Previously:
Click here for a list of my other Pulaski/Rockcastle/Laurel County KY articles
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[October 15, 1875] -
On Monday evening at Ed. Todd's grocery in Madison county, Andy Conn shot and killed John Arnold. We have not heard the particulars of the killing. [1]
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[October 22, 1875] -
Mr. Andy Conn's trial for the killing of Arnold, on the 11 inst, was held at ---- Chapel, in Madison county, Saturday, Oct. 16th, resulting in his acquittal from the evidence of the Commonwealth's witnesses, (the defence introducing none) the following facts were adduced -- that Conn and Arnold came to Ed Todds grocery together, Arnold riding one of Conn's horses. After their arrival at the grocery Mr. Smith, who was there, asked Arnold where his mother-in-law was at, and on Arnold telling him she was at home, Smith said he was going over to see or court her, that he was out of a house-keeper, and wanted one. It seems as if Arnold took this as an insult, and he and Smith had some words -- Smith apologizing, and saying he meant no insult. Smith left the grocery and went up to Todds house, about fifty yards from the grocery, and Arnold followed him there, and as the lady of the house opened the door for the latter to enter, Smith attempted to pass out but Arnold stopped him, said something to him and slapped him in the face. Smith came on back to the grocery and asked for a pistol saying that Arnold had followed him to the house and slapped him in the face. No one giving him a pistol, he reached Andy Conn's coat and jerked his pistol out of the scabbard. Several then stopped Smith and took the pistol from him, and gave it back to Conn, who put it back in his scabbard. Conn then told Smith to remain there in the grocery and he would go and get John (Arnold,) and take him home. Conn then started from the grocery and met Arnold about ten or twenty steps from the grocery coming from the house -- as he met him said to him -- "what is the matter with you and old man Smith; you ought to let that old man alone and get on your horse and let's go home," whereupon, Arnold said -- "Damn you, do you take it up," and at the same time commenced drawing and did draw his pistol -- Conn grasped at Arnold's pistol and succeeded in catching hold of it and turned the muzzle from the direction of his body -- both parties still hold of the pistol and trying to wrench it from the others hands. Conn then with his other hand drew his own pistol and fired, the ball taking effect in the abdomen. Arnold fell, and his pistol dropped at his feet. Conn helped remove him home.
These are the facts as detailed by the Commonwealth's witnesses and on which facts the Court found their verdict of "not guilty" and discharged the defendant. Mrs. Arnold, mother of the dec'd, said that Andy stayed with John and waited on him until he died, and then had him nicely buried at his (Conn's) own expense. [2]
BOYLE COUNTY JAIL UNLOCKED AND TWO PRISONERS ESCAPED. -- On Wednesday night the prison cells of the Boyle county jail were unlocked, and two of the four prisoners escaped. Thos. D. McGrath, who some months ago killed Benj. Proctor, and George Anderson, accused of horse stealing. There were two others confined, who say they did not know their cells were unlocked.
