James Patton Stockton was born on May 17, 1829, in Tennessee to Sarah Goodnight McGowan, age 36, and Daniel Morgan Stockton, age 35. He married Rachel Wann on December 30, 1847, in Lawrence County, Missouri. They had seven children in 14 years.
James P Stockton enlisted in the Civil War of the United States in Company I, Missouri 5th Cavalry Regiment of the Union Army.
On the night of September 4, 1876, James was drinking heavily, and went to his sister's home to demand he be allowed to talk to his niece, Margaret McLain, who was the daughter of James' sister, Lydia. It seemed that James did not like some gossip he heard that Margaret had said about him so he went to her home to confront her. Her father, Jesse McLain (brother-in-law of James) came to the door and refused his request, so James Stockton pulled out his gun and shot and killed Jesse on the front porch of his own home. James, realizing what he had done, ran and hid in the fields. The next day, a posse was formed to search for James. Lydia & Jesse's son, Newton Jasper "Newt" McLain, who was 16 years old at the time, joined the posse. Newt, found his Uncle James where he was hiding and shot and killed him to avenge his father's death. This was a very sad and tragic time for the Stockton family. James Stockton and Jessie McLain were both buried in the Ritter Cemetery, four miles west of Ava, MO.
U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 about James P. Stockton
Name: James P. Stockton, Side: Union, Regiment State/Origin: Missouri
Regiment Name: 15 Missouri Cavalry
Regiment Name Expanded: 15th Regiment, Missouri Cavalry, Company: I
Rank In: Private, Rank Out: Private
Film Number: M390 roll 47
1870 United States Federal Census Polk, Dade, Missouri
Name: James P Stockton
Birth Year: abt 1829
Age in 1870: 41
Birthplace: Tennessee
Home in 1870: Polk, Dade, Missouri
Race: White
Gender: Male
Name Age
James P Stockton 41
Rachel Stockton 51
Wm M Stockton 21
John J Stockton 19
Julia A Stockton 16
Daniel J Stockton 14
Saml P Stockton 11
Nancy J Stockton 8
Bertha M Stockton 10
*******************************************
DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAGEDY.
_______________
A Desperado Shoots Sheriff Alsup, Kills McLean and Is Killed.
______________
(From the Douglas County Leader.)
On Tuesday morning, about two o’clock, Sheriff Alsup came into town saying he had been shot on the premises of Berry Silvey, by James P. Stockton. He further stated that Stockton commenced shooting with the remark; “D—n you, you can’t play off on me!” The Sheriff returned the compliment as long as his ammunition held out, and then took a rock and knocked Stockton down, who immediately recovered, retreated and quit the battle field, going towards Mr. McLean’s.
In this connection it is proper to remark that Stockton was a fugitive from justice from Dade county, having been sentenced to the penitentiary for a term of years to making a deadly assault upon a brother, and has escaped from Dade county’s Sheriff, and we are informed that a letter had been received here from an official of that county, asking if Stockton was in this neighborhood. Sheriff Alsup states that at the time the difficulty between him and Stockton occurred, he had no design of making an arrest, though, probably, Stockton thought so.
The Sheriff also stated that in coming to town he passed near the house of McLean, and from there heard loud noise, screams, and shouts which led him to the belief that someone had been killed or badly hurt; but, having no means of defense, and being wounded, deemed it not prudent to investigate the cause at that time.
Dr. Mason dressed his wounds as speedily as circumstances would permit, and Shelt [Sheriff Alsup] was again upon “the war-path,” accompanied by Jessee Cox, Judge Alsup and Deputy Sheriff Woods, to arrest the aforesaid Stockton, with a warrant obtained from Justice Kelton.
On the Sheriff’s return with his posse, they learned at Mr. Binkley’s that McLean ha been murdered by Stockton. They proceeded to Mr. McLean’s house and found the statement to be too true, as Mr. McLean was there a corpse—killed by his own brother-in-law.
The pursuit was then continued towards Silvey’s, where the murderer had a splendid nag. The party separated, Cox and Woods going to the right. When near the north-east corner of Silvey’s field Stockton rose up from behind a brush pile, frightening Cox’s nag beyond the control of its rider, and went rearing through the brush and timber, leaving Mr. W. by himself.
Woods demanded a surrender. Stockton replied (doubtless thinking Woods to be the sheriff), “Shelt, no surrender!” Woods replied, "A surrender or a battle!" and, as Stockton continued to show fight, the battle was soon ended by Stockton’s being disabled and in death’s embrace, having been pierced by three bullets from Woods’ rifle.
Terrible as was this tragedy, one of still greater enormity had transpired at McLean’s. After Stockton’s battle with the Sheriff he went to the above place (his brother-in-law’s) and roused some of them from their peaceful slumber and beds, saying he was “shot all to pieces,” and enquired for “Marg,” one of the family. Being told she was in bed, he looked, but she was missing. This still further exasperated him and he used violent and threatening language toward McLean. Mrs. McLean attempted to calm the excitement by getting between her husband and brother, when the latter reached around her with his revolver and shot McLean. Stockton then ran and jumped the fence, Newton McLean following, and as Stockton arose on the other side of the fence, Newton shot him. Mrs. M. then said, “Boys, don’t short Uncle Jimmy any moiré,” to which Jessee M. replied, “Let him alone, for he has killed me!" and then fell in the door, but lived near an hour.
Mr. McLean was sixty-six years of age, a native of Bedford County, Tennessee, had been in Douglas county for about twelve years, and has constantly sustained as good a reputation as any man in the community. Every person we have heard mention his untimely departure speak of it with regret. He leaves a wife, with whom he has lived more than thirty years, and nine children to mourn his tragic and premature death.
The two victims of violence were yesterday consigned to graves at about the same time, and within six feet of each other. The funeral was attended by a large number of people.
Constable Arnold tells us that about two weeks ago, when he was out on official business for Sheriff Alsup, (which was posting “Notice to Taxpayers”) he met Stockton, who drew a revolver and showed fight. Arnold took the other side of the road, and, on passing Stockton, said to him, ‘what is the matter? What have you got against me?” (or words to that effect). Stockton replied, “Nothing against you, only you are one of those God-dam officers!” After a few more words, they separated, each continuing their journey.
Transcribed as written from a newspaper clipping Published in the Springfield Leader in Springfield, Greene County, Missouri, USA, on Sept. 21, 1876, Col. 7 by Mary (Fallwell) Henderson. James Patton Stockton was my great great grandmother’s brother. Her name was Mary Parthena “Polly” (Stockton) Grant, the wife of Jordan Grant. Jordan Grant was a nephew to Sheriff Shelt Alsup’s mother, Martha “Patsy” (Grant) Alsup. Lydia Jane (Stockton) McLain, the wife of Jesse Jasper McLain, was a sister to James P. and Mary “Polly”. Jesse McLain was shot and killed by Mary and Lydia’s brother, James Patton Stockton. (Jesse McLain’s name is misspelled in the newspaper article as it shows his name as Jessee McLean.) This is a very sad story indeed! Such a tragedy in this family! The family story is told that James was intoxicated at the time of the shooting.
James P Stockton enlisted in the Civil War of the United States in Company I, Missouri 5th Cavalry Regiment of the Union Army.
On the night of September 4, 1876, James was drinking heavily, and went to his sister's home to demand he be allowed to talk to his niece, Margaret McLain, who was the daughter of James' sister, Lydia. It seemed that James did not like some gossip he heard that Margaret had said about him so he went to her home to confront her. Her father, Jesse McLain (brother-in-law of James) came to the door and refused his request, so James Stockton pulled out his gun and shot and killed Jesse on the front porch of his own home. James, realizing what he had done, ran and hid in the fields. The next day, a posse was formed to search for James. Lydia & Jesse's son, Newton Jasper "Newt" McLain, who was 16 years old at the time, joined the posse. Newt, found his Uncle James where he was hiding and shot and killed him to avenge his father's death. This was a very sad and tragic time for the Stockton family. James Stockton and Jessie McLain were both buried in the Ritter Cemetery, four miles west of Ava, MO.
U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 about James P. Stockton
Name: James P. Stockton, Side: Union, Regiment State/Origin: Missouri
Regiment Name: 15 Missouri Cavalry
Regiment Name Expanded: 15th Regiment, Missouri Cavalry, Company: I
Rank In: Private, Rank Out: Private
Film Number: M390 roll 47
1870 United States Federal Census Polk, Dade, Missouri
Name: James P Stockton
Birth Year: abt 1829
Age in 1870: 41
Birthplace: Tennessee
Home in 1870: Polk, Dade, Missouri
Race: White
Gender: Male
Name Age
James P Stockton 41
Rachel Stockton 51
Wm M Stockton 21
John J Stockton 19
Julia A Stockton 16
Daniel J Stockton 14
Saml P Stockton 11
Nancy J Stockton 8
Bertha M Stockton 10
*******************************************
DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAGEDY.
_______________
A Desperado Shoots Sheriff Alsup, Kills McLean and Is Killed.
______________
(From the Douglas County Leader.)
On Tuesday morning, about two o’clock, Sheriff Alsup came into town saying he had been shot on the premises of Berry Silvey, by James P. Stockton. He further stated that Stockton commenced shooting with the remark; “D—n you, you can’t play off on me!” The Sheriff returned the compliment as long as his ammunition held out, and then took a rock and knocked Stockton down, who immediately recovered, retreated and quit the battle field, going towards Mr. McLean’s.
In this connection it is proper to remark that Stockton was a fugitive from justice from Dade county, having been sentenced to the penitentiary for a term of years to making a deadly assault upon a brother, and has escaped from Dade county’s Sheriff, and we are informed that a letter had been received here from an official of that county, asking if Stockton was in this neighborhood. Sheriff Alsup states that at the time the difficulty between him and Stockton occurred, he had no design of making an arrest, though, probably, Stockton thought so.
The Sheriff also stated that in coming to town he passed near the house of McLean, and from there heard loud noise, screams, and shouts which led him to the belief that someone had been killed or badly hurt; but, having no means of defense, and being wounded, deemed it not prudent to investigate the cause at that time.
Dr. Mason dressed his wounds as speedily as circumstances would permit, and Shelt [Sheriff Alsup] was again upon “the war-path,” accompanied by Jessee Cox, Judge Alsup and Deputy Sheriff Woods, to arrest the aforesaid Stockton, with a warrant obtained from Justice Kelton.
On the Sheriff’s return with his posse, they learned at Mr. Binkley’s that McLean ha been murdered by Stockton. They proceeded to Mr. McLean’s house and found the statement to be too true, as Mr. McLean was there a corpse—killed by his own brother-in-law.
The pursuit was then continued towards Silvey’s, where the murderer had a splendid nag. The party separated, Cox and Woods going to the right. When near the north-east corner of Silvey’s field Stockton rose up from behind a brush pile, frightening Cox’s nag beyond the control of its rider, and went rearing through the brush and timber, leaving Mr. W. by himself.
Woods demanded a surrender. Stockton replied (doubtless thinking Woods to be the sheriff), “Shelt, no surrender!” Woods replied, "A surrender or a battle!" and, as Stockton continued to show fight, the battle was soon ended by Stockton’s being disabled and in death’s embrace, having been pierced by three bullets from Woods’ rifle.
Terrible as was this tragedy, one of still greater enormity had transpired at McLean’s. After Stockton’s battle with the Sheriff he went to the above place (his brother-in-law’s) and roused some of them from their peaceful slumber and beds, saying he was “shot all to pieces,” and enquired for “Marg,” one of the family. Being told she was in bed, he looked, but she was missing. This still further exasperated him and he used violent and threatening language toward McLean. Mrs. McLean attempted to calm the excitement by getting between her husband and brother, when the latter reached around her with his revolver and shot McLean. Stockton then ran and jumped the fence, Newton McLean following, and as Stockton arose on the other side of the fence, Newton shot him. Mrs. M. then said, “Boys, don’t short Uncle Jimmy any moiré,” to which Jessee M. replied, “Let him alone, for he has killed me!" and then fell in the door, but lived near an hour.
Mr. McLean was sixty-six years of age, a native of Bedford County, Tennessee, had been in Douglas county for about twelve years, and has constantly sustained as good a reputation as any man in the community. Every person we have heard mention his untimely departure speak of it with regret. He leaves a wife, with whom he has lived more than thirty years, and nine children to mourn his tragic and premature death.
The two victims of violence were yesterday consigned to graves at about the same time, and within six feet of each other. The funeral was attended by a large number of people.
Constable Arnold tells us that about two weeks ago, when he was out on official business for Sheriff Alsup, (which was posting “Notice to Taxpayers”) he met Stockton, who drew a revolver and showed fight. Arnold took the other side of the road, and, on passing Stockton, said to him, ‘what is the matter? What have you got against me?” (or words to that effect). Stockton replied, “Nothing against you, only you are one of those God-dam officers!” After a few more words, they separated, each continuing their journey.
Transcribed as written from a newspaper clipping Published in the Springfield Leader in Springfield, Greene County, Missouri, USA, on Sept. 21, 1876, Col. 7 by Mary (Fallwell) Henderson. James Patton Stockton was my great great grandmother’s brother. Her name was Mary Parthena “Polly” (Stockton) Grant, the wife of Jordan Grant. Jordan Grant was a nephew to Sheriff Shelt Alsup’s mother, Martha “Patsy” (Grant) Alsup. Lydia Jane (Stockton) McLain, the wife of Jesse Jasper McLain, was a sister to James P. and Mary “Polly”. Jesse McLain was shot and killed by Mary and Lydia’s brother, James Patton Stockton. (Jesse McLain’s name is misspelled in the newspaper article as it shows his name as Jessee McLean.) This is a very sad story indeed! Such a tragedy in this family! The family story is told that James was intoxicated at the time of the shooting.
James Patton Stockton was born on May 17, 1829, in Tennessee to Sarah Goodnight McGowan, age 36, and Daniel Morgan Stockton, age 35. He married Rachel Wann on December 30, 1847, in Lawrence County, Missouri. They had seven children in 14 years.
James P Stockton enlisted in the Civil War of the United States in Company I, Missouri 5th Cavalry Regiment of the Union Army.
On the night of September 4, 1876, James was drinking heavily, and went to his sister's home to demand he be allowed to talk to his niece, Margaret McLain, who was the daughter of James' sister, Lydia. It seemed that James did not like some gossip he heard that Margaret had said about him so he went to her home to confront her. Her father, Jesse McLain (brother-in-law of James) came to the door and refused his request, so James Stockton pulled out his gun and shot and killed Jesse on the front porch of his own home. James, realizing what he had done, ran and hid in the fields. The next day, a posse was formed to search for James. Lydia & Jesse's son, Newton Jasper "Newt" McLain, who was 16 years old at the time, joined the posse. Newt, found his Uncle James where he was hiding and shot and killed him to avenge his father's death. This was a very sad and tragic time for the Stockton family. James Stockton and Jessie McLain were both buried in the Ritter Cemetery, four miles west of Ava, MO.
U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 about James P. Stockton
Name: James P. Stockton, Side: Union, Regiment State/Origin: Missouri
Regiment Name: 15 Missouri Cavalry
Regiment Name Expanded: 15th Regiment, Missouri Cavalry, Company: I
Rank In: Private, Rank Out: Private
Film Number: M390 roll 47
1870 United States Federal Census Polk, Dade, Missouri
Name: James P Stockton
Birth Year: abt 1829
Age in 1870: 41
Birthplace: Tennessee
Home in 1870: Polk, Dade, Missouri
Race: White
Gender: Male
Name Age
James P Stockton 41
Rachel Stockton 51
Wm M Stockton 21
John J Stockton 19
Julia A Stockton 16
Daniel J Stockton 14
Saml P Stockton 11
Nancy J Stockton 8
Bertha M Stockton 10
*******************************************
DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAGEDY.
_______________
A Desperado Shoots Sheriff Alsup, Kills McLean and Is Killed.
______________
(From the Douglas County Leader.)
On Tuesday morning, about two o’clock, Sheriff Alsup came into town saying he had been shot on the premises of Berry Silvey, by James P. Stockton. He further stated that Stockton commenced shooting with the remark; “D—n you, you can’t play off on me!” The Sheriff returned the compliment as long as his ammunition held out, and then took a rock and knocked Stockton down, who immediately recovered, retreated and quit the battle field, going towards Mr. McLean’s.
In this connection it is proper to remark that Stockton was a fugitive from justice from Dade county, having been sentenced to the penitentiary for a term of years to making a deadly assault upon a brother, and has escaped from Dade county’s Sheriff, and we are informed that a letter had been received here from an official of that county, asking if Stockton was in this neighborhood. Sheriff Alsup states that at the time the difficulty between him and Stockton occurred, he had no design of making an arrest, though, probably, Stockton thought so.
The Sheriff also stated that in coming to town he passed near the house of McLean, and from there heard loud noise, screams, and shouts which led him to the belief that someone had been killed or badly hurt; but, having no means of defense, and being wounded, deemed it not prudent to investigate the cause at that time.
Dr. Mason dressed his wounds as speedily as circumstances would permit, and Shelt [Sheriff Alsup] was again upon “the war-path,” accompanied by Jessee Cox, Judge Alsup and Deputy Sheriff Woods, to arrest the aforesaid Stockton, with a warrant obtained from Justice Kelton.
On the Sheriff’s return with his posse, they learned at Mr. Binkley’s that McLean ha been murdered by Stockton. They proceeded to Mr. McLean’s house and found the statement to be too true, as Mr. McLean was there a corpse—killed by his own brother-in-law.
The pursuit was then continued towards Silvey’s, where the murderer had a splendid nag. The party separated, Cox and Woods going to the right. When near the north-east corner of Silvey’s field Stockton rose up from behind a brush pile, frightening Cox’s nag beyond the control of its rider, and went rearing through the brush and timber, leaving Mr. W. by himself.
Woods demanded a surrender. Stockton replied (doubtless thinking Woods to be the sheriff), “Shelt, no surrender!” Woods replied, "A surrender or a battle!" and, as Stockton continued to show fight, the battle was soon ended by Stockton’s being disabled and in death’s embrace, having been pierced by three bullets from Woods’ rifle.
Terrible as was this tragedy, one of still greater enormity had transpired at McLean’s. After Stockton’s battle with the Sheriff he went to the above place (his brother-in-law’s) and roused some of them from their peaceful slumber and beds, saying he was “shot all to pieces,” and enquired for “Marg,” one of the family. Being told she was in bed, he looked, but she was missing. This still further exasperated him and he used violent and threatening language toward McLean. Mrs. McLean attempted to calm the excitement by getting between her husband and brother, when the latter reached around her with his revolver and shot McLean. Stockton then ran and jumped the fence, Newton McLean following, and as Stockton arose on the other side of the fence, Newton shot him. Mrs. M. then said, “Boys, don’t short Uncle Jimmy any moiré,” to which Jessee M. replied, “Let him alone, for he has killed me!" and then fell in the door, but lived near an hour.
Mr. McLean was sixty-six years of age, a native of Bedford County, Tennessee, had been in Douglas county for about twelve years, and has constantly sustained as good a reputation as any man in the community. Every person we have heard mention his untimely departure speak of it with regret. He leaves a wife, with whom he has lived more than thirty years, and nine children to mourn his tragic and premature death.
The two victims of violence were yesterday consigned to graves at about the same time, and within six feet of each other. The funeral was attended by a large number of people.
Constable Arnold tells us that about two weeks ago, when he was out on official business for Sheriff Alsup, (which was posting “Notice to Taxpayers”) he met Stockton, who drew a revolver and showed fight. Arnold took the other side of the road, and, on passing Stockton, said to him, ‘what is the matter? What have you got against me?” (or words to that effect). Stockton replied, “Nothing against you, only you are one of those God-dam officers!” After a few more words, they separated, each continuing their journey.
Transcribed as written from a newspaper clipping Published in the Springfield Leader in Springfield, Greene County, Missouri, USA, on Sept. 21, 1876, Col. 7 by Mary (Fallwell) Henderson. James Patton Stockton was my great great grandmother’s brother. Her name was Mary Parthena “Polly” (Stockton) Grant, the wife of Jordan Grant. Jordan Grant was a nephew to Sheriff Shelt Alsup’s mother, Martha “Patsy” (Grant) Alsup. Lydia Jane (Stockton) McLain, the wife of Jesse Jasper McLain, was a sister to James P. and Mary “Polly”. Jesse McLain was shot and killed by Mary and Lydia’s brother, James Patton Stockton. (Jesse McLain’s name is misspelled in the newspaper article as it shows his name as Jessee McLean.) This is a very sad story indeed! Such a tragedy in this family! The family story is told that James was intoxicated at the time of the shooting.
James P Stockton enlisted in the Civil War of the United States in Company I, Missouri 5th Cavalry Regiment of the Union Army.
On the night of September 4, 1876, James was drinking heavily, and went to his sister's home to demand he be allowed to talk to his niece, Margaret McLain, who was the daughter of James' sister, Lydia. It seemed that James did not like some gossip he heard that Margaret had said about him so he went to her home to confront her. Her father, Jesse McLain (brother-in-law of James) came to the door and refused his request, so James Stockton pulled out his gun and shot and killed Jesse on the front porch of his own home. James, realizing what he had done, ran and hid in the fields. The next day, a posse was formed to search for James. Lydia & Jesse's son, Newton Jasper "Newt" McLain, who was 16 years old at the time, joined the posse. Newt, found his Uncle James where he was hiding and shot and killed him to avenge his father's death. This was a very sad and tragic time for the Stockton family. James Stockton and Jessie McLain were both buried in the Ritter Cemetery, four miles west of Ava, MO.
U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 about James P. Stockton
Name: James P. Stockton, Side: Union, Regiment State/Origin: Missouri
Regiment Name: 15 Missouri Cavalry
Regiment Name Expanded: 15th Regiment, Missouri Cavalry, Company: I
Rank In: Private, Rank Out: Private
Film Number: M390 roll 47
1870 United States Federal Census Polk, Dade, Missouri
Name: James P Stockton
Birth Year: abt 1829
Age in 1870: 41
Birthplace: Tennessee
Home in 1870: Polk, Dade, Missouri
Race: White
Gender: Male
Name Age
James P Stockton 41
Rachel Stockton 51
Wm M Stockton 21
John J Stockton 19
Julia A Stockton 16
Daniel J Stockton 14
Saml P Stockton 11
Nancy J Stockton 8
Bertha M Stockton 10
*******************************************
DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAGEDY.
_______________
A Desperado Shoots Sheriff Alsup, Kills McLean and Is Killed.
______________
(From the Douglas County Leader.)
On Tuesday morning, about two o’clock, Sheriff Alsup came into town saying he had been shot on the premises of Berry Silvey, by James P. Stockton. He further stated that Stockton commenced shooting with the remark; “D—n you, you can’t play off on me!” The Sheriff returned the compliment as long as his ammunition held out, and then took a rock and knocked Stockton down, who immediately recovered, retreated and quit the battle field, going towards Mr. McLean’s.
In this connection it is proper to remark that Stockton was a fugitive from justice from Dade county, having been sentenced to the penitentiary for a term of years to making a deadly assault upon a brother, and has escaped from Dade county’s Sheriff, and we are informed that a letter had been received here from an official of that county, asking if Stockton was in this neighborhood. Sheriff Alsup states that at the time the difficulty between him and Stockton occurred, he had no design of making an arrest, though, probably, Stockton thought so.
The Sheriff also stated that in coming to town he passed near the house of McLean, and from there heard loud noise, screams, and shouts which led him to the belief that someone had been killed or badly hurt; but, having no means of defense, and being wounded, deemed it not prudent to investigate the cause at that time.
Dr. Mason dressed his wounds as speedily as circumstances would permit, and Shelt [Sheriff Alsup] was again upon “the war-path,” accompanied by Jessee Cox, Judge Alsup and Deputy Sheriff Woods, to arrest the aforesaid Stockton, with a warrant obtained from Justice Kelton.
On the Sheriff’s return with his posse, they learned at Mr. Binkley’s that McLean ha been murdered by Stockton. They proceeded to Mr. McLean’s house and found the statement to be too true, as Mr. McLean was there a corpse—killed by his own brother-in-law.
The pursuit was then continued towards Silvey’s, where the murderer had a splendid nag. The party separated, Cox and Woods going to the right. When near the north-east corner of Silvey’s field Stockton rose up from behind a brush pile, frightening Cox’s nag beyond the control of its rider, and went rearing through the brush and timber, leaving Mr. W. by himself.
Woods demanded a surrender. Stockton replied (doubtless thinking Woods to be the sheriff), “Shelt, no surrender!” Woods replied, "A surrender or a battle!" and, as Stockton continued to show fight, the battle was soon ended by Stockton’s being disabled and in death’s embrace, having been pierced by three bullets from Woods’ rifle.
Terrible as was this tragedy, one of still greater enormity had transpired at McLean’s. After Stockton’s battle with the Sheriff he went to the above place (his brother-in-law’s) and roused some of them from their peaceful slumber and beds, saying he was “shot all to pieces,” and enquired for “Marg,” one of the family. Being told she was in bed, he looked, but she was missing. This still further exasperated him and he used violent and threatening language toward McLean. Mrs. McLean attempted to calm the excitement by getting between her husband and brother, when the latter reached around her with his revolver and shot McLean. Stockton then ran and jumped the fence, Newton McLean following, and as Stockton arose on the other side of the fence, Newton shot him. Mrs. M. then said, “Boys, don’t short Uncle Jimmy any moiré,” to which Jessee M. replied, “Let him alone, for he has killed me!" and then fell in the door, but lived near an hour.
Mr. McLean was sixty-six years of age, a native of Bedford County, Tennessee, had been in Douglas county for about twelve years, and has constantly sustained as good a reputation as any man in the community. Every person we have heard mention his untimely departure speak of it with regret. He leaves a wife, with whom he has lived more than thirty years, and nine children to mourn his tragic and premature death.
The two victims of violence were yesterday consigned to graves at about the same time, and within six feet of each other. The funeral was attended by a large number of people.
Constable Arnold tells us that about two weeks ago, when he was out on official business for Sheriff Alsup, (which was posting “Notice to Taxpayers”) he met Stockton, who drew a revolver and showed fight. Arnold took the other side of the road, and, on passing Stockton, said to him, ‘what is the matter? What have you got against me?” (or words to that effect). Stockton replied, “Nothing against you, only you are one of those God-dam officers!” After a few more words, they separated, each continuing their journey.
Transcribed as written from a newspaper clipping Published in the Springfield Leader in Springfield, Greene County, Missouri, USA, on Sept. 21, 1876, Col. 7 by Mary (Fallwell) Henderson. James Patton Stockton was my great great grandmother’s brother. Her name was Mary Parthena “Polly” (Stockton) Grant, the wife of Jordan Grant. Jordan Grant was a nephew to Sheriff Shelt Alsup’s mother, Martha “Patsy” (Grant) Alsup. Lydia Jane (Stockton) McLain, the wife of Jesse Jasper McLain, was a sister to James P. and Mary “Polly”. Jesse McLain was shot and killed by Mary and Lydia’s brother, James Patton Stockton. (Jesse McLain’s name is misspelled in the newspaper article as it shows his name as Jessee McLean.) This is a very sad story indeed! Such a tragedy in this family! The family story is told that James was intoxicated at the time of the shooting.
Inscription
J. P. STOCTON
CO. I
15th MO. CAV.
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