BLOODSHED IN KENTUCKY

Knoxville, Tenn. July 12 - News of two more bloody tragedies comes from the wilds of Eastern Kentucky. Monday last Marion Stuart and John Sturt, cousins, living on Martin's Fork, in Harlan County, were playing cards for whiskey at Marion Stuart's house. They were sited on the floor, and both were slightly intoxicated. During the game Marion accused John of cheating, and the latter resending it by taking Marion by the throat. Marion made a break for his well-loaded hip pocket, and, drawing a 44-calibre navy pistol, shot his cousin through the head, killing him instantly. His (Marion's) wife caught her husband around the waist to prevent his shooting. He threatened her life if she didn't loose him. This she refused to do, and after murdered his cousin he turned upon her and shot her through the head. She dropped dead at his feet. The murderer fled, but was afterward arrested, and lodged in jail in Harlan Court House.

The New York Times
13 Jul 1888