per d/c
p - George & Keziah Duff
death: No info
died: Jackson Co., WV
22 ys. 5 ds. 16 ds. old
residence: No info
occupation: Farmer
Married
informant: Keziah Duff, mother
race: White
Also read another story on George's brother Robert Duff's memorial.
VIGILANTES TAKE A HAND
Disposing of a Band on Murderous Robbers
The Murder of a West Virginia Clergyman
and the Bloody Reprisals Which Have Followed
Charlestown, West Va., Oct. 18 – Since the murder of the Rev. Thomas F. Ryan near Spencer, Roane County, this State, it has been learned that an organized band of regulators of over 1,000 citizens, farmers, and others of Jackson, Roane, Kanawha, Clay, and Gilmer Counties, has existed for over six months. The organization was formed for the purpose of self-protection against the band of robbers and murderers who have run riot in certain localities of Jackson, Roane, and Kanawha Counties, in which stores have been robbed and inoffensive people made to suffer. It was about 11 o'clock Thursday night last when the door of the Rev. Mr. Ryan's mountain home was crushed in after a shot having been fired through the front door. Ryan immediately sprang from bed, grabbed his shotgun, cocking both barrels, and exclaimed, "What is wanted!" The reply was from an inner door, "Old man, we want your money, and mean to have it." A second shot was fired and Ryan exclaimed, "Mother, speaking to his wife, "I am killed; I am shot through the bowels!" Thereupon one barrel of his shotgun was discharged to have been caused by his fall.
This caused a halt, and the wife and a son took Ryan to an up-stairs room, after which the murderers, five in number, ransacked the lower part of the house, getting nothing and overlooking some money near at hand.
Strong circumstantial evidence pointed to Charles Coon, George Duff, Jr., Robert M. Duff, and Perry Drake, for whom warrants were issued. Drake was quietly arrested at his home, Constable Gibson and a posse of about 60 went to the residence of George Duff, Sr., in Kentuck, Jackson County, where George Duff, Jr. and Coon were quartered. They had prepared for an assault, expecting trouble some time, Coon saw the posse moving upon the house and coolly notified two females present to leave as there was going to be "a show." Upon the approach of the officers Coon warned them away, and immediately opened fire with a pistol. The fire was returned by the officers, and for a few minutes bullets flew thick and fast from each party. The outlaws took refuge in an up-stairs room, where Duff was brought down by a shot from a rifle. The officers then surrounded the house and wore about to set it on fire, when old man Duff, a respectable farmer, prevailed upon Coon to surrender, which he did, as his ammunition was about exhausted. Robert M. Duff was arrested the same day – last Friday – at his house, near that of his father, being surprised by the officer and not having a chance to shoot. On Saturday noon the prisoners were taken to the scene of their crime, Ryan's residence, and a justice sate yesterday for their preliminary trial.
Meanwhile George Duff, Jr. died at home Sunday night. The rest of the prisoners were kept under guard until Sunday night, when about 300 masked men took Coon from the officers and with a rope around his neck hurried him to a convenient tree. On his way he prayed and made a confession which is to be received with doubt. The substance is, that he was guilty of participating in the murder that Bob and George Duff, Jr., were along; that George Duff fired the fatal shot from his (Coon's) revolver. Some say he implicated Drake, others say he did not speak of him. Whatever the confession was he was immediately hanged, dying game.
After the hanging of Coon the regulators went after Bob Duff, and hurriedly took him toward the scene of Coon's execution. It is both alleged and denied that he confessed. Shots were fired at the mob either by guards or friends of Duff. The mob scattered instantly. In the early morning Thursday the body of Bob Duff was found in the public road, with his throat cut entirely across and frightful stabs in his chest, almost in sight of the body of Coon, which was still hanging to the tree. Neither was touched until late Sunday evening, when a Coroner's jury assembled and adjourned without discovering anything. Coon, who had no friends near, was buried by a farmer. Relations of Duff took charge of his remains and buried them near his home yesterday. Drake was spared and yesterday taken to the Ryan residence for examination. A large crowd of armed men were present determined upon lynching him. He waived examination and was ordered to the jail in Charleston for safe keeping. After much trouble and danger he reached here tonight under the guard of Capt. Barnett, of the Eureka Detective Agency, and a strong posse.
As the investigation of the affair progresses interesting results are certain. Officers are after others who are said to be member of the outlaw's band. Coon came from Tyler, Texas and called himself Jesse James. Great trouble is expected, as the matter has become a vendetta and rival factions are after each other. News was brought here this morning that Dan Cunningham, the Eureka detective who is charged with having been the instigator of the robbery of the Rev. Mr. Ryan and others in Roane and Jackson Counties, was caught yesterday and lynched last night. When Bob Duff was shot one of the vigilants went up to the body and cut his throat, saying: "This is in remembrance of the young lady school teacher you killed for her money." It appears that a lady school teacher was killed for her money in the upper part of Roane County some months ago, and a warrant was out for Bob Duff charging him with the crime.
--The New York Times Oct 19, 1887
p - George & Keziah Duff
death: No info
died: Jackson Co., WV
22 ys. 5 ds. 16 ds. old
residence: No info
occupation: Farmer
Married
informant: Keziah Duff, mother
race: White
Also read another story on George's brother Robert Duff's memorial.
VIGILANTES TAKE A HAND
Disposing of a Band on Murderous Robbers
The Murder of a West Virginia Clergyman
and the Bloody Reprisals Which Have Followed
Charlestown, West Va., Oct. 18 – Since the murder of the Rev. Thomas F. Ryan near Spencer, Roane County, this State, it has been learned that an organized band of regulators of over 1,000 citizens, farmers, and others of Jackson, Roane, Kanawha, Clay, and Gilmer Counties, has existed for over six months. The organization was formed for the purpose of self-protection against the band of robbers and murderers who have run riot in certain localities of Jackson, Roane, and Kanawha Counties, in which stores have been robbed and inoffensive people made to suffer. It was about 11 o'clock Thursday night last when the door of the Rev. Mr. Ryan's mountain home was crushed in after a shot having been fired through the front door. Ryan immediately sprang from bed, grabbed his shotgun, cocking both barrels, and exclaimed, "What is wanted!" The reply was from an inner door, "Old man, we want your money, and mean to have it." A second shot was fired and Ryan exclaimed, "Mother, speaking to his wife, "I am killed; I am shot through the bowels!" Thereupon one barrel of his shotgun was discharged to have been caused by his fall.
This caused a halt, and the wife and a son took Ryan to an up-stairs room, after which the murderers, five in number, ransacked the lower part of the house, getting nothing and overlooking some money near at hand.
Strong circumstantial evidence pointed to Charles Coon, George Duff, Jr., Robert M. Duff, and Perry Drake, for whom warrants were issued. Drake was quietly arrested at his home, Constable Gibson and a posse of about 60 went to the residence of George Duff, Sr., in Kentuck, Jackson County, where George Duff, Jr. and Coon were quartered. They had prepared for an assault, expecting trouble some time, Coon saw the posse moving upon the house and coolly notified two females present to leave as there was going to be "a show." Upon the approach of the officers Coon warned them away, and immediately opened fire with a pistol. The fire was returned by the officers, and for a few minutes bullets flew thick and fast from each party. The outlaws took refuge in an up-stairs room, where Duff was brought down by a shot from a rifle. The officers then surrounded the house and wore about to set it on fire, when old man Duff, a respectable farmer, prevailed upon Coon to surrender, which he did, as his ammunition was about exhausted. Robert M. Duff was arrested the same day – last Friday – at his house, near that of his father, being surprised by the officer and not having a chance to shoot. On Saturday noon the prisoners were taken to the scene of their crime, Ryan's residence, and a justice sate yesterday for their preliminary trial.
Meanwhile George Duff, Jr. died at home Sunday night. The rest of the prisoners were kept under guard until Sunday night, when about 300 masked men took Coon from the officers and with a rope around his neck hurried him to a convenient tree. On his way he prayed and made a confession which is to be received with doubt. The substance is, that he was guilty of participating in the murder that Bob and George Duff, Jr., were along; that George Duff fired the fatal shot from his (Coon's) revolver. Some say he implicated Drake, others say he did not speak of him. Whatever the confession was he was immediately hanged, dying game.
After the hanging of Coon the regulators went after Bob Duff, and hurriedly took him toward the scene of Coon's execution. It is both alleged and denied that he confessed. Shots were fired at the mob either by guards or friends of Duff. The mob scattered instantly. In the early morning Thursday the body of Bob Duff was found in the public road, with his throat cut entirely across and frightful stabs in his chest, almost in sight of the body of Coon, which was still hanging to the tree. Neither was touched until late Sunday evening, when a Coroner's jury assembled and adjourned without discovering anything. Coon, who had no friends near, was buried by a farmer. Relations of Duff took charge of his remains and buried them near his home yesterday. Drake was spared and yesterday taken to the Ryan residence for examination. A large crowd of armed men were present determined upon lynching him. He waived examination and was ordered to the jail in Charleston for safe keeping. After much trouble and danger he reached here tonight under the guard of Capt. Barnett, of the Eureka Detective Agency, and a strong posse.
As the investigation of the affair progresses interesting results are certain. Officers are after others who are said to be member of the outlaw's band. Coon came from Tyler, Texas and called himself Jesse James. Great trouble is expected, as the matter has become a vendetta and rival factions are after each other. News was brought here this morning that Dan Cunningham, the Eureka detective who is charged with having been the instigator of the robbery of the Rev. Mr. Ryan and others in Roane and Jackson Counties, was caught yesterday and lynched last night. When Bob Duff was shot one of the vigilants went up to the body and cut his throat, saying: "This is in remembrance of the young lady school teacher you killed for her money." It appears that a lady school teacher was killed for her money in the upper part of Roane County some months ago, and a warrant was out for Bob Duff charging him with the crime.
--The New York Times Oct 19, 1887
per d/c
p - George & Keziah Duff
death: No info
died: Jackson Co., WV
22 ys. 5 ds. 16 ds. old
residence: No info
occupation: Farmer
Married
informant: Keziah Duff, mother
race: White
Also read another story on George's brother Robert Duff's memorial.
VIGILANTES TAKE A HAND
Disposing of a Band on Murderous Robbers
The Murder of a West Virginia Clergyman
and the Bloody Reprisals Which Have Followed
Charlestown, West Va., Oct. 18 – Since the murder of the Rev. Thomas F. Ryan near Spencer, Roane County, this State, it has been learned that an organized band of regulators of over 1,000 citizens, farmers, and others of Jackson, Roane, Kanawha, Clay, and Gilmer Counties, has existed for over six months. The organization was formed for the purpose of self-protection against the band of robbers and murderers who have run riot in certain localities of Jackson, Roane, and Kanawha Counties, in which stores have been robbed and inoffensive people made to suffer. It was about 11 o'clock Thursday night last when the door of the Rev. Mr. Ryan's mountain home was crushed in after a shot having been fired through the front door. Ryan immediately sprang from bed, grabbed his shotgun, cocking both barrels, and exclaimed, "What is wanted!" The reply was from an inner door, "Old man, we want your money, and mean to have it." A second shot was fired and Ryan exclaimed, "Mother, speaking to his wife, "I am killed; I am shot through the bowels!" Thereupon one barrel of his shotgun was discharged to have been caused by his fall.
This caused a halt, and the wife and a son took Ryan to an up-stairs room, after which the murderers, five in number, ransacked the lower part of the house, getting nothing and overlooking some money near at hand.
Strong circumstantial evidence pointed to Charles Coon, George Duff, Jr., Robert M. Duff, and Perry Drake, for whom warrants were issued. Drake was quietly arrested at his home, Constable Gibson and a posse of about 60 went to the residence of George Duff, Sr., in Kentuck, Jackson County, where George Duff, Jr. and Coon were quartered. They had prepared for an assault, expecting trouble some time, Coon saw the posse moving upon the house and coolly notified two females present to leave as there was going to be "a show." Upon the approach of the officers Coon warned them away, and immediately opened fire with a pistol. The fire was returned by the officers, and for a few minutes bullets flew thick and fast from each party. The outlaws took refuge in an up-stairs room, where Duff was brought down by a shot from a rifle. The officers then surrounded the house and wore about to set it on fire, when old man Duff, a respectable farmer, prevailed upon Coon to surrender, which he did, as his ammunition was about exhausted. Robert M. Duff was arrested the same day – last Friday – at his house, near that of his father, being surprised by the officer and not having a chance to shoot. On Saturday noon the prisoners were taken to the scene of their crime, Ryan's residence, and a justice sate yesterday for their preliminary trial.
Meanwhile George Duff, Jr. died at home Sunday night. The rest of the prisoners were kept under guard until Sunday night, when about 300 masked men took Coon from the officers and with a rope around his neck hurried him to a convenient tree. On his way he prayed and made a confession which is to be received with doubt. The substance is, that he was guilty of participating in the murder that Bob and George Duff, Jr., were along; that George Duff fired the fatal shot from his (Coon's) revolver. Some say he implicated Drake, others say he did not speak of him. Whatever the confession was he was immediately hanged, dying game.
After the hanging of Coon the regulators went after Bob Duff, and hurriedly took him toward the scene of Coon's execution. It is both alleged and denied that he confessed. Shots were fired at the mob either by guards or friends of Duff. The mob scattered instantly. In the early morning Thursday the body of Bob Duff was found in the public road, with his throat cut entirely across and frightful stabs in his chest, almost in sight of the body of Coon, which was still hanging to the tree. Neither was touched until late Sunday evening, when a Coroner's jury assembled and adjourned without discovering anything. Coon, who had no friends near, was buried by a farmer. Relations of Duff took charge of his remains and buried them near his home yesterday. Drake was spared and yesterday taken to the Ryan residence for examination. A large crowd of armed men were present determined upon lynching him. He waived examination and was ordered to the jail in Charleston for safe keeping. After much trouble and danger he reached here tonight under the guard of Capt. Barnett, of the Eureka Detective Agency, and a strong posse.
As the investigation of the affair progresses interesting results are certain. Officers are after others who are said to be member of the outlaw's band. Coon came from Tyler, Texas and called himself Jesse James. Great trouble is expected, as the matter has become a vendetta and rival factions are after each other. News was brought here this morning that Dan Cunningham, the Eureka detective who is charged with having been the instigator of the robbery of the Rev. Mr. Ryan and others in Roane and Jackson Counties, was caught yesterday and lynched last night. When Bob Duff was shot one of the vigilants went up to the body and cut his throat, saying: "This is in remembrance of the young lady school teacher you killed for her money." It appears that a lady school teacher was killed for her money in the upper part of Roane County some months ago, and a warrant was out for Bob Duff charging him with the crime.
--The New York Times Oct 19, 1887
p - George & Keziah Duff
death: No info
died: Jackson Co., WV
22 ys. 5 ds. 16 ds. old
residence: No info
occupation: Farmer
Married
informant: Keziah Duff, mother
race: White
Also read another story on George's brother Robert Duff's memorial.
VIGILANTES TAKE A HAND
Disposing of a Band on Murderous Robbers
The Murder of a West Virginia Clergyman
and the Bloody Reprisals Which Have Followed
Charlestown, West Va., Oct. 18 – Since the murder of the Rev. Thomas F. Ryan near Spencer, Roane County, this State, it has been learned that an organized band of regulators of over 1,000 citizens, farmers, and others of Jackson, Roane, Kanawha, Clay, and Gilmer Counties, has existed for over six months. The organization was formed for the purpose of self-protection against the band of robbers and murderers who have run riot in certain localities of Jackson, Roane, and Kanawha Counties, in which stores have been robbed and inoffensive people made to suffer. It was about 11 o'clock Thursday night last when the door of the Rev. Mr. Ryan's mountain home was crushed in after a shot having been fired through the front door. Ryan immediately sprang from bed, grabbed his shotgun, cocking both barrels, and exclaimed, "What is wanted!" The reply was from an inner door, "Old man, we want your money, and mean to have it." A second shot was fired and Ryan exclaimed, "Mother, speaking to his wife, "I am killed; I am shot through the bowels!" Thereupon one barrel of his shotgun was discharged to have been caused by his fall.
This caused a halt, and the wife and a son took Ryan to an up-stairs room, after which the murderers, five in number, ransacked the lower part of the house, getting nothing and overlooking some money near at hand.
Strong circumstantial evidence pointed to Charles Coon, George Duff, Jr., Robert M. Duff, and Perry Drake, for whom warrants were issued. Drake was quietly arrested at his home, Constable Gibson and a posse of about 60 went to the residence of George Duff, Sr., in Kentuck, Jackson County, where George Duff, Jr. and Coon were quartered. They had prepared for an assault, expecting trouble some time, Coon saw the posse moving upon the house and coolly notified two females present to leave as there was going to be "a show." Upon the approach of the officers Coon warned them away, and immediately opened fire with a pistol. The fire was returned by the officers, and for a few minutes bullets flew thick and fast from each party. The outlaws took refuge in an up-stairs room, where Duff was brought down by a shot from a rifle. The officers then surrounded the house and wore about to set it on fire, when old man Duff, a respectable farmer, prevailed upon Coon to surrender, which he did, as his ammunition was about exhausted. Robert M. Duff was arrested the same day – last Friday – at his house, near that of his father, being surprised by the officer and not having a chance to shoot. On Saturday noon the prisoners were taken to the scene of their crime, Ryan's residence, and a justice sate yesterday for their preliminary trial.
Meanwhile George Duff, Jr. died at home Sunday night. The rest of the prisoners were kept under guard until Sunday night, when about 300 masked men took Coon from the officers and with a rope around his neck hurried him to a convenient tree. On his way he prayed and made a confession which is to be received with doubt. The substance is, that he was guilty of participating in the murder that Bob and George Duff, Jr., were along; that George Duff fired the fatal shot from his (Coon's) revolver. Some say he implicated Drake, others say he did not speak of him. Whatever the confession was he was immediately hanged, dying game.
After the hanging of Coon the regulators went after Bob Duff, and hurriedly took him toward the scene of Coon's execution. It is both alleged and denied that he confessed. Shots were fired at the mob either by guards or friends of Duff. The mob scattered instantly. In the early morning Thursday the body of Bob Duff was found in the public road, with his throat cut entirely across and frightful stabs in his chest, almost in sight of the body of Coon, which was still hanging to the tree. Neither was touched until late Sunday evening, when a Coroner's jury assembled and adjourned without discovering anything. Coon, who had no friends near, was buried by a farmer. Relations of Duff took charge of his remains and buried them near his home yesterday. Drake was spared and yesterday taken to the Ryan residence for examination. A large crowd of armed men were present determined upon lynching him. He waived examination and was ordered to the jail in Charleston for safe keeping. After much trouble and danger he reached here tonight under the guard of Capt. Barnett, of the Eureka Detective Agency, and a strong posse.
As the investigation of the affair progresses interesting results are certain. Officers are after others who are said to be member of the outlaw's band. Coon came from Tyler, Texas and called himself Jesse James. Great trouble is expected, as the matter has become a vendetta and rival factions are after each other. News was brought here this morning that Dan Cunningham, the Eureka detective who is charged with having been the instigator of the robbery of the Rev. Mr. Ryan and others in Roane and Jackson Counties, was caught yesterday and lynched last night. When Bob Duff was shot one of the vigilants went up to the body and cut his throat, saying: "This is in remembrance of the young lady school teacher you killed for her money." It appears that a lady school teacher was killed for her money in the upper part of Roane County some months ago, and a warrant was out for Bob Duff charging him with the crime.
--The New York Times Oct 19, 1887
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