Horrible Affair in Clayton County - 1850

GOULD, GIFFORD SINGER

Posted By: CHERYL MOONEN (email)
Date: 5/18/2021 at 21:26:34

The Miner’s Express, Du Buque Visitor, Wednesday, Aug 07, 1850, Dubuque, IA, Page: 2

Horrible Affair in Clayton County

On Monday of last week, Mr. John Gould, residing about three miles from Elkader, in Clayton County, was killed by Asa W. Gifford, a near neighbor to Mr. Gould, under the following circumstances, as we learn them from a citizen of that county.

Gould Had lately entered a piece of land, on which Gifford had made some improvements, and was about staking it off preparatory to fencing, when Gifford ordered him to leave the premises. This Gould refused to do. Angry words passed between them, when Gifford pulled up a rifle and shot him dead upon the ground.

An examination was had before H. Singer Esq., Justice of the Peace, when it appeared in testimony that Gifford had left his house in company with several hands, for purposes of cutting wheat on the disputed premises, and, recollecting that Gould might possibly be on the ground, he had gone back for his gun. It also appeared that Gifford had previously said he would shoot Gould, if he entered his land. They were standing some five rods apart when he shot.

The result of the legal examination was, that Gifford was admitted to bail for giving bond in the sum of $2,000 – his son, son-in-law, and brother going his security.

Gifford and Gould were both from the state of New York, and had resided in Clayton County, the former about eleven years, the latter some five or six years. They both have families.