LEE, Joseph - Putnam

Last Wednesday about the middle of the afternoon, a number of persons were engaged in a game of croquet near Dr. Layman’s office in Putnamville, among whom were two step brothers, Joseph Lee and L. Frank Crawford, sons of Mr. and Mrs. James Lee.  It seems that the relations between the two young men have never been of an amicable nature since the marriage of their parents and quarrels have been frequent. On this occasion they soon got into a dispute, Crawford claiming it was his play.  Lee was carrying his left hand in a sling, in consequence of having had three of his fingers crushed while quarrying rock the week previous and said to Crawford that he was in no condition for fight and would not do so. Crawford, was still anxious for a fuss, but the crowd interfered and decided against him. Both then withdrew from the game. The quarrel was continued for some time, however, each throwing up to the other such past transactions as he thought to be disreputable. An old gentleman named Stoops at last prevailed on them to stop, after which Lee turned to leave. When he had reaches a distance of about 10 steps, Crawford called to him and denounced him as a son of a b ___h.  Lee turned his head and said, “What is that you say?” when Crawford repeated the offensive words at the same time hurling a flat-shaped stone at Lee, weight 4-5 pounds. The point of the stone struck Lee on the head behind and above the left ear. He fell to the ground insensible and was carried into Dr. Layman’s office who at once examined the wound and pronounced it of the most serious character.  He afterward regained his consciousness and was taken to his home, where he has since lingered.  Yesterday morning he was sinking rapidly and it was thought he could not survive the day. Dr. Layman says his condition is hopeless.  He is about 20 years old. The murderer is about 23 and has a wife and one child.  The Sheriff and Prosecuting Attorney went down Friday to arrest him but he was not to be found. We learn that he was seen in Terre Haute where he has relative son Saturday and that his wife went there on that day. Crawford’s occupation was that of a blacksmith, while Lee assisted his father in the stone quarry.  All are represented to have been respectable, peaceable citizens and the quiet, law-abiding little community of Putnamville is horrified at this bloody tragedy from a quarter so unexpected. - kz