Also used nickname Margie. She was murdered.
Missouri death certificate # 885 shows shot with a 32 revolver, wound in the neck. Homicide. Her occupation was waitress. Relatives listed as none known. Shows female married white. Husband listed as Claud Hurst, but does not indicate if he was dead or alive. Has unknown. She was not alive when brought in the death cert. shows last saw her dead at 6:30 pm. Floyd W Fox Funeral Home. Interred in Hazelwood Cemetery January 4, 1935.
Wonder if husband was Claud Hurst or Claud Hurst Smith, or Claud Smith. If it was Claud Hurst seems she would have possibly been divorced or some other reason for a different surname.
Odd but the story in the news paper shows her name as Margie Smith Hurst.Springfield Newspaper, Margie Smith Hurst was killed and Owen Ward committed suicide.
REJECTED SUITOR FULFILLS THREAT; KILLS YOUNG WIFE AND THEN HIMSELF.
Bodies of Couple Are Found In Home of Young Woman's Parents, Gun Clutched in Hand of Slayer.
Mother Says Daughter's Former Sweetheart thrice Vowed He Would Take Her Life For Spurning Love.
Unrequited love was blamed for the murder last night of Margie Smith Hurst, 23, and the subsequent suicide of her former sweetheart, Owen E. "Cotton" Ward, 26 yr. old Frisco machinist helper.
The double shooting took place in the three-room home of the girl's deaf and dumb mother and stepfather at 1307 N Johnson ave about 6:45 o'clock last night.
According to the slain girl's mother the man had threatned her life three times. Police said that they had run Ward from the home about 6 mos. ago after he had vowed to kill the girl.
Mrs. Fred Niles, the mother, questioned in writing, told officer J T McReynolds that Ward had wanted their daughter to marry him on Sept. 30
Had Recently Returned
She had returned about a week ago after visiting sister n OK. City. Neifhbors said thy had not seen Ward at the house.
Mr and Mrs. R O Ward parents of Owen, said that after they quit going together he was despondent for months but during the last 6 wks. had not seemed to worry about his love affair.
His railway pass was punched for a trip to Tulsa Mon. night and return Tues. night at home and did not work yesterday although he was supposed to.
At the time of the tragedy Mr. and Mrs. Fred Niles were at the rear of the house.
Neighbors Hear Shots
The next door neighbors Mr and Mrs Steve Blevens said that they heard shots. In a moment the mother of the slain girl was heard screaming in spite of her affliction.
Mrs Blevens went to the house while Mr. Blevens called the police and an ambulance.
The tow bodies were lying in the front room at right angles, their feet together. In Ward's hand was a small .32 revolver.
The girl was still breathing but expired before an ambulance arrived. She was shot through the throat, the bullet ranging into a major vein. Death was caused by internal bleeding. He was shot in the side of the head.
Mr. and Mrs. Ward said the the pair started going together last spring and broke up during the summer.
Vera A Campbell, 330 W Wall st. through whom the pair met told police they had not quarreled. Later she said that Margie had her her that Ward had threatened to kill her but thought nothing of it.
Divorce Suit Pending
The dead girl had stayed with Mrs. Campbell for several weeks in Sept. She said that she had not seen her since she returned from KC although the girl had been at the house looking for her.
Hearing on a divorce petition Mrs. Hurst had filed was set for next week in circuit court, officers said Ward lived on route 10 with his parents and 3 brothers, Oren K, Ernest, and Forest Ward.
Besided the husband and parents Mrs Hurst is survived bu the sister she had been visiting in Oklahoma City and a brother Roy H Baker., a policeman in Ft. Worth, TX.
Funeral arrangements for both the victims are incomplete. Burial of Mrs. Hurst will be under the direction of Floyd W Fox. Arrangements for Ward are under direction of the Herman H Lohmeyer Funeral Home.
Jan 4, 1935 Springfield Newsleader, Springfield, Greene, MO.
RITES SATURDAY FOR LOVE SLAYER
Girl Victim of Owen Ward Probably Will Be Buried On Monday.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock tom. afternoon in the Herman H Lohmeyer funeral chapel for Owen " Cotton" Ward 29 yr. old Frisco machinist helper who Wed. night killed Margie Smith Hurst and then himself because she spurned his love.
Burial will be in the Greenlawn cemetery.
Girls Funeral Monday
He is survived by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. R O Ward, rt. 10, and by 3 brothers Owen, Ernest and Forest, all of the home address.
Arrangements for Mrs. Hurst are still incomplete but will probably be conducted Mon. afternoon in the Floyd W Fox Chapel. Definiite arrangements are waiting the arrival of relatives.
Romance Broken Off
She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Mr and Mrs Fred Niles, deaf mutes in whose home at 1307 N Johnson ave the tragedy took place; a sister, Mrs Mary Plumbee, KC, and a half brother Roy H Baker a Ft. Worth Texas Policeman.
The two had gone together after meeting last spring. The romance lasted until midsummer. Mrs. Niles told police that Ward had thrice threatened to kill Mrs. Hurst. She returned about a week ago for KC where she had gone to avoid him. The night of the killing was the first time they had seen each other since her return.
Suggested Edit April 4, 2023:
Suggested edit: Springfield Leader and Press Springfield, Missouri Thursday, January 3, 1935 Page 1
SPURNED LOVER KILLS WOMAN AND HIMSELF
Her Mother, a Deaf Mute, 'Sensing' Something Wrong, Finds Voice for First Time As She Discovers Tragedy
"She wouldn't marry him."
That terse statement, scrawled in pencil on cheap tablet paper, was the explanation Mrs. Fred Niles, deaf mute, gave today for the slaying of her daughter, dark-haired Margie Smith Hurst, 23, and the suicide of the killer, Owen "Cotton" Ward, 26, a Frisco machinist.
The spurned lover shot Mrs. Hurst through the throat early last night in her mother's three room house at 1307 North Johnson avenue. Then he turned the gun upon himself.
Fred Niles, a cobbler, and also deaf and dumb, seemed a bit evasive when police called at the home. Borrowing an officer's pencil, he dismissed himself from the case by writing. "She was my stepdaughter. My wife can tell about it."
Manages to Scream
The dead woman's mother was almost hysterical and wrote many notes when the pencil was handed back to her. Many were incoherent, so investigators turned to neighbors and friends of Mrs. Hurst for information.
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Blevens, who live next door, said they heard two shots in the cobbler's home about 6:45 p.m.
A few minutes later, Mrs. Niles was at their front door, screaming, in spite of her affliction. Other children of the aged woman said it was the first time they ever knew of her making a vocal sound.
Another strange angle was the apparent fact Mrs. Niles responded in some manner to the shots. Later, she wrote that she sensed that something had gone wrong in the front room and dashed in from the kitchen, just as young Ward fell. Police found the two bodies lying on the floor at right angles, their feet together.
The dead, couple met, through a mutual friend, Vera Campbell, of 330 Wall street, last spring and a close, companionship ensued. It lasted until midsummer.
"Wouldn't Marry Him"
Exactly what took place in a series of meetings between the tow after that probably will never be known. Vera Campbell said Mrs. Hurst had told her that she had no quarrels with the machinist, but added, without explaining, that he had threatened her life.
Mrs. Niles, police believes, knows more than she can express readily in details. Last night she wrote: "He (Ward) cam here last September. He tried to shoot her 3 times before. She wouldn't marry him. He wanted to marry Her Sept. 30."
(Continued on Back Page)
[photo]
Margie Smith Hurst
CONTINUED From Page One Page 12
Spurner Lover Kills Woman And Himself
A week ago, Mrs. Hurst returned to Springfield after visiting in Oklahoma City and Kansas City. She had left Springfield in an effort to break with Ward and she believed she was keeping her return a secret until he appeared at her mother's home a short time before the tragedy.
Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Ward of route 10, parents of the dead Frisco worker, said their son had been despondent after his breakup with Mrs. Hurst.
Monday night the young man went to Tulsa to visit a girl. He returned to Springfield Tuesday night but did not go home and failed to report to work yesterday morning.
In addition to the parents, three brothers, Oren, Ernest and Forest Ward, survive the dead machinist.
Also surviving Mrs. Hurst are a sister, Mrs. Mary Plumblee of Kansas City, and a brother, Roy Baker, a policeman at Fort Worth, Texas.
Funeral services for Ward are to be held at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral home, followed by burial in Greenlawn cemetery.
No arrangements had been made this afternoon for the funeral of Mrs Hurst, whose body is at Fox Funeral home.
Suggested edit April, 2023: Her husbands name was Loren Hurst. They were married 23 Jul 1927 in Jackson, Kansas City, Missouri. By the 1930 census she was living back with her mom and stepfather, so I expect they were separated.
One article says "Moberly Monitor-Index Thursday, January 3, 1935
SPURNED, KILLS WOMAN AND COMMITS SUICIDE
SPRINGFIELD ,Mo., Jan. 3 AP - Owen Ward, 26, a machinist's helper, last night shot and killed Mrs. Margie Smith Hurst, 23, who had refused to marry him, then killed himself.
Officers said Mr. Hurst's divorce petition was set for next week in circuit court here. She returned a week ago from a visit with her estranged husband in Kansas City. Mrs. Hurst's deaf and dumb mother told police Ward had threatened Mrs. Hurst three times previously and he had been despondent several weeks after his marriage offer was refused. Contributor: Lizbeth B (47339481)
Missouri death certificate # 885 shows shot with a 32 revolver, wound in the neck. Homicide. Her occupation was waitress. Relatives listed as none known. Shows female married white. Husband listed as Claud Hurst, but does not indicate if he was dead or alive. Has unknown. She was not alive when brought in the death cert. shows last saw her dead at 6:30 pm. Floyd W Fox Funeral Home. Interred in Hazelwood Cemetery January 4, 1935.
Wonder if husband was Claud Hurst or Claud Hurst Smith, or Claud Smith. If it was Claud Hurst seems she would have possibly been divorced or some other reason for a different surname.
Odd but the story in the news paper shows her name as Margie Smith Hurst.Springfield Newspaper, Margie Smith Hurst was killed and Owen Ward committed suicide.
REJECTED SUITOR FULFILLS THREAT; KILLS YOUNG WIFE AND THEN HIMSELF.
Bodies of Couple Are Found In Home of Young Woman's Parents, Gun Clutched in Hand of Slayer.
Mother Says Daughter's Former Sweetheart thrice Vowed He Would Take Her Life For Spurning Love.
Unrequited love was blamed for the murder last night of Margie Smith Hurst, 23, and the subsequent suicide of her former sweetheart, Owen E. "Cotton" Ward, 26 yr. old Frisco machinist helper.
The double shooting took place in the three-room home of the girl's deaf and dumb mother and stepfather at 1307 N Johnson ave about 6:45 o'clock last night.
According to the slain girl's mother the man had threatned her life three times. Police said that they had run Ward from the home about 6 mos. ago after he had vowed to kill the girl.
Mrs. Fred Niles, the mother, questioned in writing, told officer J T McReynolds that Ward had wanted their daughter to marry him on Sept. 30
Had Recently Returned
She had returned about a week ago after visiting sister n OK. City. Neifhbors said thy had not seen Ward at the house.
Mr and Mrs. R O Ward parents of Owen, said that after they quit going together he was despondent for months but during the last 6 wks. had not seemed to worry about his love affair.
His railway pass was punched for a trip to Tulsa Mon. night and return Tues. night at home and did not work yesterday although he was supposed to.
At the time of the tragedy Mr. and Mrs. Fred Niles were at the rear of the house.
Neighbors Hear Shots
The next door neighbors Mr and Mrs Steve Blevens said that they heard shots. In a moment the mother of the slain girl was heard screaming in spite of her affliction.
Mrs Blevens went to the house while Mr. Blevens called the police and an ambulance.
The tow bodies were lying in the front room at right angles, their feet together. In Ward's hand was a small .32 revolver.
The girl was still breathing but expired before an ambulance arrived. She was shot through the throat, the bullet ranging into a major vein. Death was caused by internal bleeding. He was shot in the side of the head.
Mr. and Mrs. Ward said the the pair started going together last spring and broke up during the summer.
Vera A Campbell, 330 W Wall st. through whom the pair met told police they had not quarreled. Later she said that Margie had her her that Ward had threatened to kill her but thought nothing of it.
Divorce Suit Pending
The dead girl had stayed with Mrs. Campbell for several weeks in Sept. She said that she had not seen her since she returned from KC although the girl had been at the house looking for her.
Hearing on a divorce petition Mrs. Hurst had filed was set for next week in circuit court, officers said Ward lived on route 10 with his parents and 3 brothers, Oren K, Ernest, and Forest Ward.
Besided the husband and parents Mrs Hurst is survived bu the sister she had been visiting in Oklahoma City and a brother Roy H Baker., a policeman in Ft. Worth, TX.
Funeral arrangements for both the victims are incomplete. Burial of Mrs. Hurst will be under the direction of Floyd W Fox. Arrangements for Ward are under direction of the Herman H Lohmeyer Funeral Home.
Jan 4, 1935 Springfield Newsleader, Springfield, Greene, MO.
RITES SATURDAY FOR LOVE SLAYER
Girl Victim of Owen Ward Probably Will Be Buried On Monday.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock tom. afternoon in the Herman H Lohmeyer funeral chapel for Owen " Cotton" Ward 29 yr. old Frisco machinist helper who Wed. night killed Margie Smith Hurst and then himself because she spurned his love.
Burial will be in the Greenlawn cemetery.
Girls Funeral Monday
He is survived by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. R O Ward, rt. 10, and by 3 brothers Owen, Ernest and Forest, all of the home address.
Arrangements for Mrs. Hurst are still incomplete but will probably be conducted Mon. afternoon in the Floyd W Fox Chapel. Definiite arrangements are waiting the arrival of relatives.
Romance Broken Off
She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Mr and Mrs Fred Niles, deaf mutes in whose home at 1307 N Johnson ave the tragedy took place; a sister, Mrs Mary Plumbee, KC, and a half brother Roy H Baker a Ft. Worth Texas Policeman.
The two had gone together after meeting last spring. The romance lasted until midsummer. Mrs. Niles told police that Ward had thrice threatened to kill Mrs. Hurst. She returned about a week ago for KC where she had gone to avoid him. The night of the killing was the first time they had seen each other since her return.
Suggested Edit April 4, 2023:
Suggested edit: Springfield Leader and Press Springfield, Missouri Thursday, January 3, 1935 Page 1
SPURNED LOVER KILLS WOMAN AND HIMSELF
Her Mother, a Deaf Mute, 'Sensing' Something Wrong, Finds Voice for First Time As She Discovers Tragedy
"She wouldn't marry him."
That terse statement, scrawled in pencil on cheap tablet paper, was the explanation Mrs. Fred Niles, deaf mute, gave today for the slaying of her daughter, dark-haired Margie Smith Hurst, 23, and the suicide of the killer, Owen "Cotton" Ward, 26, a Frisco machinist.
The spurned lover shot Mrs. Hurst through the throat early last night in her mother's three room house at 1307 North Johnson avenue. Then he turned the gun upon himself.
Fred Niles, a cobbler, and also deaf and dumb, seemed a bit evasive when police called at the home. Borrowing an officer's pencil, he dismissed himself from the case by writing. "She was my stepdaughter. My wife can tell about it."
Manages to Scream
The dead woman's mother was almost hysterical and wrote many notes when the pencil was handed back to her. Many were incoherent, so investigators turned to neighbors and friends of Mrs. Hurst for information.
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Blevens, who live next door, said they heard two shots in the cobbler's home about 6:45 p.m.
A few minutes later, Mrs. Niles was at their front door, screaming, in spite of her affliction. Other children of the aged woman said it was the first time they ever knew of her making a vocal sound.
Another strange angle was the apparent fact Mrs. Niles responded in some manner to the shots. Later, she wrote that she sensed that something had gone wrong in the front room and dashed in from the kitchen, just as young Ward fell. Police found the two bodies lying on the floor at right angles, their feet together.
The dead, couple met, through a mutual friend, Vera Campbell, of 330 Wall street, last spring and a close, companionship ensued. It lasted until midsummer.
"Wouldn't Marry Him"
Exactly what took place in a series of meetings between the tow after that probably will never be known. Vera Campbell said Mrs. Hurst had told her that she had no quarrels with the machinist, but added, without explaining, that he had threatened her life.
Mrs. Niles, police believes, knows more than she can express readily in details. Last night she wrote: "He (Ward) cam here last September. He tried to shoot her 3 times before. She wouldn't marry him. He wanted to marry Her Sept. 30."
(Continued on Back Page)
[photo]
Margie Smith Hurst
CONTINUED From Page One Page 12
Spurner Lover Kills Woman And Himself
A week ago, Mrs. Hurst returned to Springfield after visiting in Oklahoma City and Kansas City. She had left Springfield in an effort to break with Ward and she believed she was keeping her return a secret until he appeared at her mother's home a short time before the tragedy.
Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Ward of route 10, parents of the dead Frisco worker, said their son had been despondent after his breakup with Mrs. Hurst.
Monday night the young man went to Tulsa to visit a girl. He returned to Springfield Tuesday night but did not go home and failed to report to work yesterday morning.
In addition to the parents, three brothers, Oren, Ernest and Forest Ward, survive the dead machinist.
Also surviving Mrs. Hurst are a sister, Mrs. Mary Plumblee of Kansas City, and a brother, Roy Baker, a policeman at Fort Worth, Texas.
Funeral services for Ward are to be held at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral home, followed by burial in Greenlawn cemetery.
No arrangements had been made this afternoon for the funeral of Mrs Hurst, whose body is at Fox Funeral home.
Suggested edit April, 2023: Her husbands name was Loren Hurst. They were married 23 Jul 1927 in Jackson, Kansas City, Missouri. By the 1930 census she was living back with her mom and stepfather, so I expect they were separated.
One article says "Moberly Monitor-Index Thursday, January 3, 1935
SPURNED, KILLS WOMAN AND COMMITS SUICIDE
SPRINGFIELD ,Mo., Jan. 3 AP - Owen Ward, 26, a machinist's helper, last night shot and killed Mrs. Margie Smith Hurst, 23, who had refused to marry him, then killed himself.
Officers said Mr. Hurst's divorce petition was set for next week in circuit court here. She returned a week ago from a visit with her estranged husband in Kansas City. Mrs. Hurst's deaf and dumb mother told police Ward had threatened Mrs. Hurst three times previously and he had been despondent several weeks after his marriage offer was refused. Contributor: Lizbeth B (47339481)
Also used nickname Margie. She was murdered.
Missouri death certificate # 885 shows shot with a 32 revolver, wound in the neck. Homicide. Her occupation was waitress. Relatives listed as none known. Shows female married white. Husband listed as Claud Hurst, but does not indicate if he was dead or alive. Has unknown. She was not alive when brought in the death cert. shows last saw her dead at 6:30 pm. Floyd W Fox Funeral Home. Interred in Hazelwood Cemetery January 4, 1935.
Wonder if husband was Claud Hurst or Claud Hurst Smith, or Claud Smith. If it was Claud Hurst seems she would have possibly been divorced or some other reason for a different surname.
Odd but the story in the news paper shows her name as Margie Smith Hurst.Springfield Newspaper, Margie Smith Hurst was killed and Owen Ward committed suicide.
REJECTED SUITOR FULFILLS THREAT; KILLS YOUNG WIFE AND THEN HIMSELF.
Bodies of Couple Are Found In Home of Young Woman's Parents, Gun Clutched in Hand of Slayer.
Mother Says Daughter's Former Sweetheart thrice Vowed He Would Take Her Life For Spurning Love.
Unrequited love was blamed for the murder last night of Margie Smith Hurst, 23, and the subsequent suicide of her former sweetheart, Owen E. "Cotton" Ward, 26 yr. old Frisco machinist helper.
The double shooting took place in the three-room home of the girl's deaf and dumb mother and stepfather at 1307 N Johnson ave about 6:45 o'clock last night.
According to the slain girl's mother the man had threatned her life three times. Police said that they had run Ward from the home about 6 mos. ago after he had vowed to kill the girl.
Mrs. Fred Niles, the mother, questioned in writing, told officer J T McReynolds that Ward had wanted their daughter to marry him on Sept. 30
Had Recently Returned
She had returned about a week ago after visiting sister n OK. City. Neifhbors said thy had not seen Ward at the house.
Mr and Mrs. R O Ward parents of Owen, said that after they quit going together he was despondent for months but during the last 6 wks. had not seemed to worry about his love affair.
His railway pass was punched for a trip to Tulsa Mon. night and return Tues. night at home and did not work yesterday although he was supposed to.
At the time of the tragedy Mr. and Mrs. Fred Niles were at the rear of the house.
Neighbors Hear Shots
The next door neighbors Mr and Mrs Steve Blevens said that they heard shots. In a moment the mother of the slain girl was heard screaming in spite of her affliction.
Mrs Blevens went to the house while Mr. Blevens called the police and an ambulance.
The tow bodies were lying in the front room at right angles, their feet together. In Ward's hand was a small .32 revolver.
The girl was still breathing but expired before an ambulance arrived. She was shot through the throat, the bullet ranging into a major vein. Death was caused by internal bleeding. He was shot in the side of the head.
Mr. and Mrs. Ward said the the pair started going together last spring and broke up during the summer.
Vera A Campbell, 330 W Wall st. through whom the pair met told police they had not quarreled. Later she said that Margie had her her that Ward had threatened to kill her but thought nothing of it.
Divorce Suit Pending
The dead girl had stayed with Mrs. Campbell for several weeks in Sept. She said that she had not seen her since she returned from KC although the girl had been at the house looking for her.
Hearing on a divorce petition Mrs. Hurst had filed was set for next week in circuit court, officers said Ward lived on route 10 with his parents and 3 brothers, Oren K, Ernest, and Forest Ward.
Besided the husband and parents Mrs Hurst is survived bu the sister she had been visiting in Oklahoma City and a brother Roy H Baker., a policeman in Ft. Worth, TX.
Funeral arrangements for both the victims are incomplete. Burial of Mrs. Hurst will be under the direction of Floyd W Fox. Arrangements for Ward are under direction of the Herman H Lohmeyer Funeral Home.
Jan 4, 1935 Springfield Newsleader, Springfield, Greene, MO.
RITES SATURDAY FOR LOVE SLAYER
Girl Victim of Owen Ward Probably Will Be Buried On Monday.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock tom. afternoon in the Herman H Lohmeyer funeral chapel for Owen " Cotton" Ward 29 yr. old Frisco machinist helper who Wed. night killed Margie Smith Hurst and then himself because she spurned his love.
Burial will be in the Greenlawn cemetery.
Girls Funeral Monday
He is survived by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. R O Ward, rt. 10, and by 3 brothers Owen, Ernest and Forest, all of the home address.
Arrangements for Mrs. Hurst are still incomplete but will probably be conducted Mon. afternoon in the Floyd W Fox Chapel. Definiite arrangements are waiting the arrival of relatives.
Romance Broken Off
She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Mr and Mrs Fred Niles, deaf mutes in whose home at 1307 N Johnson ave the tragedy took place; a sister, Mrs Mary Plumbee, KC, and a half brother Roy H Baker a Ft. Worth Texas Policeman.
The two had gone together after meeting last spring. The romance lasted until midsummer. Mrs. Niles told police that Ward had thrice threatened to kill Mrs. Hurst. She returned about a week ago for KC where she had gone to avoid him. The night of the killing was the first time they had seen each other since her return.
Suggested Edit April 4, 2023:
Suggested edit: Springfield Leader and Press Springfield, Missouri Thursday, January 3, 1935 Page 1
SPURNED LOVER KILLS WOMAN AND HIMSELF
Her Mother, a Deaf Mute, 'Sensing' Something Wrong, Finds Voice for First Time As She Discovers Tragedy
"She wouldn't marry him."
That terse statement, scrawled in pencil on cheap tablet paper, was the explanation Mrs. Fred Niles, deaf mute, gave today for the slaying of her daughter, dark-haired Margie Smith Hurst, 23, and the suicide of the killer, Owen "Cotton" Ward, 26, a Frisco machinist.
The spurned lover shot Mrs. Hurst through the throat early last night in her mother's three room house at 1307 North Johnson avenue. Then he turned the gun upon himself.
Fred Niles, a cobbler, and also deaf and dumb, seemed a bit evasive when police called at the home. Borrowing an officer's pencil, he dismissed himself from the case by writing. "She was my stepdaughter. My wife can tell about it."
Manages to Scream
The dead woman's mother was almost hysterical and wrote many notes when the pencil was handed back to her. Many were incoherent, so investigators turned to neighbors and friends of Mrs. Hurst for information.
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Blevens, who live next door, said they heard two shots in the cobbler's home about 6:45 p.m.
A few minutes later, Mrs. Niles was at their front door, screaming, in spite of her affliction. Other children of the aged woman said it was the first time they ever knew of her making a vocal sound.
Another strange angle was the apparent fact Mrs. Niles responded in some manner to the shots. Later, she wrote that she sensed that something had gone wrong in the front room and dashed in from the kitchen, just as young Ward fell. Police found the two bodies lying on the floor at right angles, their feet together.
The dead, couple met, through a mutual friend, Vera Campbell, of 330 Wall street, last spring and a close, companionship ensued. It lasted until midsummer.
"Wouldn't Marry Him"
Exactly what took place in a series of meetings between the tow after that probably will never be known. Vera Campbell said Mrs. Hurst had told her that she had no quarrels with the machinist, but added, without explaining, that he had threatened her life.
Mrs. Niles, police believes, knows more than she can express readily in details. Last night she wrote: "He (Ward) cam here last September. He tried to shoot her 3 times before. She wouldn't marry him. He wanted to marry Her Sept. 30."
(Continued on Back Page)
[photo]
Margie Smith Hurst
CONTINUED From Page One Page 12
Spurner Lover Kills Woman And Himself
A week ago, Mrs. Hurst returned to Springfield after visiting in Oklahoma City and Kansas City. She had left Springfield in an effort to break with Ward and she believed she was keeping her return a secret until he appeared at her mother's home a short time before the tragedy.
Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Ward of route 10, parents of the dead Frisco worker, said their son had been despondent after his breakup with Mrs. Hurst.
Monday night the young man went to Tulsa to visit a girl. He returned to Springfield Tuesday night but did not go home and failed to report to work yesterday morning.
In addition to the parents, three brothers, Oren, Ernest and Forest Ward, survive the dead machinist.
Also surviving Mrs. Hurst are a sister, Mrs. Mary Plumblee of Kansas City, and a brother, Roy Baker, a policeman at Fort Worth, Texas.
Funeral services for Ward are to be held at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral home, followed by burial in Greenlawn cemetery.
No arrangements had been made this afternoon for the funeral of Mrs Hurst, whose body is at Fox Funeral home.
Suggested edit April, 2023: Her husbands name was Loren Hurst. They were married 23 Jul 1927 in Jackson, Kansas City, Missouri. By the 1930 census she was living back with her mom and stepfather, so I expect they were separated.
One article says "Moberly Monitor-Index Thursday, January 3, 1935
SPURNED, KILLS WOMAN AND COMMITS SUICIDE
SPRINGFIELD ,Mo., Jan. 3 AP - Owen Ward, 26, a machinist's helper, last night shot and killed Mrs. Margie Smith Hurst, 23, who had refused to marry him, then killed himself.
Officers said Mr. Hurst's divorce petition was set for next week in circuit court here. She returned a week ago from a visit with her estranged husband in Kansas City. Mrs. Hurst's deaf and dumb mother told police Ward had threatened Mrs. Hurst three times previously and he had been despondent several weeks after his marriage offer was refused. Contributor: Lizbeth B (47339481)
Missouri death certificate # 885 shows shot with a 32 revolver, wound in the neck. Homicide. Her occupation was waitress. Relatives listed as none known. Shows female married white. Husband listed as Claud Hurst, but does not indicate if he was dead or alive. Has unknown. She was not alive when brought in the death cert. shows last saw her dead at 6:30 pm. Floyd W Fox Funeral Home. Interred in Hazelwood Cemetery January 4, 1935.
Wonder if husband was Claud Hurst or Claud Hurst Smith, or Claud Smith. If it was Claud Hurst seems she would have possibly been divorced or some other reason for a different surname.
Odd but the story in the news paper shows her name as Margie Smith Hurst.Springfield Newspaper, Margie Smith Hurst was killed and Owen Ward committed suicide.
REJECTED SUITOR FULFILLS THREAT; KILLS YOUNG WIFE AND THEN HIMSELF.
Bodies of Couple Are Found In Home of Young Woman's Parents, Gun Clutched in Hand of Slayer.
Mother Says Daughter's Former Sweetheart thrice Vowed He Would Take Her Life For Spurning Love.
Unrequited love was blamed for the murder last night of Margie Smith Hurst, 23, and the subsequent suicide of her former sweetheart, Owen E. "Cotton" Ward, 26 yr. old Frisco machinist helper.
The double shooting took place in the three-room home of the girl's deaf and dumb mother and stepfather at 1307 N Johnson ave about 6:45 o'clock last night.
According to the slain girl's mother the man had threatned her life three times. Police said that they had run Ward from the home about 6 mos. ago after he had vowed to kill the girl.
Mrs. Fred Niles, the mother, questioned in writing, told officer J T McReynolds that Ward had wanted their daughter to marry him on Sept. 30
Had Recently Returned
She had returned about a week ago after visiting sister n OK. City. Neifhbors said thy had not seen Ward at the house.
Mr and Mrs. R O Ward parents of Owen, said that after they quit going together he was despondent for months but during the last 6 wks. had not seemed to worry about his love affair.
His railway pass was punched for a trip to Tulsa Mon. night and return Tues. night at home and did not work yesterday although he was supposed to.
At the time of the tragedy Mr. and Mrs. Fred Niles were at the rear of the house.
Neighbors Hear Shots
The next door neighbors Mr and Mrs Steve Blevens said that they heard shots. In a moment the mother of the slain girl was heard screaming in spite of her affliction.
Mrs Blevens went to the house while Mr. Blevens called the police and an ambulance.
The tow bodies were lying in the front room at right angles, their feet together. In Ward's hand was a small .32 revolver.
The girl was still breathing but expired before an ambulance arrived. She was shot through the throat, the bullet ranging into a major vein. Death was caused by internal bleeding. He was shot in the side of the head.
Mr. and Mrs. Ward said the the pair started going together last spring and broke up during the summer.
Vera A Campbell, 330 W Wall st. through whom the pair met told police they had not quarreled. Later she said that Margie had her her that Ward had threatened to kill her but thought nothing of it.
Divorce Suit Pending
The dead girl had stayed with Mrs. Campbell for several weeks in Sept. She said that she had not seen her since she returned from KC although the girl had been at the house looking for her.
Hearing on a divorce petition Mrs. Hurst had filed was set for next week in circuit court, officers said Ward lived on route 10 with his parents and 3 brothers, Oren K, Ernest, and Forest Ward.
Besided the husband and parents Mrs Hurst is survived bu the sister she had been visiting in Oklahoma City and a brother Roy H Baker., a policeman in Ft. Worth, TX.
Funeral arrangements for both the victims are incomplete. Burial of Mrs. Hurst will be under the direction of Floyd W Fox. Arrangements for Ward are under direction of the Herman H Lohmeyer Funeral Home.
Jan 4, 1935 Springfield Newsleader, Springfield, Greene, MO.
RITES SATURDAY FOR LOVE SLAYER
Girl Victim of Owen Ward Probably Will Be Buried On Monday.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock tom. afternoon in the Herman H Lohmeyer funeral chapel for Owen " Cotton" Ward 29 yr. old Frisco machinist helper who Wed. night killed Margie Smith Hurst and then himself because she spurned his love.
Burial will be in the Greenlawn cemetery.
Girls Funeral Monday
He is survived by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. R O Ward, rt. 10, and by 3 brothers Owen, Ernest and Forest, all of the home address.
Arrangements for Mrs. Hurst are still incomplete but will probably be conducted Mon. afternoon in the Floyd W Fox Chapel. Definiite arrangements are waiting the arrival of relatives.
Romance Broken Off
She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Mr and Mrs Fred Niles, deaf mutes in whose home at 1307 N Johnson ave the tragedy took place; a sister, Mrs Mary Plumbee, KC, and a half brother Roy H Baker a Ft. Worth Texas Policeman.
The two had gone together after meeting last spring. The romance lasted until midsummer. Mrs. Niles told police that Ward had thrice threatened to kill Mrs. Hurst. She returned about a week ago for KC where she had gone to avoid him. The night of the killing was the first time they had seen each other since her return.
Suggested Edit April 4, 2023:
Suggested edit: Springfield Leader and Press Springfield, Missouri Thursday, January 3, 1935 Page 1
SPURNED LOVER KILLS WOMAN AND HIMSELF
Her Mother, a Deaf Mute, 'Sensing' Something Wrong, Finds Voice for First Time As She Discovers Tragedy
"She wouldn't marry him."
That terse statement, scrawled in pencil on cheap tablet paper, was the explanation Mrs. Fred Niles, deaf mute, gave today for the slaying of her daughter, dark-haired Margie Smith Hurst, 23, and the suicide of the killer, Owen "Cotton" Ward, 26, a Frisco machinist.
The spurned lover shot Mrs. Hurst through the throat early last night in her mother's three room house at 1307 North Johnson avenue. Then he turned the gun upon himself.
Fred Niles, a cobbler, and also deaf and dumb, seemed a bit evasive when police called at the home. Borrowing an officer's pencil, he dismissed himself from the case by writing. "She was my stepdaughter. My wife can tell about it."
Manages to Scream
The dead woman's mother was almost hysterical and wrote many notes when the pencil was handed back to her. Many were incoherent, so investigators turned to neighbors and friends of Mrs. Hurst for information.
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Blevens, who live next door, said they heard two shots in the cobbler's home about 6:45 p.m.
A few minutes later, Mrs. Niles was at their front door, screaming, in spite of her affliction. Other children of the aged woman said it was the first time they ever knew of her making a vocal sound.
Another strange angle was the apparent fact Mrs. Niles responded in some manner to the shots. Later, she wrote that she sensed that something had gone wrong in the front room and dashed in from the kitchen, just as young Ward fell. Police found the two bodies lying on the floor at right angles, their feet together.
The dead, couple met, through a mutual friend, Vera Campbell, of 330 Wall street, last spring and a close, companionship ensued. It lasted until midsummer.
"Wouldn't Marry Him"
Exactly what took place in a series of meetings between the tow after that probably will never be known. Vera Campbell said Mrs. Hurst had told her that she had no quarrels with the machinist, but added, without explaining, that he had threatened her life.
Mrs. Niles, police believes, knows more than she can express readily in details. Last night she wrote: "He (Ward) cam here last September. He tried to shoot her 3 times before. She wouldn't marry him. He wanted to marry Her Sept. 30."
(Continued on Back Page)
[photo]
Margie Smith Hurst
CONTINUED From Page One Page 12
Spurner Lover Kills Woman And Himself
A week ago, Mrs. Hurst returned to Springfield after visiting in Oklahoma City and Kansas City. She had left Springfield in an effort to break with Ward and she believed she was keeping her return a secret until he appeared at her mother's home a short time before the tragedy.
Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Ward of route 10, parents of the dead Frisco worker, said their son had been despondent after his breakup with Mrs. Hurst.
Monday night the young man went to Tulsa to visit a girl. He returned to Springfield Tuesday night but did not go home and failed to report to work yesterday morning.
In addition to the parents, three brothers, Oren, Ernest and Forest Ward, survive the dead machinist.
Also surviving Mrs. Hurst are a sister, Mrs. Mary Plumblee of Kansas City, and a brother, Roy Baker, a policeman at Fort Worth, Texas.
Funeral services for Ward are to be held at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral home, followed by burial in Greenlawn cemetery.
No arrangements had been made this afternoon for the funeral of Mrs Hurst, whose body is at Fox Funeral home.
Suggested edit April, 2023: Her husbands name was Loren Hurst. They were married 23 Jul 1927 in Jackson, Kansas City, Missouri. By the 1930 census she was living back with her mom and stepfather, so I expect they were separated.
One article says "Moberly Monitor-Index Thursday, January 3, 1935
SPURNED, KILLS WOMAN AND COMMITS SUICIDE
SPRINGFIELD ,Mo., Jan. 3 AP - Owen Ward, 26, a machinist's helper, last night shot and killed Mrs. Margie Smith Hurst, 23, who had refused to marry him, then killed himself.
Officers said Mr. Hurst's divorce petition was set for next week in circuit court here. She returned a week ago from a visit with her estranged husband in Kansas City. Mrs. Hurst's deaf and dumb mother told police Ward had threatened Mrs. Hurst three times previously and he had been despondent several weeks after his marriage offer was refused. Contributor: Lizbeth B (47339481)
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