Menard County Texas

Death of John W. Vaden 1886

Alicia's NOTE: Several newspapers published what they "heard" about the tragic meeting of J. W. Vaden and Ben Daniels. I know one Vaden descendant who admantaly denies how the death of Vaden came about and you can learn more of that by reading: "Badges, Bullets and Blood" by Anita Vaden Daniels.

I don't know what truly happened in 1886, I'm just providing the newspaper reports of that time.

San Angelo Standard Times
October 9, 1886
Menardville Murmurings
Submitted: October 7, 1886

Special to the Standard-Fort McKavett, October 7---At 4 p.m. today, J. W. Vaden was shot and killed by Ben Daniels, a deputy sheriff.
It seems Vaden began drinking this morning and went into Mayers’ saloon, where Ben Daniels was keeping bar, and, it is said, used some rather hard language to Daniels and threw a billiard ball and beer glass at him, while others contradict it. Vaden then went out of the saloon and Daniels closed it up. V. came down to Wallick’s store and got a pole with a hook in the end, used for hanging things around the store, and began sticking it in the pants of those about the streets and annoying everyone generally, and came over the street to where Daniels was and tried to trip him up, when Daniels told him to stop, and Vaden attempted to repeat it. Daniels drew his six-shooter and shot him five times, each one taking effect. Vaden, walked about 20 yards and fell dead. Just as he fell, it is said he said, “Daniels, I would not have done you this way for anything.” Daniels mounted a horse and rode off. The verdict of the jury at the inquest was: “Came to his death by shots from a pistol in the hand of one, Ben Daniels.”

San Angelo Standard
October 23, 1886
Menardville Murmurings
Menardville, Menard Co.
Submitted: October 17, 1886

Ed. Standard--I have not been able to see any one who saw the killing of John Vaden by B. F. Daniels, and do not care to give the readers of the STANDARD hearsay testimony. Mr. Daniels waived examination and gave a bond of $2,000 to await the action of the grand jury. From this it would seem that he was justified in what he did.

Galveston Daily News
Galvestone Texas
October 16, 1886

Junction City, October 15-Ben Daniels killed Gus Vaden at Fort McKavitt, in Menard county, on the 7th instant?. It appears that Vaden was drinking and went to Daniel's saloon and became very boisterous, breaking some of the furniture and had hot words with the proprietor, who, to avoid a difficulty with Vaden, closed his establishment and went to Mr. Meyer's store. Vaden, it seems, was bent on mischief and armed himself. His wife intercepted him and took his pistol from him. He, in passing Wallack's store, procured a stick with an iron hook on the end, such as is used by merchants to take down articles from the ceiling of stores, sought his mand and commenced hooking his clothing and pulling him about. Daniels warned him to desist, and finally drew his pistol five times in quick succession, only one shot taking effect, passing through his chest, killing him instantly. Vaden is known as a desperate character when under the influence of liquor. Daniels was a peaceable man and a deputy sheriff of Menard County. He went at once to Menardville and gave himself up.

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, November 15, 2008 2:22 PM