Sensational stories are being told in the neighborhood of Myersville, this county, of confessions alleged to have been made by the late Samuel Betts, who on Thursday committed suicide at his home near that place.
Betts, it is said, shortly before he took his own life, confessed that he had been implicated in the murder of two men. One of the murdered men, according to the stories told of the alleged confession, was Betts' father, Samuel Betts, Sr., who was killed sixteen or seventeen years ago, and was supposed to have committed suicide. The other man, it is said, was Albert Long, a resident of the same neighborhood, who disappeared eight to ten years ago.
Betts' confession is alleged to have been made to at least three persons - Frank Brunner, George Burns and Charles Hoffman. He is said to have given a detailed account of the alleged crimes, telling why and in what manner the murders were committed, and how and where the body of Mr. Long was disposed of.
According to the stories told, Betts stated that the murder of his father was committed by himself and his brother, Josiah Betts, now dead, for the purpose of securing their father's savings, amounting to $6000. The elder Betts was sick in bed at the time the alleged murder was committed and was found with a bullet wound in his head and a pistol lying near his right hand. Betts is alleged to have stated that the shooting was planned to give the appearance of suicide.
... Confession of murder of Albert Long. ...
Betts, who was a painter by trade, and about 35 years of age, was a sufferer from consumption and when he committed suicide on Thursday last, his act was attributed to despondency due to ill health. The stories of his alleged confession have come out since that time and are said to be given much credence.
The News, Frederick, MD, Tuesday, June 2, 1903, p. 3
Betts, it is said, shortly before he took his own life, confessed that he had been implicated in the murder of two men. One of the murdered men, according to the stories told of the alleged confession, was Betts' father, Samuel Betts, Sr., who was killed sixteen or seventeen years ago, and was supposed to have committed suicide. The other man, it is said, was Albert Long, a resident of the same neighborhood, who disappeared eight to ten years ago.
Betts' confession is alleged to have been made to at least three persons - Frank Brunner, George Burns and Charles Hoffman. He is said to have given a detailed account of the alleged crimes, telling why and in what manner the murders were committed, and how and where the body of Mr. Long was disposed of.
According to the stories told, Betts stated that the murder of his father was committed by himself and his brother, Josiah Betts, now dead, for the purpose of securing their father's savings, amounting to $6000. The elder Betts was sick in bed at the time the alleged murder was committed and was found with a bullet wound in his head and a pistol lying near his right hand. Betts is alleged to have stated that the shooting was planned to give the appearance of suicide.
... Confession of murder of Albert Long. ...
Betts, who was a painter by trade, and about 35 years of age, was a sufferer from consumption and when he committed suicide on Thursday last, his act was attributed to despondency due to ill health. The stories of his alleged confession have come out since that time and are said to be given much credence.
The News, Frederick, MD, Tuesday, June 2, 1903, p. 3
Sensational stories are being told in the neighborhood of Myersville, this county, of confessions alleged to have been made by the late Samuel Betts, who on Thursday committed suicide at his home near that place.
Betts, it is said, shortly before he took his own life, confessed that he had been implicated in the murder of two men. One of the murdered men, according to the stories told of the alleged confession, was Betts' father, Samuel Betts, Sr., who was killed sixteen or seventeen years ago, and was supposed to have committed suicide. The other man, it is said, was Albert Long, a resident of the same neighborhood, who disappeared eight to ten years ago.
Betts' confession is alleged to have been made to at least three persons - Frank Brunner, George Burns and Charles Hoffman. He is said to have given a detailed account of the alleged crimes, telling why and in what manner the murders were committed, and how and where the body of Mr. Long was disposed of.
According to the stories told, Betts stated that the murder of his father was committed by himself and his brother, Josiah Betts, now dead, for the purpose of securing their father's savings, amounting to $6000. The elder Betts was sick in bed at the time the alleged murder was committed and was found with a bullet wound in his head and a pistol lying near his right hand. Betts is alleged to have stated that the shooting was planned to give the appearance of suicide.
... Confession of murder of Albert Long. ...
Betts, who was a painter by trade, and about 35 years of age, was a sufferer from consumption and when he committed suicide on Thursday last, his act was attributed to despondency due to ill health. The stories of his alleged confession have come out since that time and are said to be given much credence.
The News, Frederick, MD, Tuesday, June 2, 1903, p. 3
Betts, it is said, shortly before he took his own life, confessed that he had been implicated in the murder of two men. One of the murdered men, according to the stories told of the alleged confession, was Betts' father, Samuel Betts, Sr., who was killed sixteen or seventeen years ago, and was supposed to have committed suicide. The other man, it is said, was Albert Long, a resident of the same neighborhood, who disappeared eight to ten years ago.
Betts' confession is alleged to have been made to at least three persons - Frank Brunner, George Burns and Charles Hoffman. He is said to have given a detailed account of the alleged crimes, telling why and in what manner the murders were committed, and how and where the body of Mr. Long was disposed of.
According to the stories told, Betts stated that the murder of his father was committed by himself and his brother, Josiah Betts, now dead, for the purpose of securing their father's savings, amounting to $6000. The elder Betts was sick in bed at the time the alleged murder was committed and was found with a bullet wound in his head and a pistol lying near his right hand. Betts is alleged to have stated that the shooting was planned to give the appearance of suicide.
... Confession of murder of Albert Long. ...
Betts, who was a painter by trade, and about 35 years of age, was a sufferer from consumption and when he committed suicide on Thursday last, his act was attributed to despondency due to ill health. The stories of his alleged confession have come out since that time and are said to be given much credence.
The News, Frederick, MD, Tuesday, June 2, 1903, p. 3
Inscription
Samuel L. Betts, d. 28 May 1903, aged 38 yrs., 2 ms., 18 ds.
Gravesite Details
Birth date calculated from age at time of death,
Family Members
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