"Murder Most Foul: Mr. David Swartz Murdered in Cold Blood--Shot While in his wagon, and Left by the Roadside.--Mr. David Swartz, one of the earlier settlers of Salem Prairie, was found Sunday morning near his home, with several shot wounds in and about his head and neck and from the effects of which he died early yesterday morning. The cicumstances as related to us are about these:
Last Saturday Mr. Swartz was in the city during the forenoon and returned home. He then went with his team over to the sawmill after a load of lumber, and returning had got within a quarter of a mile of home when he was fired upon, apparently from the fence corner, the shot taking effect, as above stated, in the head and neck. He must have fallen thence to the ground, and his assassin or assassins then approached and putting a pistol close to his head fired, as they supposed, the farewell shot. The shot powder burned his neck where the ball entered, and gave the evidence of the position in which the weapon must have been held.
The parties doing the dastardly work then ran away, leaving the old man weitering in his blood, while the team stopped near the fence, where they were found the next morning, yet hitched to the loaded wagon.
Swartz had been having some trouble with his family lately, and his wife and son, the latter a lad about fifteen years old, were arrested as the guilty parties and lodged in jail Sunday evening. Notwithstanding Drs. Kinney and Rowland had been summoned and did all that medical skill could do, Mr. Swartz died yesterday morning at nine o'clock. Coroner Dr. Warinner held his inquest upon the body during the afternoon, the verdict of the jury being in accordance with the above facts. Late last evening a man named Henry and a negro named Joe Drake were also arrested. As the examination takes place this morning in Squire Coffey's court, we withhold further comment for the present."
DOS May 6, 1884 3:3
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Murder at Salem. Last Sunday a man named David Swartz who was known by many in Albany, was fiendishly murdered on Salem prairie, by unknown parties. He was going towards, his home in a wagon when he was shot in the head, causing his fall from the wagon. He was afterwards shot several times, probably by a revolver, directly at the head, in order to make the work sure. Mr. Swartz did not die until Monday forenoon. It is stated that the victim of the outrage had trouble with his family, which caused the arrest of a son and wife. Two men, one named Henry, the other a negro, were also arrested on suspicion.
Since the above was in type, Henry mentioned above, confessed the whole affair, but claims that the darkey did the shooting, stating that he used a musket, and when Swartz fell over on the load of lumber, rushed up and shot him in the head with a revolver. As supposed a woman was at the bottom of it. It is a mean case all around, and there are several who deserve hanging. The States Rights Democrat (Albany, OR), May 9, 1884, p. 3, col. 4.
Assassination of an old Farmer Near Salem. Salem, Or., May 5. - David Swartz, an old resident of this county, was found lying dead in the road near his old home a few miles east of this city at an early hour yesterday morning. His team and wagon, on which was a load of lumber, was standing near by, with indications of having remained there all night. Swartz's body was lying on the ground with a ghastly gun-shot wound in the face and one, apparently made by the ball of a revolver, in his neck. An alarm was at once given, and the body taken to his home. Footprints were scattered around promiscuously, apparenty those of three different persons-- a man, a woman, and a boy-- and the theory was advanced that his wife, her son and a colored employe on the place were implicated in the deed. Their family relations have been anything but pleasant for a long time past, and their recent appearance in the courts in cross suits, assault and battery cases, etc., has given them an unsavory reputation. Sheriff Forward yesterday arrested the woman and boy on suspicion, and they are now in jail. The colored man cannot be found as yet. The coroner will hold an inquest to-day. There has no doubt been a murder committed. The pistol shot was fired at close range, as the flesh is powder-burned. It is generally supposed the crime was committed about 9 o'clock on Saturday evening, the body being discovered on the following morning by a man coming to the city for a physician. The affair has created considerable excitement.
Later developments indicate that Swartz was shot about 10 o'clock Saturday night. He lingered along in dreadful agony until about noon to-day. His wife made a statement this morning, in which she said that it was her firm belief that a colored man named Jos. Drake and a farm laborer named William Henry committed the deed. Sheriff Forward has just succeeded in arresting them both, and they are, with Mrs. Swartz and her son, confined in the county jail. It is believed that she knows more of the affair than she has thus far revealed, and further confessions are looked for, as she appears sadly broken in spirit. The coroner's inquest developed no new facts, and their verdict was that the murder was committed by unknown parties. She acknowledges that she took supper with Henry at his house on Gasner's place Saturday evening, and appearances indicate that she was cognizant of the crime in all its horrible details. The preliminary examination will take place tomorrow morning before Justice Coffey, when new and startling development [sic] are looked for. The court house is filled with excited news-hunters, a number of relatives of the deceased being present.
Salem, May 6 - The preliminary examination of Mrs. D. Swartz and son, Joe Drake and William Henry, charged with the murder of David Swartz on Saturday last, was commenced before Judge Coffey today. William Henry testified that Mrs. Swartz gave himself and Drake to understand that her husband intended to kill them both on sight. Mrs Swartz came to his house Saturday evening, and informed them that her husband had gone to Bass' mill, and that a favorable opportunity would occur to kill him on his way home. Drake met him and informed him that Mrs. Swartz was all right, and the two then proceeded to the spot where the deed was afterward committed. When Swartz appeared Drake shot first with a shotgun and afterwards with a revolver, being only about ten feet from his victim when the first shot was fired. Swartz never spoke again after he was shot, and he fell from his wagon. They at once remounted their horses, which were tied some distance from the scene, and returned to Henry's house, where they afterwards burned their shoes to prevent detection. Macy, another witness, testified as to the weapons, and the court adjourned until tomorrow. The feeling against the prisoners is very bitter. The justice's court was crowded to its fullest capacity, and a large crowd followed the officers when they conducted the prisoners back to their quarters in the county jail.
Salem, May 7 - The preliminary examination of the supposed murderers of David Swartz was concluded before Justice Coffey this afternoon, and resulted in the holding of Mrs. Swartz, the negro Drake and Wm. Henry, and the discharge of the boy, Geo. Swartz. Mrs. Henry's testimony was merely corroborative. --The Coast Mail (Marshfield, OR), May 15, 1884, p. 1, col. 4 (includes all 3 days' news in the single column)
The Swartz Murderers. Joe Drake, the negro indicted for the murder of D. Swartz, near Salem, some months ago, was found guilty as charged in the indictment, on Wednesday. The jury was out only two hours. Mrs. Swartz, the wife of the murdered man, was also indicted by the grand jury, and is now on trial for complicity in the murder of her husband. She will probably receive the same verdict from the jury. -- Willamette Farmer (Salem, OR), June 20, 1884, p. 8, col. 2.
At Salem on the 19th, the jury in the case of the State vs Mary Swarts, charged with complicity in the murder of her husband, David Swarts, returned a verdict of not guilty, after being out but a short time, no evidence having been introduced that in their minds implicated her in the crime. -- The Daily Morning Astorian (Astoria, OR), June 21, 1884, p. 3, col. 2.
Henry, charged with complicity in the murder of David Swartz, near Salem, pleaded guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced for life to the State prision.
Willamette Farmer (Salem OR), July 4, 1884, p. 5, col. 3.
SENTENCED FOR LIFE - The man Henry, charged with others with complicity in the murder of David Swarts near Salem a few weeks since, pleaded guilty to the crime of manslaughter before His Honor Judge Boise of the third judicial district Tuesday, and was sentenced to imprisonment for life in the Oregon state penitentiary. This is the same Henry that formerly resided in this county and was one of Turner's surveying party several years ago. Oregon Sentinel (Jacksonville, OR), July 5, 1884, p. 3, col. 1.
We have been informed that Mrs. W. J. Henry and children who have been living at the expense of the county since the convinction [sic] her husband who is now serving a life sentence in the penitentiary at Salem for the murder of David Swartz has been sent home to her relatives in Jackson county. Oregon Sentinel (Jacksonville, OR), September 6, 1884, Page 3, Col. 3.
Last Saturday Mr. Swartz was in the city during the forenoon and returned home. He then went with his team over to the sawmill after a load of lumber, and returning had got within a quarter of a mile of home when he was fired upon, apparently from the fence corner, the shot taking effect, as above stated, in the head and neck. He must have fallen thence to the ground, and his assassin or assassins then approached and putting a pistol close to his head fired, as they supposed, the farewell shot. The shot powder burned his neck where the ball entered, and gave the evidence of the position in which the weapon must have been held.
The parties doing the dastardly work then ran away, leaving the old man weitering in his blood, while the team stopped near the fence, where they were found the next morning, yet hitched to the loaded wagon.
Swartz had been having some trouble with his family lately, and his wife and son, the latter a lad about fifteen years old, were arrested as the guilty parties and lodged in jail Sunday evening. Notwithstanding Drs. Kinney and Rowland had been summoned and did all that medical skill could do, Mr. Swartz died yesterday morning at nine o'clock. Coroner Dr. Warinner held his inquest upon the body during the afternoon, the verdict of the jury being in accordance with the above facts. Late last evening a man named Henry and a negro named Joe Drake were also arrested. As the examination takes place this morning in Squire Coffey's court, we withhold further comment for the present."
DOS May 6, 1884 3:3
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Murder at Salem. Last Sunday a man named David Swartz who was known by many in Albany, was fiendishly murdered on Salem prairie, by unknown parties. He was going towards, his home in a wagon when he was shot in the head, causing his fall from the wagon. He was afterwards shot several times, probably by a revolver, directly at the head, in order to make the work sure. Mr. Swartz did not die until Monday forenoon. It is stated that the victim of the outrage had trouble with his family, which caused the arrest of a son and wife. Two men, one named Henry, the other a negro, were also arrested on suspicion.
Since the above was in type, Henry mentioned above, confessed the whole affair, but claims that the darkey did the shooting, stating that he used a musket, and when Swartz fell over on the load of lumber, rushed up and shot him in the head with a revolver. As supposed a woman was at the bottom of it. It is a mean case all around, and there are several who deserve hanging. The States Rights Democrat (Albany, OR), May 9, 1884, p. 3, col. 4.
Assassination of an old Farmer Near Salem. Salem, Or., May 5. - David Swartz, an old resident of this county, was found lying dead in the road near his old home a few miles east of this city at an early hour yesterday morning. His team and wagon, on which was a load of lumber, was standing near by, with indications of having remained there all night. Swartz's body was lying on the ground with a ghastly gun-shot wound in the face and one, apparently made by the ball of a revolver, in his neck. An alarm was at once given, and the body taken to his home. Footprints were scattered around promiscuously, apparenty those of three different persons-- a man, a woman, and a boy-- and the theory was advanced that his wife, her son and a colored employe on the place were implicated in the deed. Their family relations have been anything but pleasant for a long time past, and their recent appearance in the courts in cross suits, assault and battery cases, etc., has given them an unsavory reputation. Sheriff Forward yesterday arrested the woman and boy on suspicion, and they are now in jail. The colored man cannot be found as yet. The coroner will hold an inquest to-day. There has no doubt been a murder committed. The pistol shot was fired at close range, as the flesh is powder-burned. It is generally supposed the crime was committed about 9 o'clock on Saturday evening, the body being discovered on the following morning by a man coming to the city for a physician. The affair has created considerable excitement.
Later developments indicate that Swartz was shot about 10 o'clock Saturday night. He lingered along in dreadful agony until about noon to-day. His wife made a statement this morning, in which she said that it was her firm belief that a colored man named Jos. Drake and a farm laborer named William Henry committed the deed. Sheriff Forward has just succeeded in arresting them both, and they are, with Mrs. Swartz and her son, confined in the county jail. It is believed that she knows more of the affair than she has thus far revealed, and further confessions are looked for, as she appears sadly broken in spirit. The coroner's inquest developed no new facts, and their verdict was that the murder was committed by unknown parties. She acknowledges that she took supper with Henry at his house on Gasner's place Saturday evening, and appearances indicate that she was cognizant of the crime in all its horrible details. The preliminary examination will take place tomorrow morning before Justice Coffey, when new and startling development [sic] are looked for. The court house is filled with excited news-hunters, a number of relatives of the deceased being present.
Salem, May 6 - The preliminary examination of Mrs. D. Swartz and son, Joe Drake and William Henry, charged with the murder of David Swartz on Saturday last, was commenced before Judge Coffey today. William Henry testified that Mrs. Swartz gave himself and Drake to understand that her husband intended to kill them both on sight. Mrs Swartz came to his house Saturday evening, and informed them that her husband had gone to Bass' mill, and that a favorable opportunity would occur to kill him on his way home. Drake met him and informed him that Mrs. Swartz was all right, and the two then proceeded to the spot where the deed was afterward committed. When Swartz appeared Drake shot first with a shotgun and afterwards with a revolver, being only about ten feet from his victim when the first shot was fired. Swartz never spoke again after he was shot, and he fell from his wagon. They at once remounted their horses, which were tied some distance from the scene, and returned to Henry's house, where they afterwards burned their shoes to prevent detection. Macy, another witness, testified as to the weapons, and the court adjourned until tomorrow. The feeling against the prisoners is very bitter. The justice's court was crowded to its fullest capacity, and a large crowd followed the officers when they conducted the prisoners back to their quarters in the county jail.
Salem, May 7 - The preliminary examination of the supposed murderers of David Swartz was concluded before Justice Coffey this afternoon, and resulted in the holding of Mrs. Swartz, the negro Drake and Wm. Henry, and the discharge of the boy, Geo. Swartz. Mrs. Henry's testimony was merely corroborative. --The Coast Mail (Marshfield, OR), May 15, 1884, p. 1, col. 4 (includes all 3 days' news in the single column)
The Swartz Murderers. Joe Drake, the negro indicted for the murder of D. Swartz, near Salem, some months ago, was found guilty as charged in the indictment, on Wednesday. The jury was out only two hours. Mrs. Swartz, the wife of the murdered man, was also indicted by the grand jury, and is now on trial for complicity in the murder of her husband. She will probably receive the same verdict from the jury. -- Willamette Farmer (Salem, OR), June 20, 1884, p. 8, col. 2.
At Salem on the 19th, the jury in the case of the State vs Mary Swarts, charged with complicity in the murder of her husband, David Swarts, returned a verdict of not guilty, after being out but a short time, no evidence having been introduced that in their minds implicated her in the crime. -- The Daily Morning Astorian (Astoria, OR), June 21, 1884, p. 3, col. 2.
Henry, charged with complicity in the murder of David Swartz, near Salem, pleaded guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced for life to the State prision.
Willamette Farmer (Salem OR), July 4, 1884, p. 5, col. 3.
SENTENCED FOR LIFE - The man Henry, charged with others with complicity in the murder of David Swarts near Salem a few weeks since, pleaded guilty to the crime of manslaughter before His Honor Judge Boise of the third judicial district Tuesday, and was sentenced to imprisonment for life in the Oregon state penitentiary. This is the same Henry that formerly resided in this county and was one of Turner's surveying party several years ago. Oregon Sentinel (Jacksonville, OR), July 5, 1884, p. 3, col. 1.
We have been informed that Mrs. W. J. Henry and children who have been living at the expense of the county since the convinction [sic] her husband who is now serving a life sentence in the penitentiary at Salem for the murder of David Swartz has been sent home to her relatives in Jackson county. Oregon Sentinel (Jacksonville, OR), September 6, 1884, Page 3, Col. 3.
"Murder Most Foul: Mr. David Swartz Murdered in Cold Blood--Shot While in his wagon, and Left by the Roadside.--Mr. David Swartz, one of the earlier settlers of Salem Prairie, was found Sunday morning near his home, with several shot wounds in and about his head and neck and from the effects of which he died early yesterday morning. The cicumstances as related to us are about these:
Last Saturday Mr. Swartz was in the city during the forenoon and returned home. He then went with his team over to the sawmill after a load of lumber, and returning had got within a quarter of a mile of home when he was fired upon, apparently from the fence corner, the shot taking effect, as above stated, in the head and neck. He must have fallen thence to the ground, and his assassin or assassins then approached and putting a pistol close to his head fired, as they supposed, the farewell shot. The shot powder burned his neck where the ball entered, and gave the evidence of the position in which the weapon must have been held.
The parties doing the dastardly work then ran away, leaving the old man weitering in his blood, while the team stopped near the fence, where they were found the next morning, yet hitched to the loaded wagon.
Swartz had been having some trouble with his family lately, and his wife and son, the latter a lad about fifteen years old, were arrested as the guilty parties and lodged in jail Sunday evening. Notwithstanding Drs. Kinney and Rowland had been summoned and did all that medical skill could do, Mr. Swartz died yesterday morning at nine o'clock. Coroner Dr. Warinner held his inquest upon the body during the afternoon, the verdict of the jury being in accordance with the above facts. Late last evening a man named Henry and a negro named Joe Drake were also arrested. As the examination takes place this morning in Squire Coffey's court, we withhold further comment for the present."
DOS May 6, 1884 3:3
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Murder at Salem. Last Sunday a man named David Swartz who was known by many in Albany, was fiendishly murdered on Salem prairie, by unknown parties. He was going towards, his home in a wagon when he was shot in the head, causing his fall from the wagon. He was afterwards shot several times, probably by a revolver, directly at the head, in order to make the work sure. Mr. Swartz did not die until Monday forenoon. It is stated that the victim of the outrage had trouble with his family, which caused the arrest of a son and wife. Two men, one named Henry, the other a negro, were also arrested on suspicion.
Since the above was in type, Henry mentioned above, confessed the whole affair, but claims that the darkey did the shooting, stating that he used a musket, and when Swartz fell over on the load of lumber, rushed up and shot him in the head with a revolver. As supposed a woman was at the bottom of it. It is a mean case all around, and there are several who deserve hanging. The States Rights Democrat (Albany, OR), May 9, 1884, p. 3, col. 4.
Assassination of an old Farmer Near Salem. Salem, Or., May 5. - David Swartz, an old resident of this county, was found lying dead in the road near his old home a few miles east of this city at an early hour yesterday morning. His team and wagon, on which was a load of lumber, was standing near by, with indications of having remained there all night. Swartz's body was lying on the ground with a ghastly gun-shot wound in the face and one, apparently made by the ball of a revolver, in his neck. An alarm was at once given, and the body taken to his home. Footprints were scattered around promiscuously, apparenty those of three different persons-- a man, a woman, and a boy-- and the theory was advanced that his wife, her son and a colored employe on the place were implicated in the deed. Their family relations have been anything but pleasant for a long time past, and their recent appearance in the courts in cross suits, assault and battery cases, etc., has given them an unsavory reputation. Sheriff Forward yesterday arrested the woman and boy on suspicion, and they are now in jail. The colored man cannot be found as yet. The coroner will hold an inquest to-day. There has no doubt been a murder committed. The pistol shot was fired at close range, as the flesh is powder-burned. It is generally supposed the crime was committed about 9 o'clock on Saturday evening, the body being discovered on the following morning by a man coming to the city for a physician. The affair has created considerable excitement.
Later developments indicate that Swartz was shot about 10 o'clock Saturday night. He lingered along in dreadful agony until about noon to-day. His wife made a statement this morning, in which she said that it was her firm belief that a colored man named Jos. Drake and a farm laborer named William Henry committed the deed. Sheriff Forward has just succeeded in arresting them both, and they are, with Mrs. Swartz and her son, confined in the county jail. It is believed that she knows more of the affair than she has thus far revealed, and further confessions are looked for, as she appears sadly broken in spirit. The coroner's inquest developed no new facts, and their verdict was that the murder was committed by unknown parties. She acknowledges that she took supper with Henry at his house on Gasner's place Saturday evening, and appearances indicate that she was cognizant of the crime in all its horrible details. The preliminary examination will take place tomorrow morning before Justice Coffey, when new and startling development [sic] are looked for. The court house is filled with excited news-hunters, a number of relatives of the deceased being present.
Salem, May 6 - The preliminary examination of Mrs. D. Swartz and son, Joe Drake and William Henry, charged with the murder of David Swartz on Saturday last, was commenced before Judge Coffey today. William Henry testified that Mrs. Swartz gave himself and Drake to understand that her husband intended to kill them both on sight. Mrs Swartz came to his house Saturday evening, and informed them that her husband had gone to Bass' mill, and that a favorable opportunity would occur to kill him on his way home. Drake met him and informed him that Mrs. Swartz was all right, and the two then proceeded to the spot where the deed was afterward committed. When Swartz appeared Drake shot first with a shotgun and afterwards with a revolver, being only about ten feet from his victim when the first shot was fired. Swartz never spoke again after he was shot, and he fell from his wagon. They at once remounted their horses, which were tied some distance from the scene, and returned to Henry's house, where they afterwards burned their shoes to prevent detection. Macy, another witness, testified as to the weapons, and the court adjourned until tomorrow. The feeling against the prisoners is very bitter. The justice's court was crowded to its fullest capacity, and a large crowd followed the officers when they conducted the prisoners back to their quarters in the county jail.
Salem, May 7 - The preliminary examination of the supposed murderers of David Swartz was concluded before Justice Coffey this afternoon, and resulted in the holding of Mrs. Swartz, the negro Drake and Wm. Henry, and the discharge of the boy, Geo. Swartz. Mrs. Henry's testimony was merely corroborative. --The Coast Mail (Marshfield, OR), May 15, 1884, p. 1, col. 4 (includes all 3 days' news in the single column)
The Swartz Murderers. Joe Drake, the negro indicted for the murder of D. Swartz, near Salem, some months ago, was found guilty as charged in the indictment, on Wednesday. The jury was out only two hours. Mrs. Swartz, the wife of the murdered man, was also indicted by the grand jury, and is now on trial for complicity in the murder of her husband. She will probably receive the same verdict from the jury. -- Willamette Farmer (Salem, OR), June 20, 1884, p. 8, col. 2.
At Salem on the 19th, the jury in the case of the State vs Mary Swarts, charged with complicity in the murder of her husband, David Swarts, returned a verdict of not guilty, after being out but a short time, no evidence having been introduced that in their minds implicated her in the crime. -- The Daily Morning Astorian (Astoria, OR), June 21, 1884, p. 3, col. 2.
Henry, charged with complicity in the murder of David Swartz, near Salem, pleaded guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced for life to the State prision.
Willamette Farmer (Salem OR), July 4, 1884, p. 5, col. 3.
SENTENCED FOR LIFE - The man Henry, charged with others with complicity in the murder of David Swarts near Salem a few weeks since, pleaded guilty to the crime of manslaughter before His Honor Judge Boise of the third judicial district Tuesday, and was sentenced to imprisonment for life in the Oregon state penitentiary. This is the same Henry that formerly resided in this county and was one of Turner's surveying party several years ago. Oregon Sentinel (Jacksonville, OR), July 5, 1884, p. 3, col. 1.
We have been informed that Mrs. W. J. Henry and children who have been living at the expense of the county since the convinction [sic] her husband who is now serving a life sentence in the penitentiary at Salem for the murder of David Swartz has been sent home to her relatives in Jackson county. Oregon Sentinel (Jacksonville, OR), September 6, 1884, Page 3, Col. 3.
Last Saturday Mr. Swartz was in the city during the forenoon and returned home. He then went with his team over to the sawmill after a load of lumber, and returning had got within a quarter of a mile of home when he was fired upon, apparently from the fence corner, the shot taking effect, as above stated, in the head and neck. He must have fallen thence to the ground, and his assassin or assassins then approached and putting a pistol close to his head fired, as they supposed, the farewell shot. The shot powder burned his neck where the ball entered, and gave the evidence of the position in which the weapon must have been held.
The parties doing the dastardly work then ran away, leaving the old man weitering in his blood, while the team stopped near the fence, where they were found the next morning, yet hitched to the loaded wagon.
Swartz had been having some trouble with his family lately, and his wife and son, the latter a lad about fifteen years old, were arrested as the guilty parties and lodged in jail Sunday evening. Notwithstanding Drs. Kinney and Rowland had been summoned and did all that medical skill could do, Mr. Swartz died yesterday morning at nine o'clock. Coroner Dr. Warinner held his inquest upon the body during the afternoon, the verdict of the jury being in accordance with the above facts. Late last evening a man named Henry and a negro named Joe Drake were also arrested. As the examination takes place this morning in Squire Coffey's court, we withhold further comment for the present."
DOS May 6, 1884 3:3
--------------------------------------
Murder at Salem. Last Sunday a man named David Swartz who was known by many in Albany, was fiendishly murdered on Salem prairie, by unknown parties. He was going towards, his home in a wagon when he was shot in the head, causing his fall from the wagon. He was afterwards shot several times, probably by a revolver, directly at the head, in order to make the work sure. Mr. Swartz did not die until Monday forenoon. It is stated that the victim of the outrage had trouble with his family, which caused the arrest of a son and wife. Two men, one named Henry, the other a negro, were also arrested on suspicion.
Since the above was in type, Henry mentioned above, confessed the whole affair, but claims that the darkey did the shooting, stating that he used a musket, and when Swartz fell over on the load of lumber, rushed up and shot him in the head with a revolver. As supposed a woman was at the bottom of it. It is a mean case all around, and there are several who deserve hanging. The States Rights Democrat (Albany, OR), May 9, 1884, p. 3, col. 4.
Assassination of an old Farmer Near Salem. Salem, Or., May 5. - David Swartz, an old resident of this county, was found lying dead in the road near his old home a few miles east of this city at an early hour yesterday morning. His team and wagon, on which was a load of lumber, was standing near by, with indications of having remained there all night. Swartz's body was lying on the ground with a ghastly gun-shot wound in the face and one, apparently made by the ball of a revolver, in his neck. An alarm was at once given, and the body taken to his home. Footprints were scattered around promiscuously, apparenty those of three different persons-- a man, a woman, and a boy-- and the theory was advanced that his wife, her son and a colored employe on the place were implicated in the deed. Their family relations have been anything but pleasant for a long time past, and their recent appearance in the courts in cross suits, assault and battery cases, etc., has given them an unsavory reputation. Sheriff Forward yesterday arrested the woman and boy on suspicion, and they are now in jail. The colored man cannot be found as yet. The coroner will hold an inquest to-day. There has no doubt been a murder committed. The pistol shot was fired at close range, as the flesh is powder-burned. It is generally supposed the crime was committed about 9 o'clock on Saturday evening, the body being discovered on the following morning by a man coming to the city for a physician. The affair has created considerable excitement.
Later developments indicate that Swartz was shot about 10 o'clock Saturday night. He lingered along in dreadful agony until about noon to-day. His wife made a statement this morning, in which she said that it was her firm belief that a colored man named Jos. Drake and a farm laborer named William Henry committed the deed. Sheriff Forward has just succeeded in arresting them both, and they are, with Mrs. Swartz and her son, confined in the county jail. It is believed that she knows more of the affair than she has thus far revealed, and further confessions are looked for, as she appears sadly broken in spirit. The coroner's inquest developed no new facts, and their verdict was that the murder was committed by unknown parties. She acknowledges that she took supper with Henry at his house on Gasner's place Saturday evening, and appearances indicate that she was cognizant of the crime in all its horrible details. The preliminary examination will take place tomorrow morning before Justice Coffey, when new and startling development [sic] are looked for. The court house is filled with excited news-hunters, a number of relatives of the deceased being present.
Salem, May 6 - The preliminary examination of Mrs. D. Swartz and son, Joe Drake and William Henry, charged with the murder of David Swartz on Saturday last, was commenced before Judge Coffey today. William Henry testified that Mrs. Swartz gave himself and Drake to understand that her husband intended to kill them both on sight. Mrs Swartz came to his house Saturday evening, and informed them that her husband had gone to Bass' mill, and that a favorable opportunity would occur to kill him on his way home. Drake met him and informed him that Mrs. Swartz was all right, and the two then proceeded to the spot where the deed was afterward committed. When Swartz appeared Drake shot first with a shotgun and afterwards with a revolver, being only about ten feet from his victim when the first shot was fired. Swartz never spoke again after he was shot, and he fell from his wagon. They at once remounted their horses, which were tied some distance from the scene, and returned to Henry's house, where they afterwards burned their shoes to prevent detection. Macy, another witness, testified as to the weapons, and the court adjourned until tomorrow. The feeling against the prisoners is very bitter. The justice's court was crowded to its fullest capacity, and a large crowd followed the officers when they conducted the prisoners back to their quarters in the county jail.
Salem, May 7 - The preliminary examination of the supposed murderers of David Swartz was concluded before Justice Coffey this afternoon, and resulted in the holding of Mrs. Swartz, the negro Drake and Wm. Henry, and the discharge of the boy, Geo. Swartz. Mrs. Henry's testimony was merely corroborative. --The Coast Mail (Marshfield, OR), May 15, 1884, p. 1, col. 4 (includes all 3 days' news in the single column)
The Swartz Murderers. Joe Drake, the negro indicted for the murder of D. Swartz, near Salem, some months ago, was found guilty as charged in the indictment, on Wednesday. The jury was out only two hours. Mrs. Swartz, the wife of the murdered man, was also indicted by the grand jury, and is now on trial for complicity in the murder of her husband. She will probably receive the same verdict from the jury. -- Willamette Farmer (Salem, OR), June 20, 1884, p. 8, col. 2.
At Salem on the 19th, the jury in the case of the State vs Mary Swarts, charged with complicity in the murder of her husband, David Swarts, returned a verdict of not guilty, after being out but a short time, no evidence having been introduced that in their minds implicated her in the crime. -- The Daily Morning Astorian (Astoria, OR), June 21, 1884, p. 3, col. 2.
Henry, charged with complicity in the murder of David Swartz, near Salem, pleaded guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced for life to the State prision.
Willamette Farmer (Salem OR), July 4, 1884, p. 5, col. 3.
SENTENCED FOR LIFE - The man Henry, charged with others with complicity in the murder of David Swarts near Salem a few weeks since, pleaded guilty to the crime of manslaughter before His Honor Judge Boise of the third judicial district Tuesday, and was sentenced to imprisonment for life in the Oregon state penitentiary. This is the same Henry that formerly resided in this county and was one of Turner's surveying party several years ago. Oregon Sentinel (Jacksonville, OR), July 5, 1884, p. 3, col. 1.
We have been informed that Mrs. W. J. Henry and children who have been living at the expense of the county since the convinction [sic] her husband who is now serving a life sentence in the penitentiary at Salem for the murder of David Swartz has been sent home to her relatives in Jackson county. Oregon Sentinel (Jacksonville, OR), September 6, 1884, Page 3, Col. 3.
Bio source: Oregon Pioneers Website
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