Angel In Our Family Tree
Richard Hord married Erma Jane Dezarn abt 1889 and they had six children: Lizzie, 1889; Turner, 1891; Minnie H., 1893; Stella, 1895; Murtia, 1898; and Omer Hord, born 1900. After Richard was killed, Erma Jane remarried again to Asure Burtle Whitlock. She died in Louisville, Kentucky in 1941.
Her burial location is not given.
The Lebanon Enterprise, July 6, 1901
SCOTT'S RIDGE TRAGEDY
Richard Hord - Killed and Dave Allen Mortally Wounded
Clarence Shipp fired the Fatal Shot
The Scott's Ridge section of Muldraugh Hill, this county; was the scene Tuesday morning of another shooting affray in which one man was killed instantly and another it is thought fatally wounded.
Clarence Shipp, aged about 17 years, the son of Shake Shipp, who was killed last year in the same neighborhood, according to report has had trouble with some of his neighbors and for several months past a battle has been imminent. Only a few days ago, Richard Hord came to Lebanon and had a peace warrant issued for Clarence Shipp but before it had been served the word was passed around that Shipp had left home and the matter was dropped.
Last Tuesday morning, however, the quarrel took a serious turn. The story of the shooting, according to Hord's friends, is about as follows: Last Tuesday morning Richard Hord, John Allen and his two sons Charles and Dave and a man by the name of Oaks started to the field to work. They had not gone far when a volume of smoke and the loud report of a double-barrelled shotgun came from a thicket. Richard Hord, who carried a double-barreled shotgun on his shoulder and a revolver girted to his waist, dropped his shotgun and threw his hands to his stomach. Dave Allen also threw his hands to his chest and uttered sounds of distress.
One of the party had a horse on which Dave Allen was placed by his father and brother and hurried home. Richard Hord with a death wound went to a tree near by and lay down. Parties in the vicinity testified at the Coroner's inquest held over the body of Hord that after Hord had been shot from ambush and the others had gone they heard heavy groans followed by words which sounded like one pleading for mercy. Shortly afterwards several shots in rapid succession were heard after which there was silence. Deputy Sherriff Fisher, of Raywick, who was on the grounds Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, and who saw the dead body of Hord says Hord's face was torn to pieces by buckshot, that in his left side was a hole made by buckshot and that his abdomen contained a charge of buckshot. This would argue that he had been shot three or four times and the supposition is that Hord was followed to the tree where he had gone after receiving the first wound and there shot again and again by his enemy.
Dave Allen it is claimed received three buckshot in the right side from the ambush volley which first gave the men warning of their enemy's presence. These three shot passed through Allen's body and it is thought will cause his death. Men in the party attacked claim they saw Clarence Shipp run after he had fired on them. Shipp left the county immediately after the shooting. Tuesday evening the sheriff of Taylor County was notified by Sheriff Cooper that Shipp had taken refuge in Taylor County and to be on the lookout for him. Up to yesterday evening, he had evaded the officers.
Deputy Sheriff Fisher arrested and has in custody "Gid" Philpot, aged about 14 years, a step-uncle of Clarence Shipp, who was with Clarence Shipp when he shot and killed Richard Hord. This boy states that Clarence and he were returning from the woods where they had been to hunt squirrels. That when they got on the highway Clarence put cartridges loaded with buckshot in his gun to be ready for his enemies who, he said had threatened to kill him on sight. They had not gone far when they saw Hord and party approaching. He claims that Hord on seeing Clarence Shipp raised his gun to fire but before he could do so Clarence had shot him. The boy says Clarence Shipp fired one shot only and then went to his grandmother's house about 300 yards away where he was followed by parties who shot the window lights out of the windows.
"Gad" also says "these men" had threatened to kill Clarence Shipp because they could not make him leave the country.
Richard Hord, the man who was killed, was 31 years of age, married, and has a family of six small children. He had rented and was working the farm of Mrs. Shake Shipp. His friends say he was an industrious, peaceable citizen. It is also alleged the trouble between the men developed from misunderstanding which had grown out of the farm renting.
The Lebanon Enterprise, Friday, July 26, 1901
Last Tuesday, at ten o'clock, Judge Kelly presiding, the examining trial of Clarence E. Shipp, charged with killing Richard Hord and Dave Allen from ambush, on Scott's Ridge, July 2, 1901, was called. It was the hottest day of the season to that time, but the courthouse was crowded by an eager, curious audience, Shipp the prisoner, accompanied by deputy sheriff Fisher, Chief of Police Wilkerson and Mr. J. M. Wood, his attorney, was a little late. When he had taken his seat, the crowd gazed at him as if he were a curio. At first Shipp showed a little nervousness but this soon passed away and he looked as calm and as cool as a man who had nothing to fear. Mr. Wood asked the court for a few minutes talk with his client in a private office which was granted. Deputy Fisher accompanied the prisoner and Mr. Wood to Mr. Russell's office where they remained about half an hour. On returning to the court, the Commonwealth announced ready. Mr. Wood arose and said his client was only 17 years old, without father or mother and without friends. That the boy had a good defense; that two important witnesses were absent and that he, as his attorney, did not wish to be rushed into a trial of the case and waived the examining trial. Judge Kelly granted his request and after putting forty or fifty witnesses for the Commonwealth under a $100 bond to appear before the September meeting of the grand Jury, ordered the prisoner carried back to jail. Court then adjourned. The Commonwealth was represented by County Attorney, Ben Spalding and by County Attorney Young, of Campbellsville. The crowd which had assembled was, of course, disappointed as it was very anxious to hear Shipp's story of the killing and of the defense he expected to make. From some sources bitter language was indulged in against Shipp, but Shipp has a few friends who endeavor to make it appear he was acting in self defense.
The Lebanon Enterprise, Friday, August 23, 1901
Bullets From Officer Brents' Pistol Dispersed the Mob Which Came Last Night to Hang Shipp and Horton, Prisoners Prayed Like Good Fellows.
This morning between the hours of one and two o'clock a body of men visited the county jail. They went to the residence of the jailer, Mrs. Janie Clarke, and knocked at the front door. Mrs. Jackson Clayton heard them and raised an upstairs window and asked what they wanted. The leader of the mob replied that he had a prisoner. Mrs. Clayton, however, knew better as she saw about the door fully forty men who showed beyond a doubt that they were there on no lawful mission. They called for the keys of the jail almost immediately and by this time Mrs. Clayton had lit a lamp and come to the head of the stairs. They called for the keys in rude tones again and Mrs. Clayton informed the men that Mr. Bullock, who had left the house carried the keys of the jail with him. This angered the men and they hurled a large sledge hammer against the upper panel of the door making a big opening through which every member of the mob leaped.
While this was going on, Clarence Shipp and Dan Horton and the other prisoners set up a cry that could be plainly heard several squares. Parties about the jail said the prisoners sent forth most earnest prayers along with their appeals for help.
While the mob were parlaying about the keys, a fire alarm had been sent in and soon th fire bell began to ring in a manner that made all who heard it believe the whole town was afire. This, however, did not seem to disturb the mob which Mrs. Clayton, with lamp in hand, not being able to persuade to go away, led to the jail door which she pretended to unfasten by simply taking out the big bolt that keeps the door shut when not locked. Having done this she gave the lamp to the mob and retired to the residence which adjoins.
The tools of the mob were a sledge hammer, a harrow tooth and a large chisel. With these they began to beat, batter and cut the outer jail door but made more noise than progress.
About fifteen or twenty minutes after the arrival of the mob, Officer Brents opened fire on the crowd from Mrs. Severance's coal house. This the mob returned but as the men stood in front of the jail unprotected they were at a disadvantage. They became ------, panic stricken and broke and run like "scared sheep." The leader of the mob was a small man. He did not run but cried out to his men that he was no baby and asked them to stand by him. They could not see it that way it seems and departed in disorder leaving their tools on the ground.
Everything goes to indicate that the members of the mob were inexperienced and knew nothing of the premises. No plan was followed and very little determination exercised under their system of tearing down a jail it would have taken them till Christmas to accomplish their purpose. Had they remained a little longer the whole gang would have been captured.
The prisoners were in the new steel cells which would have taken this mob one hundred days to break down.
Dan Horton said this morning that he thought his time had come. But added that if the county would arm him he would make it warm for any mob. While the mob was battering at the door, Shipp cried to Horton saying "Dan must we give up or fight them?" Horton answered, "fight them to the death."
The two little Shipp boys, Willie and Arthur, sons of Bob Shipp, deceased who will be sent to the Lexington Reform School, and charged with being Clarence Shipp's accomplice, hid under the bed.
Everything about the jail is quiet today. The mob's failure was so complete that it is thought it will never again put in its appearance. Officer Brents was not harmed, but it is said several of the mob were wounded.
This mob's action is condemned by all as cowardly and unwarranted.
The members of the mob wore no masks, but their faces were smeared with soot or blacking.
They hitched their horses out of town and walked in. Not being able to get the key is what undid them.
25 Sep 1901
Marion Co. Ky
Commonwealth of Ky vs. Clarence Shipp
Clarence Shipp is charged with murder.
He is accused of shooting Dave Allen and Richard Hord.
J. A. Burton, sheriff of Marion Co. was ordered to convey Shipp from Jefferson Co. Ky to Lebanon, Ky to the Jailor of Marion Co. on 15 Jan, 1902
If the Jury believed that Shipp killed Allen and Hord with malice aforethought, he was to be found guilty and his punishment of death or life imprisonment.
If the Jury believed he shot them in self-defense, or a reasonable doubt, he was to be found not guilty.
The Court instructs the jury that Clarence Shipp had that night to go when and where he desired and was not bound to avoid meeting Richard Hoard, Dave Allen, John Allen, J. I. Oaks in order to prevent a difficulty with them or any of them and if the jury believes from the evidence that the parties threatened to kill Shipp and associated themselves together to kill or shoot Shipp and Shipp had been informed of such threats, attending the meeting that he was in danger of death, he was not bound to wait until actually assaulted, but had the right to shoot in self-defense, and jury should find Shipp not guilty.
21 February, 1902
ACQUITTED
CLARENCE SHIPP, CHARGED WITH A DOUBLE MURDER ON SCOTT'S RIDGE, GOES FREE
After being out less than half an hour, the jury in the Shipp case returned a verdict Saturday night of not guilty, and Clarence Shipp, who was charged with murdering David Allen and Richard Horde, on Scott's Ridge, in this county, last July, is thus liberated from prison.
[bio added by Russell Perkins, FAG #47213352]
Richard Hord married Erma Jane Dezarn abt 1889 and they had six children: Lizzie, 1889; Turner, 1891; Minnie H., 1893; Stella, 1895; Murtia, 1898; and Omer Hord, born 1900. After Richard was killed, Erma Jane remarried again to Asure Burtle Whitlock. She died in Louisville, Kentucky in 1941.
Her burial location is not given.
The Lebanon Enterprise, July 6, 1901
SCOTT'S RIDGE TRAGEDY
Richard Hord - Killed and Dave Allen Mortally Wounded
Clarence Shipp fired the Fatal Shot
The Scott's Ridge section of Muldraugh Hill, this county; was the scene Tuesday morning of another shooting affray in which one man was killed instantly and another it is thought fatally wounded.
Clarence Shipp, aged about 17 years, the son of Shake Shipp, who was killed last year in the same neighborhood, according to report has had trouble with some of his neighbors and for several months past a battle has been imminent. Only a few days ago, Richard Hord came to Lebanon and had a peace warrant issued for Clarence Shipp but before it had been served the word was passed around that Shipp had left home and the matter was dropped.
Last Tuesday morning, however, the quarrel took a serious turn. The story of the shooting, according to Hord's friends, is about as follows: Last Tuesday morning Richard Hord, John Allen and his two sons Charles and Dave and a man by the name of Oaks started to the field to work. They had not gone far when a volume of smoke and the loud report of a double-barrelled shotgun came from a thicket. Richard Hord, who carried a double-barreled shotgun on his shoulder and a revolver girted to his waist, dropped his shotgun and threw his hands to his stomach. Dave Allen also threw his hands to his chest and uttered sounds of distress.
One of the party had a horse on which Dave Allen was placed by his father and brother and hurried home. Richard Hord with a death wound went to a tree near by and lay down. Parties in the vicinity testified at the Coroner's inquest held over the body of Hord that after Hord had been shot from ambush and the others had gone they heard heavy groans followed by words which sounded like one pleading for mercy. Shortly afterwards several shots in rapid succession were heard after which there was silence. Deputy Sherriff Fisher, of Raywick, who was on the grounds Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, and who saw the dead body of Hord says Hord's face was torn to pieces by buckshot, that in his left side was a hole made by buckshot and that his abdomen contained a charge of buckshot. This would argue that he had been shot three or four times and the supposition is that Hord was followed to the tree where he had gone after receiving the first wound and there shot again and again by his enemy.
Dave Allen it is claimed received three buckshot in the right side from the ambush volley which first gave the men warning of their enemy's presence. These three shot passed through Allen's body and it is thought will cause his death. Men in the party attacked claim they saw Clarence Shipp run after he had fired on them. Shipp left the county immediately after the shooting. Tuesday evening the sheriff of Taylor County was notified by Sheriff Cooper that Shipp had taken refuge in Taylor County and to be on the lookout for him. Up to yesterday evening, he had evaded the officers.
Deputy Sheriff Fisher arrested and has in custody "Gid" Philpot, aged about 14 years, a step-uncle of Clarence Shipp, who was with Clarence Shipp when he shot and killed Richard Hord. This boy states that Clarence and he were returning from the woods where they had been to hunt squirrels. That when they got on the highway Clarence put cartridges loaded with buckshot in his gun to be ready for his enemies who, he said had threatened to kill him on sight. They had not gone far when they saw Hord and party approaching. He claims that Hord on seeing Clarence Shipp raised his gun to fire but before he could do so Clarence had shot him. The boy says Clarence Shipp fired one shot only and then went to his grandmother's house about 300 yards away where he was followed by parties who shot the window lights out of the windows.
"Gad" also says "these men" had threatened to kill Clarence Shipp because they could not make him leave the country.
Richard Hord, the man who was killed, was 31 years of age, married, and has a family of six small children. He had rented and was working the farm of Mrs. Shake Shipp. His friends say he was an industrious, peaceable citizen. It is also alleged the trouble between the men developed from misunderstanding which had grown out of the farm renting.
The Lebanon Enterprise, Friday, July 26, 1901
Last Tuesday, at ten o'clock, Judge Kelly presiding, the examining trial of Clarence E. Shipp, charged with killing Richard Hord and Dave Allen from ambush, on Scott's Ridge, July 2, 1901, was called. It was the hottest day of the season to that time, but the courthouse was crowded by an eager, curious audience, Shipp the prisoner, accompanied by deputy sheriff Fisher, Chief of Police Wilkerson and Mr. J. M. Wood, his attorney, was a little late. When he had taken his seat, the crowd gazed at him as if he were a curio. At first Shipp showed a little nervousness but this soon passed away and he looked as calm and as cool as a man who had nothing to fear. Mr. Wood asked the court for a few minutes talk with his client in a private office which was granted. Deputy Fisher accompanied the prisoner and Mr. Wood to Mr. Russell's office where they remained about half an hour. On returning to the court, the Commonwealth announced ready. Mr. Wood arose and said his client was only 17 years old, without father or mother and without friends. That the boy had a good defense; that two important witnesses were absent and that he, as his attorney, did not wish to be rushed into a trial of the case and waived the examining trial. Judge Kelly granted his request and after putting forty or fifty witnesses for the Commonwealth under a $100 bond to appear before the September meeting of the grand Jury, ordered the prisoner carried back to jail. Court then adjourned. The Commonwealth was represented by County Attorney, Ben Spalding and by County Attorney Young, of Campbellsville. The crowd which had assembled was, of course, disappointed as it was very anxious to hear Shipp's story of the killing and of the defense he expected to make. From some sources bitter language was indulged in against Shipp, but Shipp has a few friends who endeavor to make it appear he was acting in self defense.
The Lebanon Enterprise, Friday, August 23, 1901
Bullets From Officer Brents' Pistol Dispersed the Mob Which Came Last Night to Hang Shipp and Horton, Prisoners Prayed Like Good Fellows.
This morning between the hours of one and two o'clock a body of men visited the county jail. They went to the residence of the jailer, Mrs. Janie Clarke, and knocked at the front door. Mrs. Jackson Clayton heard them and raised an upstairs window and asked what they wanted. The leader of the mob replied that he had a prisoner. Mrs. Clayton, however, knew better as she saw about the door fully forty men who showed beyond a doubt that they were there on no lawful mission. They called for the keys of the jail almost immediately and by this time Mrs. Clayton had lit a lamp and come to the head of the stairs. They called for the keys in rude tones again and Mrs. Clayton informed the men that Mr. Bullock, who had left the house carried the keys of the jail with him. This angered the men and they hurled a large sledge hammer against the upper panel of the door making a big opening through which every member of the mob leaped.
While this was going on, Clarence Shipp and Dan Horton and the other prisoners set up a cry that could be plainly heard several squares. Parties about the jail said the prisoners sent forth most earnest prayers along with their appeals for help.
While the mob were parlaying about the keys, a fire alarm had been sent in and soon th fire bell began to ring in a manner that made all who heard it believe the whole town was afire. This, however, did not seem to disturb the mob which Mrs. Clayton, with lamp in hand, not being able to persuade to go away, led to the jail door which she pretended to unfasten by simply taking out the big bolt that keeps the door shut when not locked. Having done this she gave the lamp to the mob and retired to the residence which adjoins.
The tools of the mob were a sledge hammer, a harrow tooth and a large chisel. With these they began to beat, batter and cut the outer jail door but made more noise than progress.
About fifteen or twenty minutes after the arrival of the mob, Officer Brents opened fire on the crowd from Mrs. Severance's coal house. This the mob returned but as the men stood in front of the jail unprotected they were at a disadvantage. They became ------, panic stricken and broke and run like "scared sheep." The leader of the mob was a small man. He did not run but cried out to his men that he was no baby and asked them to stand by him. They could not see it that way it seems and departed in disorder leaving their tools on the ground.
Everything goes to indicate that the members of the mob were inexperienced and knew nothing of the premises. No plan was followed and very little determination exercised under their system of tearing down a jail it would have taken them till Christmas to accomplish their purpose. Had they remained a little longer the whole gang would have been captured.
The prisoners were in the new steel cells which would have taken this mob one hundred days to break down.
Dan Horton said this morning that he thought his time had come. But added that if the county would arm him he would make it warm for any mob. While the mob was battering at the door, Shipp cried to Horton saying "Dan must we give up or fight them?" Horton answered, "fight them to the death."
The two little Shipp boys, Willie and Arthur, sons of Bob Shipp, deceased who will be sent to the Lexington Reform School, and charged with being Clarence Shipp's accomplice, hid under the bed.
Everything about the jail is quiet today. The mob's failure was so complete that it is thought it will never again put in its appearance. Officer Brents was not harmed, but it is said several of the mob were wounded.
This mob's action is condemned by all as cowardly and unwarranted.
The members of the mob wore no masks, but their faces were smeared with soot or blacking.
They hitched their horses out of town and walked in. Not being able to get the key is what undid them.
25 Sep 1901
Marion Co. Ky
Commonwealth of Ky vs. Clarence Shipp
Clarence Shipp is charged with murder.
He is accused of shooting Dave Allen and Richard Hord.
J. A. Burton, sheriff of Marion Co. was ordered to convey Shipp from Jefferson Co. Ky to Lebanon, Ky to the Jailor of Marion Co. on 15 Jan, 1902
If the Jury believed that Shipp killed Allen and Hord with malice aforethought, he was to be found guilty and his punishment of death or life imprisonment.
If the Jury believed he shot them in self-defense, or a reasonable doubt, he was to be found not guilty.
The Court instructs the jury that Clarence Shipp had that night to go when and where he desired and was not bound to avoid meeting Richard Hoard, Dave Allen, John Allen, J. I. Oaks in order to prevent a difficulty with them or any of them and if the jury believes from the evidence that the parties threatened to kill Shipp and associated themselves together to kill or shoot Shipp and Shipp had been informed of such threats, attending the meeting that he was in danger of death, he was not bound to wait until actually assaulted, but had the right to shoot in self-defense, and jury should find Shipp not guilty.
21 February, 1902
ACQUITTED
CLARENCE SHIPP, CHARGED WITH A DOUBLE MURDER ON SCOTT'S RIDGE, GOES FREE
After being out less than half an hour, the jury in the Shipp case returned a verdict Saturday night of not guilty, and Clarence Shipp, who was charged with murdering David Allen and Richard Horde, on Scott's Ridge, in this county, last July, is thus liberated from prison.
[bio added by Russell Perkins, FAG #47213352]
Angel In Our Family Tree
Richard Hord married Erma Jane Dezarn abt 1889 and they had six children: Lizzie, 1889; Turner, 1891; Minnie H., 1893; Stella, 1895; Murtia, 1898; and Omer Hord, born 1900. After Richard was killed, Erma Jane remarried again to Asure Burtle Whitlock. She died in Louisville, Kentucky in 1941.
Her burial location is not given.
The Lebanon Enterprise, July 6, 1901
SCOTT'S RIDGE TRAGEDY
Richard Hord - Killed and Dave Allen Mortally Wounded
Clarence Shipp fired the Fatal Shot
The Scott's Ridge section of Muldraugh Hill, this county; was the scene Tuesday morning of another shooting affray in which one man was killed instantly and another it is thought fatally wounded.
Clarence Shipp, aged about 17 years, the son of Shake Shipp, who was killed last year in the same neighborhood, according to report has had trouble with some of his neighbors and for several months past a battle has been imminent. Only a few days ago, Richard Hord came to Lebanon and had a peace warrant issued for Clarence Shipp but before it had been served the word was passed around that Shipp had left home and the matter was dropped.
Last Tuesday morning, however, the quarrel took a serious turn. The story of the shooting, according to Hord's friends, is about as follows: Last Tuesday morning Richard Hord, John Allen and his two sons Charles and Dave and a man by the name of Oaks started to the field to work. They had not gone far when a volume of smoke and the loud report of a double-barrelled shotgun came from a thicket. Richard Hord, who carried a double-barreled shotgun on his shoulder and a revolver girted to his waist, dropped his shotgun and threw his hands to his stomach. Dave Allen also threw his hands to his chest and uttered sounds of distress.
One of the party had a horse on which Dave Allen was placed by his father and brother and hurried home. Richard Hord with a death wound went to a tree near by and lay down. Parties in the vicinity testified at the Coroner's inquest held over the body of Hord that after Hord had been shot from ambush and the others had gone they heard heavy groans followed by words which sounded like one pleading for mercy. Shortly afterwards several shots in rapid succession were heard after which there was silence. Deputy Sherriff Fisher, of Raywick, who was on the grounds Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, and who saw the dead body of Hord says Hord's face was torn to pieces by buckshot, that in his left side was a hole made by buckshot and that his abdomen contained a charge of buckshot. This would argue that he had been shot three or four times and the supposition is that Hord was followed to the tree where he had gone after receiving the first wound and there shot again and again by his enemy.
Dave Allen it is claimed received three buckshot in the right side from the ambush volley which first gave the men warning of their enemy's presence. These three shot passed through Allen's body and it is thought will cause his death. Men in the party attacked claim they saw Clarence Shipp run after he had fired on them. Shipp left the county immediately after the shooting. Tuesday evening the sheriff of Taylor County was notified by Sheriff Cooper that Shipp had taken refuge in Taylor County and to be on the lookout for him. Up to yesterday evening, he had evaded the officers.
Deputy Sheriff Fisher arrested and has in custody "Gid" Philpot, aged about 14 years, a step-uncle of Clarence Shipp, who was with Clarence Shipp when he shot and killed Richard Hord. This boy states that Clarence and he were returning from the woods where they had been to hunt squirrels. That when they got on the highway Clarence put cartridges loaded with buckshot in his gun to be ready for his enemies who, he said had threatened to kill him on sight. They had not gone far when they saw Hord and party approaching. He claims that Hord on seeing Clarence Shipp raised his gun to fire but before he could do so Clarence had shot him. The boy says Clarence Shipp fired one shot only and then went to his grandmother's house about 300 yards away where he was followed by parties who shot the window lights out of the windows.
"Gad" also says "these men" had threatened to kill Clarence Shipp because they could not make him leave the country.
Richard Hord, the man who was killed, was 31 years of age, married, and has a family of six small children. He had rented and was working the farm of Mrs. Shake Shipp. His friends say he was an industrious, peaceable citizen. It is also alleged the trouble between the men developed from misunderstanding which had grown out of the farm renting.
The Lebanon Enterprise, Friday, July 26, 1901
Last Tuesday, at ten o'clock, Judge Kelly presiding, the examining trial of Clarence E. Shipp, charged with killing Richard Hord and Dave Allen from ambush, on Scott's Ridge, July 2, 1901, was called. It was the hottest day of the season to that time, but the courthouse was crowded by an eager, curious audience, Shipp the prisoner, accompanied by deputy sheriff Fisher, Chief of Police Wilkerson and Mr. J. M. Wood, his attorney, was a little late. When he had taken his seat, the crowd gazed at him as if he were a curio. At first Shipp showed a little nervousness but this soon passed away and he looked as calm and as cool as a man who had nothing to fear. Mr. Wood asked the court for a few minutes talk with his client in a private office which was granted. Deputy Fisher accompanied the prisoner and Mr. Wood to Mr. Russell's office where they remained about half an hour. On returning to the court, the Commonwealth announced ready. Mr. Wood arose and said his client was only 17 years old, without father or mother and without friends. That the boy had a good defense; that two important witnesses were absent and that he, as his attorney, did not wish to be rushed into a trial of the case and waived the examining trial. Judge Kelly granted his request and after putting forty or fifty witnesses for the Commonwealth under a $100 bond to appear before the September meeting of the grand Jury, ordered the prisoner carried back to jail. Court then adjourned. The Commonwealth was represented by County Attorney, Ben Spalding and by County Attorney Young, of Campbellsville. The crowd which had assembled was, of course, disappointed as it was very anxious to hear Shipp's story of the killing and of the defense he expected to make. From some sources bitter language was indulged in against Shipp, but Shipp has a few friends who endeavor to make it appear he was acting in self defense.
The Lebanon Enterprise, Friday, August 23, 1901
Bullets From Officer Brents' Pistol Dispersed the Mob Which Came Last Night to Hang Shipp and Horton, Prisoners Prayed Like Good Fellows.
This morning between the hours of one and two o'clock a body of men visited the county jail. They went to the residence of the jailer, Mrs. Janie Clarke, and knocked at the front door. Mrs. Jackson Clayton heard them and raised an upstairs window and asked what they wanted. The leader of the mob replied that he had a prisoner. Mrs. Clayton, however, knew better as she saw about the door fully forty men who showed beyond a doubt that they were there on no lawful mission. They called for the keys of the jail almost immediately and by this time Mrs. Clayton had lit a lamp and come to the head of the stairs. They called for the keys in rude tones again and Mrs. Clayton informed the men that Mr. Bullock, who had left the house carried the keys of the jail with him. This angered the men and they hurled a large sledge hammer against the upper panel of the door making a big opening through which every member of the mob leaped.
While this was going on, Clarence Shipp and Dan Horton and the other prisoners set up a cry that could be plainly heard several squares. Parties about the jail said the prisoners sent forth most earnest prayers along with their appeals for help.
While the mob were parlaying about the keys, a fire alarm had been sent in and soon th fire bell began to ring in a manner that made all who heard it believe the whole town was afire. This, however, did not seem to disturb the mob which Mrs. Clayton, with lamp in hand, not being able to persuade to go away, led to the jail door which she pretended to unfasten by simply taking out the big bolt that keeps the door shut when not locked. Having done this she gave the lamp to the mob and retired to the residence which adjoins.
The tools of the mob were a sledge hammer, a harrow tooth and a large chisel. With these they began to beat, batter and cut the outer jail door but made more noise than progress.
About fifteen or twenty minutes after the arrival of the mob, Officer Brents opened fire on the crowd from Mrs. Severance's coal house. This the mob returned but as the men stood in front of the jail unprotected they were at a disadvantage. They became ------, panic stricken and broke and run like "scared sheep." The leader of the mob was a small man. He did not run but cried out to his men that he was no baby and asked them to stand by him. They could not see it that way it seems and departed in disorder leaving their tools on the ground.
Everything goes to indicate that the members of the mob were inexperienced and knew nothing of the premises. No plan was followed and very little determination exercised under their system of tearing down a jail it would have taken them till Christmas to accomplish their purpose. Had they remained a little longer the whole gang would have been captured.
The prisoners were in the new steel cells which would have taken this mob one hundred days to break down.
Dan Horton said this morning that he thought his time had come. But added that if the county would arm him he would make it warm for any mob. While the mob was battering at the door, Shipp cried to Horton saying "Dan must we give up or fight them?" Horton answered, "fight them to the death."
The two little Shipp boys, Willie and Arthur, sons of Bob Shipp, deceased who will be sent to the Lexington Reform School, and charged with being Clarence Shipp's accomplice, hid under the bed.
Everything about the jail is quiet today. The mob's failure was so complete that it is thought it will never again put in its appearance. Officer Brents was not harmed, but it is said several of the mob were wounded.
This mob's action is condemned by all as cowardly and unwarranted.
The members of the mob wore no masks, but their faces were smeared with soot or blacking.
They hitched their horses out of town and walked in. Not being able to get the key is what undid them.
25 Sep 1901
Marion Co. Ky
Commonwealth of Ky vs. Clarence Shipp
Clarence Shipp is charged with murder.
He is accused of shooting Dave Allen and Richard Hord.
J. A. Burton, sheriff of Marion Co. was ordered to convey Shipp from Jefferson Co. Ky to Lebanon, Ky to the Jailor of Marion Co. on 15 Jan, 1902
If the Jury believed that Shipp killed Allen and Hord with malice aforethought, he was to be found guilty and his punishment of death or life imprisonment.
If the Jury believed he shot them in self-defense, or a reasonable doubt, he was to be found not guilty.
The Court instructs the jury that Clarence Shipp had that night to go when and where he desired and was not bound to avoid meeting Richard Hoard, Dave Allen, John Allen, J. I. Oaks in order to prevent a difficulty with them or any of them and if the jury believes from the evidence that the parties threatened to kill Shipp and associated themselves together to kill or shoot Shipp and Shipp had been informed of such threats, attending the meeting that he was in danger of death, he was not bound to wait until actually assaulted, but had the right to shoot in self-defense, and jury should find Shipp not guilty.
21 February, 1902
ACQUITTED
CLARENCE SHIPP, CHARGED WITH A DOUBLE MURDER ON SCOTT'S RIDGE, GOES FREE
After being out less than half an hour, the jury in the Shipp case returned a verdict Saturday night of not guilty, and Clarence Shipp, who was charged with murdering David Allen and Richard Horde, on Scott's Ridge, in this county, last July, is thus liberated from prison.
[bio added by Russell Perkins, FAG #47213352]
Richard Hord married Erma Jane Dezarn abt 1889 and they had six children: Lizzie, 1889; Turner, 1891; Minnie H., 1893; Stella, 1895; Murtia, 1898; and Omer Hord, born 1900. After Richard was killed, Erma Jane remarried again to Asure Burtle Whitlock. She died in Louisville, Kentucky in 1941.
Her burial location is not given.
The Lebanon Enterprise, July 6, 1901
SCOTT'S RIDGE TRAGEDY
Richard Hord - Killed and Dave Allen Mortally Wounded
Clarence Shipp fired the Fatal Shot
The Scott's Ridge section of Muldraugh Hill, this county; was the scene Tuesday morning of another shooting affray in which one man was killed instantly and another it is thought fatally wounded.
Clarence Shipp, aged about 17 years, the son of Shake Shipp, who was killed last year in the same neighborhood, according to report has had trouble with some of his neighbors and for several months past a battle has been imminent. Only a few days ago, Richard Hord came to Lebanon and had a peace warrant issued for Clarence Shipp but before it had been served the word was passed around that Shipp had left home and the matter was dropped.
Last Tuesday morning, however, the quarrel took a serious turn. The story of the shooting, according to Hord's friends, is about as follows: Last Tuesday morning Richard Hord, John Allen and his two sons Charles and Dave and a man by the name of Oaks started to the field to work. They had not gone far when a volume of smoke and the loud report of a double-barrelled shotgun came from a thicket. Richard Hord, who carried a double-barreled shotgun on his shoulder and a revolver girted to his waist, dropped his shotgun and threw his hands to his stomach. Dave Allen also threw his hands to his chest and uttered sounds of distress.
One of the party had a horse on which Dave Allen was placed by his father and brother and hurried home. Richard Hord with a death wound went to a tree near by and lay down. Parties in the vicinity testified at the Coroner's inquest held over the body of Hord that after Hord had been shot from ambush and the others had gone they heard heavy groans followed by words which sounded like one pleading for mercy. Shortly afterwards several shots in rapid succession were heard after which there was silence. Deputy Sherriff Fisher, of Raywick, who was on the grounds Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, and who saw the dead body of Hord says Hord's face was torn to pieces by buckshot, that in his left side was a hole made by buckshot and that his abdomen contained a charge of buckshot. This would argue that he had been shot three or four times and the supposition is that Hord was followed to the tree where he had gone after receiving the first wound and there shot again and again by his enemy.
Dave Allen it is claimed received three buckshot in the right side from the ambush volley which first gave the men warning of their enemy's presence. These three shot passed through Allen's body and it is thought will cause his death. Men in the party attacked claim they saw Clarence Shipp run after he had fired on them. Shipp left the county immediately after the shooting. Tuesday evening the sheriff of Taylor County was notified by Sheriff Cooper that Shipp had taken refuge in Taylor County and to be on the lookout for him. Up to yesterday evening, he had evaded the officers.
Deputy Sheriff Fisher arrested and has in custody "Gid" Philpot, aged about 14 years, a step-uncle of Clarence Shipp, who was with Clarence Shipp when he shot and killed Richard Hord. This boy states that Clarence and he were returning from the woods where they had been to hunt squirrels. That when they got on the highway Clarence put cartridges loaded with buckshot in his gun to be ready for his enemies who, he said had threatened to kill him on sight. They had not gone far when they saw Hord and party approaching. He claims that Hord on seeing Clarence Shipp raised his gun to fire but before he could do so Clarence had shot him. The boy says Clarence Shipp fired one shot only and then went to his grandmother's house about 300 yards away where he was followed by parties who shot the window lights out of the windows.
"Gad" also says "these men" had threatened to kill Clarence Shipp because they could not make him leave the country.
Richard Hord, the man who was killed, was 31 years of age, married, and has a family of six small children. He had rented and was working the farm of Mrs. Shake Shipp. His friends say he was an industrious, peaceable citizen. It is also alleged the trouble between the men developed from misunderstanding which had grown out of the farm renting.
The Lebanon Enterprise, Friday, July 26, 1901
Last Tuesday, at ten o'clock, Judge Kelly presiding, the examining trial of Clarence E. Shipp, charged with killing Richard Hord and Dave Allen from ambush, on Scott's Ridge, July 2, 1901, was called. It was the hottest day of the season to that time, but the courthouse was crowded by an eager, curious audience, Shipp the prisoner, accompanied by deputy sheriff Fisher, Chief of Police Wilkerson and Mr. J. M. Wood, his attorney, was a little late. When he had taken his seat, the crowd gazed at him as if he were a curio. At first Shipp showed a little nervousness but this soon passed away and he looked as calm and as cool as a man who had nothing to fear. Mr. Wood asked the court for a few minutes talk with his client in a private office which was granted. Deputy Fisher accompanied the prisoner and Mr. Wood to Mr. Russell's office where they remained about half an hour. On returning to the court, the Commonwealth announced ready. Mr. Wood arose and said his client was only 17 years old, without father or mother and without friends. That the boy had a good defense; that two important witnesses were absent and that he, as his attorney, did not wish to be rushed into a trial of the case and waived the examining trial. Judge Kelly granted his request and after putting forty or fifty witnesses for the Commonwealth under a $100 bond to appear before the September meeting of the grand Jury, ordered the prisoner carried back to jail. Court then adjourned. The Commonwealth was represented by County Attorney, Ben Spalding and by County Attorney Young, of Campbellsville. The crowd which had assembled was, of course, disappointed as it was very anxious to hear Shipp's story of the killing and of the defense he expected to make. From some sources bitter language was indulged in against Shipp, but Shipp has a few friends who endeavor to make it appear he was acting in self defense.
The Lebanon Enterprise, Friday, August 23, 1901
Bullets From Officer Brents' Pistol Dispersed the Mob Which Came Last Night to Hang Shipp and Horton, Prisoners Prayed Like Good Fellows.
This morning between the hours of one and two o'clock a body of men visited the county jail. They went to the residence of the jailer, Mrs. Janie Clarke, and knocked at the front door. Mrs. Jackson Clayton heard them and raised an upstairs window and asked what they wanted. The leader of the mob replied that he had a prisoner. Mrs. Clayton, however, knew better as she saw about the door fully forty men who showed beyond a doubt that they were there on no lawful mission. They called for the keys of the jail almost immediately and by this time Mrs. Clayton had lit a lamp and come to the head of the stairs. They called for the keys in rude tones again and Mrs. Clayton informed the men that Mr. Bullock, who had left the house carried the keys of the jail with him. This angered the men and they hurled a large sledge hammer against the upper panel of the door making a big opening through which every member of the mob leaped.
While this was going on, Clarence Shipp and Dan Horton and the other prisoners set up a cry that could be plainly heard several squares. Parties about the jail said the prisoners sent forth most earnest prayers along with their appeals for help.
While the mob were parlaying about the keys, a fire alarm had been sent in and soon th fire bell began to ring in a manner that made all who heard it believe the whole town was afire. This, however, did not seem to disturb the mob which Mrs. Clayton, with lamp in hand, not being able to persuade to go away, led to the jail door which she pretended to unfasten by simply taking out the big bolt that keeps the door shut when not locked. Having done this she gave the lamp to the mob and retired to the residence which adjoins.
The tools of the mob were a sledge hammer, a harrow tooth and a large chisel. With these they began to beat, batter and cut the outer jail door but made more noise than progress.
About fifteen or twenty minutes after the arrival of the mob, Officer Brents opened fire on the crowd from Mrs. Severance's coal house. This the mob returned but as the men stood in front of the jail unprotected they were at a disadvantage. They became ------, panic stricken and broke and run like "scared sheep." The leader of the mob was a small man. He did not run but cried out to his men that he was no baby and asked them to stand by him. They could not see it that way it seems and departed in disorder leaving their tools on the ground.
Everything goes to indicate that the members of the mob were inexperienced and knew nothing of the premises. No plan was followed and very little determination exercised under their system of tearing down a jail it would have taken them till Christmas to accomplish their purpose. Had they remained a little longer the whole gang would have been captured.
The prisoners were in the new steel cells which would have taken this mob one hundred days to break down.
Dan Horton said this morning that he thought his time had come. But added that if the county would arm him he would make it warm for any mob. While the mob was battering at the door, Shipp cried to Horton saying "Dan must we give up or fight them?" Horton answered, "fight them to the death."
The two little Shipp boys, Willie and Arthur, sons of Bob Shipp, deceased who will be sent to the Lexington Reform School, and charged with being Clarence Shipp's accomplice, hid under the bed.
Everything about the jail is quiet today. The mob's failure was so complete that it is thought it will never again put in its appearance. Officer Brents was not harmed, but it is said several of the mob were wounded.
This mob's action is condemned by all as cowardly and unwarranted.
The members of the mob wore no masks, but their faces were smeared with soot or blacking.
They hitched their horses out of town and walked in. Not being able to get the key is what undid them.
25 Sep 1901
Marion Co. Ky
Commonwealth of Ky vs. Clarence Shipp
Clarence Shipp is charged with murder.
He is accused of shooting Dave Allen and Richard Hord.
J. A. Burton, sheriff of Marion Co. was ordered to convey Shipp from Jefferson Co. Ky to Lebanon, Ky to the Jailor of Marion Co. on 15 Jan, 1902
If the Jury believed that Shipp killed Allen and Hord with malice aforethought, he was to be found guilty and his punishment of death or life imprisonment.
If the Jury believed he shot them in self-defense, or a reasonable doubt, he was to be found not guilty.
The Court instructs the jury that Clarence Shipp had that night to go when and where he desired and was not bound to avoid meeting Richard Hoard, Dave Allen, John Allen, J. I. Oaks in order to prevent a difficulty with them or any of them and if the jury believes from the evidence that the parties threatened to kill Shipp and associated themselves together to kill or shoot Shipp and Shipp had been informed of such threats, attending the meeting that he was in danger of death, he was not bound to wait until actually assaulted, but had the right to shoot in self-defense, and jury should find Shipp not guilty.
21 February, 1902
ACQUITTED
CLARENCE SHIPP, CHARGED WITH A DOUBLE MURDER ON SCOTT'S RIDGE, GOES FREE
After being out less than half an hour, the jury in the Shipp case returned a verdict Saturday night of not guilty, and Clarence Shipp, who was charged with murdering David Allen and Richard Horde, on Scott's Ridge, in this county, last July, is thus liberated from prison.
[bio added by Russell Perkins, FAG #47213352]
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