good look at his person and had seen enough of his face to be able to recognize him readily afterward. A little dark brindle dog followed the man into the house. Old Bettie, with a special aversion to dogs and cats, got up from her bed and drove the dog out. Mary gave the man a chair and returned to bed, after again asking his name without receiving any intelligible response. The man left his chair directly and went to the bed where Mary was. "I am awful drunk," he said; "what is good for a man when he is drunk?" "The best thing," responded Mary, with a laugh, "is to get sober." "Well," said the man, "get up; I want to have a talk with you." "I am sick," was the answer, "and wish only that you should go away and let me alone. I don't know you, and don't want to talk to you." The man insisted on her getting up until finally she told him if he would go back to his chair she would get up. He did so, and she arose and took a seat near him at the fire. He sat for some time silent, with his face in his hands. At last Mary said, "I am sick, and if you want to say anything to me say it now, for I must go back to bed." "Wait," said the man, "until I got a drink." He walked toward the door where there was a bucket of water sitting on a shelf. Just as he reached the door he turned and
pointed it at Mary and fired. At the report she sprang up and rushed toward the bed screaming, "For the Lord's sake, don't kill me and my little children!" These words were all she had time to say. The assassin discharged his pistol again and again. At the second shot the unfortunate woman fell to the floor, prone and lifeless. Old Bettie Sigman set up the most heart rending cries, but the shots did not cease until the pistol was empty. Then the assassin left the house. He was gone about ten minutes and returned with two pistols. Old Bettie Sigman was standing on the floor between the beds, her daughter's corpse at her feet. The merciless pistol was leveled at her; the merciless finger touched the trigger; a bullet went crushing through the old woman's brain, and she fell across the bed a corpse. Several other shots were fired at her, one of which went through her head. Four or five other shots were fired into the already dead body of Mary, and the assassin, feeling sure that his devilish work was fully accomplished, left the house. At the beginning of the second firing the older boy rolled out of and under the trundle bed and the little girls and smaller boy hid their faces in the bed-clothes.
For half an hour perfect quiet prevailed. The half-paralyzed children, afraid almost to breathe, were as motionless as the corpses. Finally, the older boy crawled from under the bed and whispered to his sisters to remain very quiet until he cold go and alarm the neighbors. It was 2 o'clock when he awoke the people at the nearest neighboring house, and these people, after hearing his
were afraid to go at once to the scene of the awful double murder.
Gradually the alarm was spread, and by 4 o'clock a half dozen men arrived at the cabin. A light was struck, and a horrible sight met their vision. Mary Sigman was lying on the floor, her head bathed in a pool of blood and brains. Old Bettie was on a bed which was covered with blood. There was blood all over the house, on the floor, walls and ceiling. Unable to endure this horrible spectacle, the men went outside to await the approach of day. With it came other men and women who had heard the news.
The women at once began to prepare the bodies for interment, and the men to question the children. The older boy and the twins told what occurred as it has here been written, and gave each the same description of the assassin.
As soon as that description was finished, one of the men, Robert Lear by name, spoke up quickly: "It's Jim Bishop who has done this murder." "Who is Jim Bishop?" was the inquiry propounded at once by every one present. Lear then stated that James Bishop was a brother of Wat. Bishop, who was killed at Mary Sigman's house something over a year ago, that he had come here from Tennessee only a few days before, and that on Sunday last he (Lear) had seen him in company with old man Samuel Hysinger, riding behind the latter on the same horse. "The description which these children give of the murderer fits Bishop exactly," said Lear, "and I'll lay a good wager he's the man." Further investigations were made. The tracts of the murderer and his accomplices, two in number, could be plainly seen in the soft earth around the cabin. Some empty cartridges were picked up just outside the cabin door. On following the tracts it was found that they led from the direction of Wm. Hysinger's house toward the cabin, and returned in the direction of Hysinger's. It was known that Bishop, or a strange man whose name was given out to be Bishop, was at Wm. Hysinger's the day before.
It was determined to arrest him. Proceeding without a warrant, Constable James Lear, with two assistants, went to Hysinger's house. It was half-past 6 o'clock when they arrived there, and they found Bishop eating his breakfast. He was at once
Being asked if he had any weapons, he said, "Yes, a pistol in the table drawer." The drawer was opened, and a Smith & Wesson, double-action, improved, No. 38 caliber revolver was taken out. "That is mine," said the prisoner. There were four loads in the pistol, and one chamber was empty. One of the empty cartridges picked up at Mary Sigman's house fitted into this chamber exactly. One of the tracts which had been found leading to and from the Sigman cabin was made by a fine boot, with a small heel and a plate on it. The imprint of the heel-plate and the heads of the screws which held it were very plain in the muddy earth. The prisoner was when arrested wore a pair of fine boots with small heels, and on the heels were plates fastened with three rough, large-headed screws or tacks.
The party, with the prisoner in charge, went back to Mary Sigman's. Shortly after they reached the cabin, and before Mary's children knew he was arrested, the youngest girl, a girl of six years, gave a little scream, and, pointing her finger at Bishop, said: "Oh Lordy! There's the man that killed my mammy." Jason Sigman and the twins saw the man at about the same time, and all three echoed the cry: "There's the man that killed or mammy."
After a short parlay, the prisoner was brought to town and taken before County Judge McClure. Upon an affidavit, made by the Constable and others, a warrant for murder was issued against him. At his own request, the investigation of the charge was set for Friday. He employed two attorneys, Frank Reppert and John W. Brown, and, after a short consultation with them, he was sent to jail, his attorneys begging for him, however, the privilege of being kept under guard.
At nearly the same time that the prisoner reached town, Wm. Hysinger and A. S. Henderson came in. They at once began to proclaim the prisoner's innocence. He had staid, they said, all night at Wm. Hysinger's house the night before, and never left the house during the night. Henderson and his wife had also spent the night at Hysinger's, and Henderson and Bishop had slept together. This sudden establishment of the prisoner's innocence did not have the effect that might have been expected. Taken in connection with other facts and circumstances developed and discovered later, it resulted in a warrant being issued against William Hysinger and A. S. Henderson, charging them to be accomplices of Bishop in the murder.
In order to find the motive which controlled Bishop, if he, indeed, be guilty of this most cruel and double murder, it is necessary to look back a little into the life of Mary Sigman. It is not very long ago that a full history of this remarkable courtesan was published in the Courier-Journal, and a hurried recapitulation only need be given here. Mary was born in the upper Roundstone country, and has always lived in the vicinity, sometimes in Garrard, then in Madison, but mostly in Rockcastle. At the age of fourteen, when she was a bright, pretty, promising girl, she was seduced by a Madison county farmer, as the report goes. Having once begun a life of shame, she lived it for all it was worth, and during her fitful reign of about eighteen years' duration, during which time she was the acknowledged queen of the courtesans in all her section of country, she was the mistress of more men than have ever worshiped at the shrine of another woman in her class in all this portion of the State. A peculiar fatality seemed to attend her lovers. They were always killing somebody or getting themselves killed. It is reliably said that she has been the cause of the
so far. There is no guessing how far her power may extend after death.
In May or June, 1880, when A. T. Fish, a young man of this county, was at Mary's one night, two other men, Adam Hysinger and Wat Bishop, came there also. A difficulty arose, and Fish shot and killed the other two. The particulars of this killing have been widely published. Though Fish was held in bonds to answer by an examining court, two successive grand juries failed to indict him, and he was finally discharged from custody. Adam Hysinger was a son of Samuel Hysinger, a very respectable farmer of the county, a brother of Wm. Hysinger, and a cousin of Wat. Bishop, who was killed with him. Though the juries found Fish blameless in the killing, the Hysingers have ever been very bitter in their hatred of both him and Mary Sigman. It was the testimony of the Sigmans, corroborated by that of a young cousin of Fish's, which acquitted Fish. Old man Hysinger pressed the prosecution of his son's slayer to the utmost, employing distinguished counsel to assist the Commonwealth's Attorney in the event of an indictment.
When the matter had been settled, so far as the courts were concerned, old man Hysinger began to talk about Wat Bishop's brother, who lived in East Tennessee, and that there was no saying what he would do if he ever came here. He told some persons that Bishop belonged to a band in Tennessee distinguished by some sort of curious appellation now forgotten. Wm. Hysinger, too, talked considerably about this Bishop, who lived in Tennessee. He said, only a short time ago, that James Bishop would be here soon, and when he came the matter of Adam and Wat's death would be settled.
This little would-have-been never saw the light, however, and the promise of its being went out with poor Mary's life, swiftly through the holes made by the cruel bullets in her body. Because of her condition, Mary did not have much company lately, and so she busied herself preparing for the time of her accouchement [French for 'delivery'].
THE FATAL NIGHT.
Monday night she was not feeling well, and for this reason the family retired early. There is only one room in the house, but this was made to contain, besides all other necessary furniture, three beds. One was a large bed in which Mary slept; another was occupied by old Bettie and the twins; the other children found a place of refuge in the trundle bed. The members of the family were thus disposed when they lay down Monday night. Mary was very restless; she rolled about and was up and down. Beyond question she was suffering considerably, but she did not complain. Was it pain that troubled her, or were there voices bubbling in her ears? Did she have any premotion that her checkered career had almost come to the finish? One could wish, indeed, that in those last hours while she lay there moaning she was taking a retrospect of her life, a life all black with sin, save in those places where the blood of some victim who had died for her or because of her had given it a crimson hue, and that, looking back at this crooked life of shame and folly and bloodshed, she found herself suddenly become repentant, and determined that with the birth of her baby she would forsake the old ways and do better during the rest of her days. But whether it was remorse or a sort of intuitive warning which she had of her awful fate, there was something which made her head lie uneasy that night. There was nothing in the night to speak to her of murder. A bright white moon, just past its full, was glowing in as clear a blue sky as was ever stretched over Roundstone's tortuous valley. It was a glorious night, but the cabin is in the woods, and it is half a mile to the nearest neighbor.
It must have been just about midnight, though there was no clock in the house, when there was a knock at the door and a voice said:
"OPEN THE DOOR."
Mary started from her pillow. "Who is it?" she inquired. "Never mind who it is," was the answer; "open the door." "It's Ham Brannahan's voice," said old granny Sigman. The inmates, children and all, were awake. "Is that you, Ham?" inquired Mary, getting up and going to the door. There was no answer, but she turned the bolt and the door was open. A man stepped in holding his hands up before his face. There was no light in the room save that made by a few flickering flames from some chunks in the fireplace. Mary lighted a lamp which sat on the mantel. The man blew it out, but not until the keen-eyed children had gotten a good look at his person and had seen enough of his face to be able to recognize him readily afterward. A little dark brindle dog followed the man into the house. Old Bettie, with a special aversion to dogs and cats, got up from her bed and drove the dog out. Mary gave the man a chair and returned to bed, after again asking his name without receiving any intelligible response. The man left his chair directly and went to the bed where Mary was. "I am awful drunk," he said; "what is good for a man when he is drunk?" "The best thing," responded Mary, with a laugh, "is to get sober." "Well," said the man, "get up; I want to have a talk with you." "I am sick," was the answer, "and wish only that you should go away and let me alone. I don't know you, and don't want to talk to you." The man insisted on her getting up until finally she told him if he would go back to his chair she would get up. He did so, and she arose and took a seat near him at the fire. He sat for some time silent, with his face in his hands. At last Mary said, "I am sick, and if you want to say anything to me say it now, for I must go back to bed." "Wait," said the man, "until I got a drink." He walked toward the door where there was a bucket of water sitting on a shelf. Just as he reached the door he turned and
DRAWING A PISTOL
pointed it at Mary and fired. At the report she sprang up and rushed toward the bed screaming, "For the Lord's sake, don't kill me and my little children!" These words were all she had time to say. The assassin discharged his pistol again and again. At the second shot the unfortunate woman fell to the floor, prone and lifeless. Old Bettie Sigman set up the most heart rending cries, but the shots did not cease until the pistol was empty. Then the assassin left the house. He was gone about ten minutes and returned with two pistols. Old Bettie Sigman was standing on the floor between the beds, her daughter's corpse at her feet. The merciless pistol was leveled at her; the merciless finger touched the trigger; a bullet went crushing through the old woman's brain, and she fell across the bed a corpse. Several other shots were fired at her, one of which went through her head. Four or five other shots were fired into the already dead body of Mary, and the assassin, feeling sure that his devilish work was fully accomplished, left the house. At the beginning of the second firing the older boy rolled out of and under the trundle bed and the little girls and smaller boy hid their faces in the bed-clothes.
For half an hour perfect quiet prevailed. The half-paralyzed children, afraid almost to breathe, were as motionless as the corpses. Finally, the older boy crawled from under the bed and whispered to his sisters to remain very quiet until he cold go and alarm the neighbors. It was 2 o'clock when he awoke the people at the nearest neighboring house, and these people, after hearing his
TALE OF BLOOD,
were afraid to go at once to the scene of the awful double murder.
Gradually the alarm was spread, and by 4 o'clock a half dozen men arrived at the cabin. A light was struck, and a horrible sight met their vision. Mary Sigman was lying on the floor, her head bathed in a pool of blood and brains. Old Bettie was on a bed which was covered with blood. There was blood all over the house, on the floor, walls and ceiling. Unable to endure this horrible spectacle, the men went outside to await the approach of day. With it came other men and women who had heard the news.
The women at once began to prepare the bodies for interment, and the men to question the children. The older boy and the twins told what occurred as it has here been written, and gave each the same description of the assassin.
As soon as that description was finished, one of the men, Robert Lear by name, spoke up quickly: "It's Jim Bishop who has done this murder." "Who is Jim Bishop?" was the inquiry propounded at once by every one present. Lear then stated that James Bishop was a brother of Wat. Bishop, who was killed at Mary Sigman's house something over a year ago, that he had come here from Tennessee only a few days before, and that on Sunday last he (Lear) had seen him in company with old man Samuel Hysinger, riding behind the latter on the same horse. "The description which these children give of the murderer fits Bishop exactly," said Lear, "and I'll lay a good wager he's the man." Further investigations were made. The tracts of the murderer and his accomplices, two in number, could be plainly seen in the soft earth around the cabin. Some empty cartridges were picked up just outside the cabin door. On following the tracts it was found that they led from the direction of Wm. Hysinger's house toward the cabin, and returned in the direction of Hysinger's. It was known that Bishop, or a strange man whose name was given out to be Bishop, was at Wm. Hysinger's the day before.
It was determined to arrest him. Proceeding without a warrant, Constable James Lear, with two assistants, went to Hysinger's house. It was half-past 6 o'clock when they arrived there, and they found Bishop eating his breakfast. He was at once
TAKEN INTO CUSTODY.
Being asked if he had any weapons, he said, "Yes, a pistol in the table drawer." The drawer was opened, and a Smith & Wesson, double-action, improved, No. 38 caliber revolver was taken out. "That is mine," said the prisoner. There were four loads in the pistol, and one chamber was empty. One of the empty cartridges picked up at Mary Sigman's house fitted into this chamber exactly. One of the tracts which had been found leading to and from the Sigman cabin was made by a fine boot, with a small heel and a plate on it. The imprint of the heel-plate and the heads of the screws which held it were very plain in the muddy earth. The prisoner was when arrested wore a pair of fine boots with small heels, and on the heels were plates fastened with three rough, large-headed screws or tacks.
The party, with the prisoner in charge, went back to Mary Sigman's. Shortly after they reached the cabin, and before Mary's children knew he was arrested, the youngest girl, a girl of six years, gave a little scream, and, pointing her finger at Bishop, said: "Oh Lordy! There's the man that killed my mammy." Jason Sigman and the twins saw the man at about the same time, and all three echoed the cry: "There's the man that killed or mammy."
After a short parlay, the prisoner was brought to town and taken before County Judge McClure. Upon an affidavit, made by the Constable and others, a warrant for murder was issued against him. At his own request, the investigation of the charge was set for Friday. He employed two attorneys, Frank Reppert and John W. Brown, and, after a short consultation with them, he was sent to jail, his attorneys begging for him, however, the privilege of being kept under guard.
At nearly the same time that the prisoner reached town, Wm. Hysinger and A. S. Henderson came in. They at once began to proclaim the prisoner's innocence. He had staid, they said, all night at Wm. Hysinger's house the night before, and never left the house during the night. Henderson and his wife had also spent the night at Hysinger's, and Henderson and Bishop had slept together. This sudden establishment of the prisoner's innocence did not have the effect that might have been expected. Taken in connection with other facts and circumstances developed and discovered later, it resulted in a warrant being issued against William Hysinger and A. S. Henderson, charging them to be accomplices of Bishop in the murder.
MOTIVE OF THE MURDERER.
In order to find the motive which controlled Bishop, if he, indeed, be guilty of this most cruel and double murder, it is necessary to look back a little into the life of Mary Sigman. It is not very long ago that a full history of this remarkable courtesan was published in the Courier-Journal, and a hurried recapitulation only need be given here. Mary was born in the upper Roundstone country, and has always lived in the vicinity, sometimes in Garrard, then in Madison, but mostly in Rockcastle. At the age of fourteen, when she was a bright, pretty, promising girl, she was seduced by a Madison county farmer, as the report goes. Having once begun a life of shame, she lived it for all it was worth, and during her fitful reign of about eighteen years' duration, during which time she was the acknowledged queen of the courtesans in all her section of country, she was the mistress of more men than have ever worshiped at the shrine of another woman in her class in all this portion of the State. A peculiar fatality seemed to attend her lovers. They were always killing somebody or getting themselves killed. It is reliably said that she has been the cause of the
DEATH OF EIGHT MEN
so far. There is no guessing how far her power may extend after death.
In May or June, 1880, when A. T. Fish, a young man of this county, was at Mary's one night, two other men, Adam Hysinger and Wat Bishop, came there also. A difficulty arose, and Fish shot and killed the other two. The particulars of this killing have been widely published. Though Fish was held in bonds to answer by an examining court, two successive grand juries failed to indict him, and he was finally discharged from custody. Adam Hysinger was a son of Samuel Hysinger, a very respectable farmer of the county, a brother of Wm. Hysinger, and a cousin of Wat. Bishop, who was killed with him. Though the juries found Fish blameless in the killing, the Hysingers have ever been very bitter in their hatred of both him and Mary Sigman. It was the testimony of the Sigmans, corroborated by that of a young cousin of Fish's, which acquitted Fish. Old man Hysinger pressed the prosecution of his son's slayer to the utmost, employing distinguished counsel to assist the Commonwealth's Attorney in the event of an indictment.
When the matter had been settled, so far as the courts were concerned, old man Hysinger began to talk about Wat Bishop's brother, who lived in East Tennessee, and that there was no saying what he would do if he ever came here. He told some persons that Bishop belonged to a band in Tennessee distinguished by some sort of curious appellation now forgotten. Wm. Hysinger, too, talked considerably about this Bishop, who lived in Tennessee. He said, only a short time ago, that James Bishop would be here soon, and when he came the matter of Adam and Wat's death would be settled.
Last Friday Bishop got off the train at this place [Mt. Vernon] and went immediately to Samuel Hysinger's, who lived a few miles out of town. On Sunday he mounted a horse behind old man Hysinger, and the two went to Wm. Hysinger's. The last named lives only a mile from Mary Sigman's cabin. Bishop remained at Hysinger's all day Monday.
Monday evening A. S. Henderson and his wife, living only a short distance away, went over to William Hysinger's to spend the night. Henderson is a brother-in-law of William Hysinger, and the latter is a first cousin of James Bishop.
During Monday night if the tracks which were seen yesterday can be believed, three men, one of whom had heel plates on his boots, went from a pair of bars near William Hysinger's house to Mary Sigman's cabin and returned to the bars. But, if Henderson and Hysinger are allowed, they will swear that James Bishop was not from under Hysinger's roof during that night.
OFFICERS ON THE SCENE.
The County Judge, County Attorney, Sheriff and two physicians went to the scene of the murder yesterday afternoon. In order to find out all I could for the readers of the Courier Journal, I made one of the crowd. We arrived at the little cabin at 4 o'clock. About thirty men and several women were found there. The men were excited, and did not hesitate to charge Bishop with the murder. Several threats of lynching were heard, but the parties who made them were discouraged and warned that any attempt at violence to the prisoner would be frustrated, if possible.
I went into the cabin and saw the bodies of the two dead women lying on a bed. The good women of the neighborhood had removed all traces of the blood, and the bodies were cleanly and neatly dressed. I looked at the face of Mary -- the little, round face which when lighted up in life had lured so many men to ruin and death. It looked ghastly enough now, and there was an expression of terrible pain in the features. She had been most cruelly dealt with. The fiendish assassin, after putting out her life and the life hid within hers, had discharged repeated shots into her body after death. There were nine wounds on her person. Two balls went through the head, another entered between her shoulders behind and came out through the right breast, another went through the left breast, through the heart, lodging under her right shoulder; another ball passed in from behind, near the small of the back, and lodged in the abdomen in front. Either of these five wounds was necessarily instantly fatal. There was a wound in each wrist, another in her right arm higher up, and the last was a flesh wound in the right breast. Only two balls struck old Bettie, both of which went through the head, and either of which was fatal. Two of the balls in Mary's person were extracted by the physicians and were found to be No. 38 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol balls. Judge McClure had
A JURY IMPANELED
and an inquest was held. Jason Sigman and the twins told under oath the bloody story of the night before. The evidence having all been heard, the jury returned the following verdict:
"We the jury summoned to hold an inquest over the dead bodies of Bettie Sigman and Mary Sigman, on the 7th of March, 1882, from the evidence say that said persons were murdered on the night of the 6th of March, 1882, at their house in Rockcastle county, being shot to death with a pistol in the hands of James Bishop, who killed both of said persons. Ben. Lear, James Rhodes, Columbus Rymel, J. M. Coffee, George Hall, Isaac Hollinsworth."
Shortly after the discharge of the Coroner's jury, upon affidavit made by James Hardin, Bounce[?] Hardin and Isaac Hollinsworth, Judge McClure issued a warrant for murder against William Hysinger and A. J. Henderson.
THE WOMAN'S POWER.
To most persons the secret power by which Mary Sigman inspired men to such infatuation was a mystery indeed. Certainly, to the casual observer, she was not specially attractive. True, her form, though small, was compact and well proportioned; her hands and feet were small and well fashioned; her eyes were a light hazel and her hair was auburn. Her face was plain and expressionless. There was no deformity of features, however, and her mouth might be considered pretty. Her lips were sensual and her eyes sometimes had an attractive glitter. Her nature was not at all devilish, for spite of her long life of shame and many scenes of bloodshed in which she had figured, she was never known to handle a weapon. She must have been about thirty-three years of age, though she did not look a day older than twenty-five.
Because of the many men of whose death she was the cause, she had a number of enemies. By these she was regarded as a very dangerous woman, and they will not be sorry, perhaps, to know that she is dead. Her death by violence has not surprised any one; but, spite of all the prejudice against her, there is a universal feeling of indignation against her slayer and the manner of her taking off. They do say that she was always good-hearted and that she never went back on a fellow who was a friend to her.
THE ACCUSED MURDERER.
James Bishop, the man who is accused of the murder, is rather a rough looking customer. He is about five foot nine inches high, broad-shouldered, well-muscled and big-boned. His age, he claims, is twenty-three years and his weight is only 138 pounds, though he looks like he would weigh 160. He came, he says, from near Jonesville, Tenn., and his visit here was on some business connected with the Hysinger estate. He says he intended to stay here a few days and go West. It is generally believed that he would have departed yesterday but for his arrest. He has large black eyes, black hair and a small black moustache. His voice is very course and its tones are drawling. Persons who have heard him and Ham. Brannaman both talk say there is a striking resemblance in the two voices.
THE EXAMINING TRIAL.
is set for Friday, the 10th inst., and it is quite likely that enough will have developed by that time to show certainly whether this man came here from Tennessee to revenge the death of his brother Wat and his cousin Adam by cruelly murdering Mary Sigman and her old mother.
Why, if it was vengeance he wanted, did he not attack the man who killed his brother and cousin? That would not have been so wretchedly inhuman. But to make this assassin's war on weak, defenseless women! Though fallen, they were women, and the good people of this county will hunt down and punish their slayer. Be sure of that. S. M. B. [9.5]
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[March 11, 1882] -
THE SIGMAN MURDER.
The Prisoners Brought Into Court, But the Case Continued for Lack of Witnesses -- The Circumstantial Evidence Very Strong Against Them -- No Danger of the Lynch.
A LITTLE DOG WITNESS.
(Special to the Courier-Journal.)
MT. VERNON, March 10. -- The excitement over the Sigman murder continues to run high, but the idea of an attempt to lynch the prisoners is little talked of, and then only to be discouraged. The community is greatly stirred, but every one seems animated with a desire to see the murderers of the unfortunate women brought to justice and punished by the law. At 11 o'clock this morning the court-house bell was rung and County Judge McClure opened his court to begin the investigation of the case against James Bishop, A. S. Henderson and William Hysinger. The court room was well filled with people from the town and county. Bishop was brought into court by the jailor; Henderson and Hysinger appeared in the custody of a guard. The prisoners' counsel are J. K. McClary, F. H. Reppert and John W. Brown, of the local bar. The County Attorney was assisted by Mr. J. B. Fish, of this place. In response to the court's inquiry as to whether all parties were ready for trial, the County Attorney announced that the Commonwealth was ready. Before this, the names of
summoned for the Commonwealth, had been called by the Sheriff, and every one had responded. A short consultation was held among the prisoners and their attorneys; then a list of witnesses was handed to the Sheriff, who called the names. There were very few responses. Mr. McClary then addressed the court, and asked for a continuance because of the absence of very important witnesses for the defendants and a want of time for preparations on their side of the case. After considerable discussion among the attorneys the court granted the defense a continuance until Tuesday, at 1 o'clock. Bishop was sent back to jail. The other prisoners were remanded to the custody of the guard. Among the witnesses for the Commonwealth sat a young man who held
in his arms. It will be remembered that Jason Sigman, Mary's oldest boy, testified at the Coroner's inquest that when the assassin entered the cabin a little dark brindle dog followed him. Old Bettie Sigman drove the dog out. Jason Sigman's description of him was as follows: "He was a little bit of a dog, and not quite of a yellow color, but more of a dark brindle." It was known to some present at the inquest that William Hysinger was the owner of a little dog which very well answered to the description given by the boy. Accordingly when Hysinger was arrested search was made for the dog, which was found, and taken charge of by the officer. The dog is quite a small one, and fits the description very well, except that it is rather of a light yellow than a dark color. In the night, or by a dim light, the color might seem to be a dark brindle; at any rate the prosecution say the dog will be an important witness, and they want him safely kept until the day of trial. The evidence
receives an added circumstance every day. One of the tracks leading from Hysinger's house to the Sigman cabin was made by a large rubber boot. The prisoner Henderson wears a pair of rubber boots. One of his tracks made yesterday was measured by an officer and was found to correspond exactly with the track made between the two houses on the night of the murder. The same officer took one of Bishop's boots and tried it in the imprints of the heel-plated boot made on the same night and the boot fitted the track exactly. The track with the heel-plate, made by the left boot, looks as if the plate was broken on the inside of the foot, but an examination of Bishop's left boot shows that the plate is sound. The boot is run down at the heel on the inside, however, and this may explain the apparent defect in the impression of the plate. It is now said that old Samuel Hysinger, a short time ago, sent word to Albert Fish, the young man who killed Mat Bishop and Adam Hysinger, that
shortly, and for him to be on the lookout and not come to town alone. Henderson went to two neighbor boys only a few days ago and told them that he had had a bad dream the night before, and he wanted them to keep away from Mary Sigman's, for there was some big trouble going to happen there soon. It is evident that whether the prisoners are guilty or innocent, they have been talking entirely too much. Mr. F. S. Brown, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, is here investigating the details of the horrible affair for his paper. [9.6]
TWENTY-THREE WITNESSES,
summoned for the Commonwealth, had been called by the Sheriff, and every one had responded. A short consultation was held among the prisoners and their attorneys; then a list of witnesses was handed to the Sheriff, who called the names. There were very few responses. Mr. McClary then addressed the court, and asked for a continuance because of the absence of very important witnesses for the defendants and a want of time for preparations on their side of the case. After considerable discussion among the attorneys the court granted the defense a continuance until Tuesday, at 1 o'clock. Bishop was sent back to jail. The other prisoners were remanded to the custody of the guard. Among the witnesses for the Commonwealth sat a young man who held
A LITTLE DOG
in his arms. It will be remembered that Jason Sigman, Mary's oldest boy, testified at the Coroner's inquest that when the assassin entered the cabin a little dark brindle dog followed him. Old Bettie Sigman drove the dog out. Jason Sigman's description of him was as follows: "He was a little bit of a dog, and not quite of a yellow color, but more of a dark brindle." It was known to some present at the inquest that William Hysinger was the owner of a little dog which very well answered to the description given by the boy. Accordingly when Hysinger was arrested search was made for the dog, which was found, and taken charge of by the officer. The dog is quite a small one, and fits the description very well, except that it is rather of a light yellow than a dark color. In the night, or by a dim light, the color might seem to be a dark brindle; at any rate the prosecution say the dog will be an important witness, and they want him safely kept until the day of trial. The evidence
AGAINST THE PRISONERS
receives an added circumstance every day. One of the tracks leading from Hysinger's house to the Sigman cabin was made by a large rubber boot. The prisoner Henderson wears a pair of rubber boots. One of his tracks made yesterday was measured by an officer and was found to correspond exactly with the track made between the two houses on the night of the murder. The same officer took one of Bishop's boots and tried it in the imprints of the heel-plated boot made on the same night and the boot fitted the track exactly. The track with the heel-plate, made by the left boot, looks as if the plate was broken on the inside of the foot, but an examination of Bishop's left boot shows that the plate is sound. The boot is run down at the heel on the inside, however, and this may explain the apparent defect in the impression of the plate. It is now said that old Samuel Hysinger, a short time ago, sent word to Albert Fish, the young man who killed Mat Bishop and Adam Hysinger, that
TROUBLE WOULD BEGIN
shortly, and for him to be on the lookout and not come to town alone. Henderson went to two neighbor boys only a few days ago and told them that he had had a bad dream the night before, and he wanted them to keep away from Mary Sigman's, for there was some big trouble going to happen there soon. It is evident that whether the prisoners are guilty or innocent, they have been talking entirely too much. Mr. F. S. Brown, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, is here investigating the details of the horrible affair for his paper. [9.6]
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[March 14, 1882] -
MARY SIGMAN, a famous scarlet woman of Roundstone, seven miles from Mt. Vernon, Ky., and her mother, Rhoda Sigman, were assassinated at their cabin home the past week. There were nine wounds in the body of Mary, five of which were singly fatal. The assassin fired fifteen shots in all. After the assassin's departure, Mary's children gave the alarm to the neighbors. James Bishop has been arrested for the crime, and A. S. Henderson and William Hysinger as accessories. James Bishop is a brother of Wat. Bishop, who was killed at Mary Sigman's house more than a year ago. Wm. Hysinger is brother of Adam Hysinger, who was killed at the same time with Wat. Bishop. The Bishops and Hysingers are cousins. The circumstantial evidence against these men is very strong. Henderson is brother-in-law of Hysinger. The general opinion is that Mary Sigman was murdered as a gratification of vengeance for the death of Wat. Bishop and Adam Hysinger, who were killed by Ab. Fisher. [10]---
[March 14, 1882] -
An unknown assassin, murdered Mrs. Mary Sigman and her aged mother, while they were sleeping in their beds near Mt. Vernon, Ky., last week. [11]
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[March 15, 1882] -
ROCKCASTLE'S HORROR.
Court Meets, but Defendants Want the Judge as a Witness, and He Vacates the Bench -- A Continuance Granted Till Thursday.
COUNTER TESTIMONY.
(Special to the Courier-Journal.)
MT. VERNON, March 14. -- By the time Judge McClure rapped on his desk and called the trial of the alleged Sigman murderers, Bishop, Henderson and Hysinger, at 1 o'clock to-day, the Court-house was full of people. The prisoners sat together with their co[u]nsel, who since the adjournment last Friday have been reinforced by the presence of Judge George Denny, Jr., and Co. W. O. Bradley, of Lancaster. Nearly forty witnesses were called for the Commonwealth, and all but one or two were present. The County Attorney announced that the Commonwealth was ready to proceed with the investigation. A short consultation of the prisoners and their counsel was then held, after which Mr. Bradley arose and said the defendants desired Judge McClure as a witness in the case, and in view of this act they presumed he would not care to preside in the investigation. The County Attorney said he had no objection to Judge McClure presiding, even if he was a witness; that if the defendants did not want him to try the case, he hoped the court would insist on their taking legal steps to disqualify him. Judge McClure announced that if the defendants objected to his trying the case they must make out and present their affidavit in due form, and then, and not till then, would he vacate the bench. The affidavit was made and presented.
Thereupon two Justices, A. J. Pike and H. D Burnett, were selected as the court, and being present, they at once assumed the bench. The County Attorney stated that he had no power to object to 'Squire Pike, but that the relatives of the deceased preferred that he should not sit as one of the court. 'Squire Pike then begged permission to withdraw from the case, but the defendants' attorneys insisted that he should remain, and he accordingly kept his seat. It is generally believed that the court will do the right.
The defendants then presented their affidavits for a continuance, setting forth that they could prove by certain absent witnesses that the friends of James Rhodus, who was killed at Mary Sigman's house something more than a year ago, had threatened to kill Mary, and on one or more occasions had attempted her life. On another occasion she had been compelled to fly to the woods with a Constable named John Pennington and remain hid several day to escape the wrath of Rhodus. The County Attorney refused to admit the statements of the affidavit, and the court gave a continuance until Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. 'Squire Burnet stated, after granting the continuance, that the investigation would certainly begin Thursday morning. The prisoners were again placed in custody and the court adjourned. No credence whatever is given to the statements of the affidavit that proof can be offered showing that Mary Sigman and her mother came to their death at the hands of the friends of Jim Rhodus. The County Attorney tells me that new facts are developing every day to help the prosecution. The probability is that when the witnesses do begin to talk something interesting will be heard. The trial will certainly take place Thursday. [11.5]
CHANGE OF COURT.
Thereupon two Justices, A. J. Pike and H. D Burnett, were selected as the court, and being present, they at once assumed the bench. The County Attorney stated that he had no power to object to 'Squire Pike, but that the relatives of the deceased preferred that he should not sit as one of the court. 'Squire Pike then begged permission to withdraw from the case, but the defendants' attorneys insisted that he should remain, and he accordingly kept his seat. It is generally believed that the court will do the right.
The defendants then presented their affidavits for a continuance, setting forth that they could prove by certain absent witnesses that the friends of James Rhodus, who was killed at Mary Sigman's house something more than a year ago, had threatened to kill Mary, and on one or more occasions had attempted her life. On another occasion she had been compelled to fly to the woods with a Constable named John Pennington and remain hid several day to escape the wrath of Rhodus. The County Attorney refused to admit the statements of the affidavit, and the court gave a continuance until Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. 'Squire Burnet stated, after granting the continuance, that the investigation would certainly begin Thursday morning. The prisoners were again placed in custody and the court adjourned. No credence whatever is given to the statements of the affidavit that proof can be offered showing that Mary Sigman and her mother came to their death at the hands of the friends of Jim Rhodus. The County Attorney tells me that new facts are developing every day to help the prosecution. The probability is that when the witnesses do begin to talk something interesting will be heard. The trial will certainly take place Thursday. [11.5]
---
[March 17, 1882] -
On Tuesday the trial of James Bishop, A. J. Henderson and Wm. Hysinger, alleged murderers of Mary and Bettie Sigman was called before Judge McClure. The defendants were represented by the following array of counsel: Judge Geo. Denny, Jr., Col. W. O. Bradley, J. K. McClary, J. W. Brown, F. H. Reppert. The County Attorney was assisted by J. B. Fish and N. D. Wilmot. The Court-house was filled with people. The County Attorney announced that the Commonwealth was ready to proceed with the investigation. Col. Bradley then stated that the defense desired to use Judge McClure as a witness, and in view of this fact he presumed the Judge would not care to preside in the case. The County Attorney remarked that the air had been well charged for several days with a rumor that Judge McClure would be sworn off of the case, and he hoped the Judge would insist on an affidavit before he vacated the bench; that the prosecution were willing for Judge McClure to preside in the case even though he was a witness for the defense. Judge McClure then announced that if the defendants objected to his trying the case they must file their affidavit and follow the course prescribed by law. The affidavit was at once made and presented. A new court was organized immediately, consisting of 'Squires A. J. Pike and H. D. Burnett. The Court Attorney stated that he had no power to object to 'Squire Pike, but that relatives of the deceased preferred that he would not sit in the case. 'Squire Pike desired to withdraw from the case, but the defendants' attorneys insisted that he should remain. He finally consented to stay in the case. It is generally believed that the Court will do what is right. The defendants filed an affidavit asking for a continuance of the case, which was granted. The trial was set for yesterday (Thursday), and it was expected that it would certainly begin as soon as the Court convened. Since the adjournment of Court on Tuesday, Col. W. G. Welch and Judge M. C. Saufley, of Stanford, have been employed for the prosecution. They came up Wednesday evening. The horrible murder of Mary Sigman and her mother, and the consequent trial of these parties are the all-absorbing topics among our people who are determined that the affair shall be fully investigated. [12]---
[March 17, 1882] -
THE ROUNDSTONE MURDERS.
First Day of the Trial of Bishop, Hysinger and Henderson for the Sigman Killings.
THE TESTIMONY MAY CLOSE TO-DAY.
[Special to the Courier-Journal.]
MT. VERNON, KY., March 16. -- The first day of the trial of Bishop, Hysinger and Henderson, alleged murders of Mary and Bettie Sigman, is over. When court opened this morning the house was again full of people, many of whom were witnesses, and others drawn thither by an eager curiosity to hear the details of the bloody murder of the Roundstone courtesan and her mother. The counsel for the prosecution had been materially strengthened since the previous adjournment by Col. W. G. Welch and Judge M. C. Saufly, who have been employed to assist the County Attorney. In numbers the attorneys for the prosecution and defense are even, there being five on either side. After some preliminary skirmishing both sides announced themselves ready to
BEGIN THE INVESTIGATION.
at which there was a great sigh of relief from the crowd of spectators. This was destined soon to be changed to a howl of dissatisfaction, however, for Judge Denny, of defendants' counsel, at once arose and asked, on the part of the defense, that all spectators be excluded from the court room. The Court granted the request, though no reason for it was shown. The witnesses being first sworn and placed under rule, all the spectators be excluded from the court room. The Court granted the request, though no reason for it was shown. The witnesses being first sworn and placed under rule, all the spectators were sent out of the court-room. The doors were then closed.
Judge Denny now moved that each defendant have a separate trial. This motion was discussed at some length, and finally overruled by the Court, who decided to try all three defendants together.
THE TESTIMONY
then began, and up to the time of adjournment this evening eleven witnesses for the Commonwealth had been examined. Their testimony in substance showed the killing of Wat Bishop and Adam Hysinger at Mary Sigman's house, nearly two years ago; the arrival of James Bishop at this place from Tennessee on the 3d of this month; his staying at old man Hysinger's until Sunday; afterward his going on that day in company with the old man and William Hysinger to the latter's house; his being at William Hysinger's on the evening of the murder; the fact that Henderson went over to William Hysinger's on the same evening to spend the night; the finding of the tracks of three men on the next day leading from William Hysinger's to Mary Sigman's cabin; the ownership of the little dog, which was proven to be the property of William Hysinger;
THE ARREST OF BISHOP,
his description by parties who saw him on Sunday and Monday before the murder, which corresponds exactly with the description given of the murder by Mary Sigman's children at the Coroner's inquest, and other circumstances heretofore published and already familiar to those who have read the history of this terrible crime. In fact, the testimony, so far as it has gone, is almost identical with the details of the killing as heretofore published.
The trial will probably run into Saturday, though it may be finished tomorrow.
M. T. J. [13]
---
[March 18, 1882] -
THE SIGMAN MURDER TRIAL.
Circumstantial and Positive Evidence Pointing Out the Murderers of the Sigmans.
NO LYNCHERS NEED APPLY.
(Special to the Courier Journal.)
Mt. Vernon, Ky., March 17. -- The Commonwealth finished its testimony in the Sigman murder case to-day. There has been a great deal of indignation among the citizens because of the court sitting with closed doors. The fact that the defendants demanded and are having a secret investigation of the case has greatly strengthened the popular belief in their guilt, whether justly so or not I am unable to say. The testimony to-day established the following additional facts: The boot of Bishop was taken to the scene of the murder and tried in the heel-plated boot or shoe tracks leading from Wm. Hysinger's house to Mary Sigman's. It exactly fitted the track in every particular, even to the heads of the nails which fastened the plates to the heel. The left boot of Bishop was taken off to-day and found to be twisted over so that the bulk of his foot pressed down on the left side. One of tracks made on the night of the murder was that of a rubber boot or overshoe. A measure of it was taken. After Henderson's arrest, he was observed to be wearing a pair of rubber boots. A lady measured one of his tracks, thinking it might establish his innocence. This measure was compared with the other to-day for the first time, and they precisely corresponded in length and in the size of the heel. The other track found on the night of the murder was that of a number seven or eight boot or shoe, but no measure of it was taken.
THE CHILDREN'S EVIDENCE.
Two children of Mary Sigman -- Jason, aged fifteen, and Mary, aged ten -- testified to the killing. Mary is one of the twins, and the other, Lucy, was not put on the stand. There was very little difference in the testimony of Jason and Mary. They told the story of the murder as it has heretofore been published in the Courier-Journal. Both identified Bishop as the murderer next morning, and both of them readily pointed him out as the murderer while he sat with the other prisoners and his counsel to-day. I am told that Bishop was very nervous, and shrank back behind William Hysinger while he was being identified to-day. Both children stated positively that he was the man, that they could not be mistaken about it. Mary stated that the murderer wore a silk handkerchief around his neck. At the time of his arrest Bishop had a silk handkerchief wrapped around his throat, and he is still wearing it. It was also proved that when Bishop entered the cabin the morning after the murder he never once looked toward the dead bodies, but sat down in a chair, where he became so nervous that his knees shook and his boot-heels rattled on the floor. He seemed to be affected with a chocking sensation, and finally got up and walked out.
THE LITTLE DOG
which was found at William Hysinger's house was brought into court, and the Sigman children stated that it was the same dog, or one exactly like the same, that followed the murderer into the cabin on the fatal night. Little Jason Sigman stated that he took hold of the dog once and pushed it out of the house. Twenty-two witnesses in all were examined by the Commonwealth and many present were not called. At the conclusion of the Commonwealth's testimony the defense asked the court to dismiss the charge against William Hysinger. After quite a lengthy debate the court overruled this motion. The defense then offered to introduce William Hysinger as a witness for the other defendants, on the ground that no conspiracy had been proven. This led to more argument, and the court refused to let Hysinger testify. The court then adjourned till to-morrow.
STRONG CASE.
The County Attorney tells me to-night that the Commonwealth has made out an exceedingly strong case, and that every fact heretofore given to the public through this paper has been proven against these men. It is thought the trial will be concluded to-morrow, but this depends very largely on the amount of time consumed in discussing questions of evidence. Some threats of lynching the prisoners have been indulged in on the streets to-day, and information of their having been made coming to the ears of County Judge McClure, he ordered an additional guard to be placed around the jail to-night. He says he is determined that the prisoners shall suffer no violence. M. T. J. [13.5]
---
[March 21, 1882] -
The trial of Jas. Bishop, A. S. Henderson and Wm. Hysinger, for the Sigman murder, closed last Saturday. It resulted in Bishop being held without bail; A. S. Henderson held in the sum of $1,000 and Wm. Hysinger $500 for their appearance on the first day of the next August term of the Circit Court. Henderson and Hysinger gave the bonds required, after a great deal of trouble. Samuel Hysinger, David Hysinger, A. J. Henderson, W. O. Bradley and J. K. McClary are their bondsmen. Bishop's attorneys requested that he be sent to Lancaster for safe keeping, whereupont he order was made directing him to be taken to that place. The Sheriff and his deputies started with him on Monday. [14]---
[March 21, 1882] -
MT. VERNON.
BISHOP, THE MURDERER OF THE SIGMAN WOMEN, TAKEN TO THE LANCASTER JAIL.
(Special to the Courier-Journal.)
MT. VERNON, March 20. -- James Bishop, the alleged murderer of Bettie and Mary Sigman, held by an examining court without bail, was taken from the jail here this morning by Sheriff Albright and deputy and conveyed to the Lancaster jail for safe keeping. He was handcuffed and otherwise properly secured before he was removed from the jail.
There is little doubt that he is a desperate fellow. The County Attorney here has received reliable information from Graysburg, Green county, Tennessee (Bishop's former home), that his reputation there is that of a wild, reckless, dangerous man. He left Graysburg about five weeks ago, just after having a difficulty with his brother-in-law, in which he shot at the latter. It is reported here to-day that Bishop told a man in Laurel county while on his way here that he intended to kill Mary Sigman if she was still in this county.
As the train bearing Bishop to Lancaster to-day halted at the stations the news of his being aboard spread quickly in the crowd, and there was the greatest curiosity to see him. [14.5]
---
[March 24, 1882] -
It is currently reported here that Harve Mink met James Bishop in Laurel county as he was coming out. Bishop asked Mink if he knew the Hysingers, where they lived and all about them. Mink told him all he knew, and then Bishop asked him if he knew Mary Sigman and where she lived. He told him he knew in the neighborhood of where she lived. Bishop then told him that he had a brother killed at the house, and that he was going out there to settle with her for it. How true this is I am not prepared to say; but it is known upon good authority that James Bishop had a difficulty with his brother-in-law in Tennessee about 5 weeks ago, in which he shot at the latter and had to leave the State to avoid arrest. [15]---
[March 24, 1882] -
Jas. Bishop, the supposed murderer of the Sigman woman in Rockcastle county, is in our jail [Garrard] for safe keeping. [16]---
[August 18, 1882] -
The grand jury returned two indictments for murder against James Bishop, A. S. Henderson and William Hysinger. One indictment is for the killing of Mary SIgman, the other for the killing of Betty Sigman. The defendants asked for separate trials which was granted. The trial of Bishop was set for to-day (Friday). [17]---
[August 22, 1882] -
MT. VERNON.--The trial of Bishop, for the murder of the Sigman woman, was continued for the defense, his counsel, Mr. W. O. Bradley, claiming that he was physically unable to go into it. The case of Nunneley, for the murder of an unknown man in Pulaski, was continued by the Commonwealth because of the absence of Sam Wood, the important negro witness. [18]---
[January 12, 1883] -
James Bishop and A. S. Henderson, two of the defendants charged with the murder of Mary Sigman, made application to the Court for a change of venue in their trials. The application was resisted by the prosecution and testimony was heard pro and con. After hearing the evidence Judge Alcorn decided that while it was apparent a jury could be obtained in this county, yet from the evidence it was also apparent that there would be considerable pressure brought to bear on them by the public, the evidence showing that public sentiment was very decidedly against the defendants, and believing the defendants could not here obtain such a fair trial as the law contemplates, he therefore granted the application. The case goes to Garrard county for trial. William Hysinger, the other defendant, will have his trial here. [19]---
[January 12, 1883] -
James Bishop and A. S. Henderson, two of the three individuals who were made famous by being charged with the murder of Mary Sigman, the celebrated Roundstone courtesan, applied to the court for a change of venue from this county. The application was resisted by the prosecution, and testimony was heard pro and con. The court granted the application, and the case will be sent to Garrard county. Wm. Hysinger, the other defendant, will have his trial in this county. [20] (See this post for image)
---
[March 30, 1883] -
Circuit Court begins at London Monday, when the Sigman murder trial comes up. There is a large number of witnesses, and if it is tried will consume about all of the first week of the court. James Bishop, one of the men accused of the murder, is in the London jail, where he was removed from Lancaster last August. [21]---
[April 6, 1883] -
The case of the Commonwealth vs. James Bishop and others, is being tried at London this week. The attorneys from this place are J. K. McClary, J. W. Brown and Isaac A. Stewart for the defense; Col. Sam M. Burdett for the prosecution. The trial began Tuesday and will probably last all this week. About 100 witnesses have been summoned in this case. [22]---
[April 17, 1883] -
Jas. Bishop got off with a hung jury at London. This was a surprise to a great many persons who thought the proof was so positive against him that no jury could fail to bring in a verdict of guilty. Hard swearing by his witnesses, some of whom were his attorneys, succeeded in raising the "reasonable doubt" in the minds of the jury, hence their failure to agree. The jury stood 8 for acquittal 4 for conviction. The court fixed Bishop's bail at $3,000, which he has not yet given. The case against Henderson was continued until the next term. [23]---
[May 1, 1883] -
James Bishop has given bail and been released from the London jail. James and S. F. Brongton and Galion Sowder have been released on $300 bail each. [24]---
[March 30, 1883] -
Circuit Court begins at London Monday, when the Sigman murder trial comes up. There is a large number of witnesses, and if it is tried will consume about all of the first week of the court. James Bishop, one of the men accused of the murder, is in the London jail, where he was removed from Lancaster last August. [25]---
[September 21, 1883] -
The Laurel Circuit Court begins next Monday. The Bishop-Sigman murder case is to be tried again this court. [26]
---
[October 9, 1883] -
The trial of James Bishop, for the murder of Mary Sigman, which had been going on at London for several days terminated just as it did before, with a hung jury; 8 for acquittal and 4 for conviction. Bishop's bond was allowed to remain the same as before, $3,000. [27]---
[November 6, 1883] -
A report comes here of a shooting scrape on Roundstone Saturday. It is said that Ebb Cooley and a young man named Rogers came to James Hardin's and threatened to kill the little dog, which is an important witness in the Bishop case. Ben Lear was present and picked the dog from the ground and ran and as he did so he was fired at by Cooley and Rogers. Bullets passed through his hat and coat, but failed to hit his body. Lear went before a magistrate and swore out a writ against them. No arrests have been made yet. [28]---
[April 4, 1884] -
The Bishop-Sigman murder case came up at London Wednesday, and owing to the absence of Col. Burdett, who is assisting the Commonwealth's Attorney, and several witnesses was passed until Tuesday next. [29]---
[April 11, 1884] -
The selection of a jury in the case of the Commonwealth against James Bishop, was commenced Tuesday at London. We learn that the jury was obtained from the men who were summoned from Whitley county. The opinion is pretty general that that [sic] there will be no more hung juries in this case -- that they will either acquit or convict at this term of court. The following attorneys from this place are engaged in the case: J. K. McClary, J. W. Brown and I. A. Stewart, all for the defense. [30]---
[April 18, 1884] -
The third trial of Bishop for the murder of the Sigman woman in Rockcastle ended Saturday, at London, in a verdict of acquittal. [30.5] ---
[April 25, 1884] -
Last Friday, at London, the jury in the case of the Commonwealth against Bishop, on a charge of murder, brought in a verdict of acquittal, much to the surprise of nearly every one. Bishop, the proof showed, with strong circumstantial evidence, had shot and killed a woman named Sigman. People believe that no one but Bishop did the deed. Other strong facts were proven against him, but such is the loose way of punishing criminals in this State, that juries rarely convict any one of murder. No wonder mobs rise up and take the law in their own hands. [30.6]---
(This is an excerpt from an article regarding the murder of Henderson by his brother-in-law James Burdin.)
[April 1, 1890] -
Henderson, it will be remembered, was arrested some years since with Bishop, charged with murdering Mary Sigman, "the scarlet woman of Round Stone," and her mother, in the house where a brother of Bishop and young Hysinger were killed in a row. No positive evidence being adduced at the trial Henderson was released, though there is no doubt he was along when the killing occurred. Henderson's has been a chequered career. He is accused of having burned a number of houses in Rockcastle and having killed Charles Krieger from the roadside some three years ago while on his way to Jackson county to buy walnut trees. [31]-----------------
[1] Excerpt from "Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 28, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-05-28/ed-1/seq-2/
[2] Excerpt from "Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 20, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-08-20/ed-1/seq-2/
[3] Excerpt from "Madison County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 24, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-09-24/ed-1/seq-2/
[4] Excerpt from "Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 1, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-10-01/ed-1/seq-2/
[5] Excerpt from "Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 8, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-10-08/ed-1/seq-2/[2] Excerpt from "Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 20, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-08-20/ed-1/seq-2/
[3] Excerpt from "Madison County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 24, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-09-24/ed-1/seq-2/
[4] Excerpt from "Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 1, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-10-01/ed-1/seq-2/
[5.5] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 12, 1881. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-08-12/ed-1/seq-2/
[6.6] "A Rockcastle Horror." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. March 8, 1882. Page 3. Newspapers.com.
[9.5] "Murder Most Foul." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. March 10, 1882. Page 5. Newspapers.com.
[9.6] "The Sigman Murder." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. March 11, 1882. Page 5. Newspapers.com.
[11.5] "Rockcastle's Horror." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. March 15, 1882. Page 4. Newspapers.com.
[12] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 17, 1882. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-03-17/ed-1/seq-2/
[13] "The Roundstone Murders." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. March 17, 1882. Page 5. Newspapers.com.
[13.5] "The Sigman Murder Trial." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. March 18, 1882. Page 6. Newspapers.com.
[13] "The Roundstone Murders." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. March 17, 1882. Page 5. Newspapers.com.
[13.5] "The Sigman Murder Trial." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. March 18, 1882. Page 6. Newspapers.com.
[14.5] "Matters in Kentucky - Mt. Vernon." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. March 21, 1882. Page 3. Newspapers.com.
[16] Excerpt from "Garrard County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 24, 1882. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-03-24/ed-1/seq-2/
[20] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon." The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. January 12, 1883. Page 5. Newspapers.com. (See this post for image.)
[22] Except from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 6, 1883. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-04-06/ed-1/seq-3/
[23] Except from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 17, 1883. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-04-17/ed-1/seq-2/
[24] Except from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 1, 1883. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-05-01/ed-1/seq-2/
[25] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 30, 1883. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-03-30/ed-1/seq-3/
[28] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 6, 1883. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-11-06/ed-1/seq-2/
[29] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 4, 1884. Page 4. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-04-04/ed-1/seq-4/
[30] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 11, 1884. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-04-11/ed-1/seq-2/
[30.5] Excerpt from "Our State." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. April 18, 1884. Page 1. Newspapers.com.
[30.6] Excerpt from "Our State." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. April 25, 1884. Page 1. Newspapers.com.
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