Home > Back to Search Results > Murder myster resolved: it was his son...
Click image to enlarge 683224
Show image list »

Murder myster resolved: it was his son...



Item # 683224

February 04, 1880

THE MISSOURI REPUBLICAN, St. Louis, Feb. 4, 1880 

* A professional butcher slaughters his family
* John L. Soper - Kearney, Clay County, Missouri


The top of the front page has a column headed: "Criminal Matters" Theories as to the Recent Assassination Near Kearney, Mo."
The assassination of farmer John Soper was an interesting case. They had opinions on who the killer was bot no one was charged. Some believed that the outlaw gang of Jesse James had a part in the murder. The articles mentions that with: "...Opinions are divided as to the motive that caused the murderer to fire the fatal shot...He never was remarkably friends with the James boys nor their friends...Soper was a man who minded his own business...The James boys or their friends are associated in the minds of many in connection with this murder...".
Some 17 years later Soper's son was arrested for the axe murder of his wife and 2 children. Before he went to the gallows he confessed to murdering his father.
Also on the front page: "The Bigamous Mormons", with details.
Eight pages, irregular at the margins with some margin tears, generally good condition.

Category: The Old West