The following article was originally published in the February 1, 1894 edition of the Rolla Herald as a dispatch dated January 27, 1894 from Waynesville. It was reprinted in the 1994 edition of the Old Settler’s Gazette and had previously escaped my attention. It is important because it adds another name of a superintendent of the Pulaski County Poor Farm to our timeline roster. It is a sensational story and will need to be researched further. At this time, I do not know Mr. Robinson’s guilt or innocence in this matter, all we have is the information below.
John Robinson to-day shot and mortally wounded James Vaughn and shot William Bates in the thigh. Vaughn meet Robinson in the main street and proceeded to settle an old grudge. Only a few words passed between the men, when Robinson drew his pistol and commenced firing, shooting Vaughn in the jaw and a stray bullet hitting Bates who was only a spectator. Physicians were immediately summoned and they have so far failed to locate the bullet, which entered Vaughn’s jaw, as it ranged upward and probably entered the base of the brain. After the shooting Robinson mounted his horse and went home and has not as yet been arrested. No Justice of the Peace being at Waynesville Prosecuting Attorney Johnson wired to Crocker for Justice Johnson to issue a warrant, which up to this hour, has not been done, no affidavit being filed, as the law requires. All parties are prominent in Pulaski County, and it is greatly deplored that the difficulty has ended in such a tragic manner. Robinson is also a prominent farmer, has had charge of the poor farm for several years and is highly respected by all. Vaughn is also a wealthy farmer and prominent man in Pulaski County. Bates was County Treasurer for four years, is a wealthy farmer and the accident befallen him is deeply regretted by his numerous friends.
