Thomas SHAY

SHAY, JONES

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 3/9/2009 at 02:13:14

The Ringgold Record, 1883

A FATAL BLOW.

THOS. SHAY KILLED by GEO. JONES

Yesterday evening Thos. SHAY, an old settler in Ringgold county, and Geo. JONES (colored) who has been employed on the brick yard north of town, got into a dispute about horse racing at one of the livery stables, and just as they were about to enter into a fist cuff, the marshall stepped in and took Jones away. About six o'clock they met again near Zaun's meat market, where, after only a few words had passed between them, SHAY as knocked down by JONES and kicked in the head, killing him almost instantly. His body was taken out to his brother's late in the evening where an inquest will be held today. It is thought that the verdict will be murder in the first degree. JONES was immediately jailed and the military called out to guard him. We are informed that he will be taken up to Afton today for safer keeping.

- Thos SHEY (sic) who was killed by Geo. JONES on May 30th, was buried at the Catholic [Saint Mary] cemetery [near Maloy] on the following Friday and JONES was taken to Chariton where he will be held to await the next term of court. The following is the verdict of the coroner's jury.

STATE OF IOWA, Ringgold County } An inquisition holden at Mt. Ayr, Iowa, in Ringgold county on the 30th day of May A.D., 1883, before one S. BAILEY, Coroner of said county, upon the body of Thomas SHEY (sic), there lying dead by the jurors whose names are hereto subscribed. The said jurors on oath do say that the said Thomas SHEY (sic) came to his death from blows received from the hands and foot of one George JONES (colored) And we, the said jurors recommend that the said George JONES be held without bail to await the sitting of the next session of the Grand Jury.

In testimony whereof the said jurors have hereunto set their hands the day and year aforesaid.

B. W. VARDAMAN
Z. T. KINSELL
Geo. A. SLENTZ

Attest: S. BAILEY, Coroner

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008