NOTE: Some sources give the name “J. M. Hart,” others “James
Hart,” “John Hart,” and “John M. Hart.”
***
FULL TEXT (Article 1 of 3): About fifteen months ago Samuel
Fisher, a merchant of Oswego, died suddenly while no one was present but his
wife. In view of the charges alleged, that Mrs. Fisher and J. M. Hart, a leading
stock man living near the city, had been very friendly, there was considerable
talk about the suddenness of Fisher’s death, but no investigation as to the
cause.
About six weeks ago Hart and Mrs. Fisher were married. Early
yesterday morning Hart was found lying in bed with his brains oozing out of a
bullet hol;e in his forehead. He was unconscious and lived about an hour.
Mrs. Hart states that she was awakened by her husband
throwing his arm on her and that she then heard him groaning. She at once
procured a light and found him in the condition above stated. His own revolver
with one chamber empty was lying beside him.
Hart was in good circumstances and there appears to be no
reason why he should take his own life. The coroner is investigating the
matter.
[“Investigation Needed. A Coroner’s Jury Inquiring Into
Death of J. M. Hart.” Ottawa Daily Republican (Ks.), Sep. 19, 1891, p. 2]
***
FULL TEXT: The Oswego Independent says:
This Friday morning the shocking news is being told that John
M. Hart, who is proprietor of the Cedar Lawn Stock Farm, about a half mile
north of Oswego, had been shot last night about one o’clock and killed. The
deed was done with his own revolver, which he always kept beneath his pillow or
on the chair by his bedside. He was shot square between the eyes and never
spoke afterwards, although life was not extinct until about an hour after the
deed was committed. Mrs. A. T. Shrout, a near neighbor, was soon on the scene,
but was unable to glean much information. None of the family heard the report
of the revolver. Mrs. Hart, who was in bed with her husband, says she was
awakened suddenly about that hour, but thinks it was Mr. Hart throwing down his
arm when shot, and not the report of the revolver. His revolver was found lying
near his side, with one chamber empty. The rest of the family, composed of Mr.
Hart’s two boys, claim to have heard nothing of this report. The death is
causing a big sensation, and many different surmises are being “borne on the
wind.” Mr. Hart was married about six weeks ago to Mrs. Josie Fisher, widow of
the late Samuel Fisher. He was not only comfortably fixed himself, but by his
marriage he would probably have command of $20,000. The leading report is that
he committed suicide, but this version of the matter does not gain much credence,
as there is apparent lack of reason for him to take his own life. His prospects
were too bright, for him to tire of life. The affair is shrouded in mystery,
and at this writing it is impossible to give further particulars. A coroner’s
inquest will be held.
[“Was It Suicide?” Parsons Daily Eclipse (Ks.), Sep. 19, 1891,
P. 4]
***
FULL TEXT: Oswego, Kan., Sep. 18. – James Hart, a wealthy
stockman, was murdered in his bed at his home in this city last night under
mysterious circumstances. Fifteen months ago Hart was married to the widow John
Fisher, who had been mysteriously murdered a short time before. At midnight
last night the neighbors were aroused by a commotion at the Hart place. An
investigation showed that Hart had been murdered while lying in bed and the
walls of the room. Mts. Hart says that she does not know who committed the
crime. She was awakened by a short, but saw no one in the room, nor did she
hear any one making his escape. There is no trace of the murderer.
[“A Mysterious Crime.” The Wichita Daily Eagle (Ks.), Sep.
19, 1891, p. 2]
For links to other cases of woman who murdered 2 or more husbands (or paramours), see Black Widow Serial Killers.
***
[52-1/2/21]
***
No comments:
Post a Comment