Menard County Texas

Killings Reported In or Around The Area

The Menard Messenger
Vol. 8 No. 19
Thursday, February 25, 1915

(page 1)

Killing Near Mason
Last Thursday afternoon the body of an old man was found near the road leading east from Mason. The head had been crushed with an ax. The authorities were immediately notified and it was discovered that the man in the company of another had passed through in a wagon. The younger man who was supposed to have done the killing was captured in Brady the following day and on his person was found about two hundred dollars and papers which led them to believe that his name was Kelley. He was taken to Mason to answer to the charge of murder.

The Menard Messenger
Vol. 8 No. 19
Thursday, February 25, 1915

Lightner Man Killed By S. C. Simmons-C. A. Bengtson Shot To Death Last Thursday

C. A. Bengtson was shot to death by his tenant S. C. Simmons as he stepped off the train last Thursday morning at Lightner. Simmons hid behind the post office building and fired the first shot from a single barreled shot gun loaded with buck shot. The shot went wild and as Bengtson hurried to his home, Simmons overtook him and fired the second time striking the fleeing man in the middle of the back and bringing him to the ground. He then deliberately reloaded and fired again from close range tearing the side of the stricken man. Simmons then telephoned for the sheriff to come and get him. He gave as his reason for the killing, that Bengtson had wronged his daughter a few months ago and that he had just learned of it.

Simmons is well known in Menard having lived here for some time. Bengtson was a wealthy land owner and prominent citizen in McCulloch County.

The Menard Messenger
Vol. IX No. 40
Thursday, July 27, 1916

Army Officer And Woman Companion Killed At Alpine

By Associated Press-Alpine, Texas, July 21-Maj M. C. Butler of the Sixth United States cavalry, and Mrs. H. J. Spannell, with whom he was riding in an automobile, were shot and killed yesterday by H. J. Spannell, husband of the woman.

Immediately after the shooting Spannell went to the jail and surrendered. Mrs. Spannell was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Holland, well known residents of Alpine.

Spannell is the proprietor of the Holland Hotel here.

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The Menard Messenger
Vol IX, No. 47
Thursday, September 14, 1916

Mexican Sheep Shearer Killed By Negro

Last Wednesday night Sheriff Slaughter received word that Negro Ed Bean had shot and killed, Presiliane Flores, one of a crew of Mexican sheep shearers from Del Rio who were camped on the bottom near the old Reunion grounds. The Mexican was shot thru the stomach by the third shot, the first two missing. Negro Ed together with two other negros and a negroess are in the county jail awaiting a hearing.

At the preliminary trial of Ed Bean, before Judge J. D. Scruggs, on Tuesday last, charged with the murder of Presidona Flores, alias Joe, about a week ago. Bean was denied bond, and remanded in jail, to await action of the grand jury. Two witnesses only, were placed on the stand by the State, Dr. W. M. Fenley and Blanch Reed-defendant not intruding any evidence.

Blanch Reed, the only eye-witness, testified, among other things that Bean, with some other colored folks, deceased and a lot of Mexicans, were gambling on the night of the 6th, inst. near the old Reunion Grounds near town. After the game was over all left, except deceased, Bean and herself, who walked off a short distance from where the game had been going on, when Bean accused deceased of stealing $5.00 from him, demanding return of the money, deceased denied the theft, a dispute between Bean and deceased being carried on a few minutes, when deceased was about six or seven feet from Bean, he shot at the deceased three times, she, Blanch protesting against Bean killing deceased, deceased making no motion to hurt Bean.

From the evidence of Dr. Fenley, but one shot struck deceased.

Complaint was also filed against Marshall Low, as accessory, in the case. This dismissed for want of evidence. Marshall drawing a fine of $100.00 and trimmings, for carrying a pistol against the peace dignity of this subdivision of your Uncle Samuals Domain.

Ed Bean, Blanch Marshall, are Negroes while Flores was a Mexican.

In the preliminary trial, the State was represented by District Attorney Hammond and Frank Hartgraves, County Attorney.

NOTE: While I strive for accuracy in all transcriptions, please be advised that typing errors may be present. I would suggest you always verify my online information with a copy of the actual record.

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Saturday, March 22, 2008 11:00 AM