Doss - Straughan - murder - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Waveland, Ind., Nov. 23—Waveland was the scene of a most bloody family fight last Saturday evening and the indications are that it will result in murder. Pony Moody’s saloon has not begun operations but in some mysterious way a few of the very knowing ones are able at times to get a dram or two. Tom Doss is exceedingly known, or rather was until Saturday evening. During the day the old fellow, who is “the village blacksmith,” got hold of several bottles of inspiration and lost no time in concealing the same under his vest. Although under his vest the inspiration soon went to his head and he became inspired with the idea of keeping up a row with his son-in-law, Joe Straughn. Joe was also drunk and disorderly and prepared for all emergencies. When these two worthy gentlemen came together no one else was present so it is not known exactly how the row began. It is evident that the row began, however, as about eight o’clock Mr. Doss staggered into the office of Dr. K. K. Straughan, strongly resembling a man who had passed through a clover huller. He was simply cut to shreds. One of his eyes was about cut out by a vicious slash across his face, another deep gash extended from shoulder to shoulder across his chest, while there were thirteen deep cuts and stabs below the belt. Several of these are dangerous and the probabilities are they will prove fatal. The wounds were gaping in a most ghastly manner and his clothes were drenched in blood. Dr. Straughan at once proceeded to dress the injuries and in some of the stabs could easily insert his finger, so deep and wide were they. The cutting had evidently been done with a pocket knife which the would-be assassin is known to possess. Everything possible was done for the injured man and this morning he is resting as easily as possible for a man cut up in so frightful a manner. Joe Straughn, the assailant, has not yet been arrested but walked about the streets yesterday unmolested. It is said that in case of his father-in-law’s death, he will put up the plea of self defense. The affair has caused considerable excitement here where the parties are so well known. Straughn is a laborer on the Midland Railroad and possessed of a rather odorous reputation.