James Stewart, a prominent farmer,
was shot and killed by George D. Beach, another farmer, in Shawnee County on the night of the 7th. A feud had
existed between the two families, and a quarrel between the children involved the parents and the shooting was
the result.
(Abilene Weekly Reflector ~ January 17, 1889 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
ON TRIAL FOR MURDER
TOPEKA, Kan., April 4---This was
the day set for the trial of George Beach, the old man charged with the murder of Robert S. Stewart in Monmouth
township, Shawnee county, last January. The panel of talismen was exhausted at 11 o'clock and a new one was ordered,
but seven jurors having been secured. Beach and Stewart were neighbors. The former's children complained that
Stewart's children attacked them after school was dismissed afternoons and January 7 Mr. Beach went to the school
house, intending to accompany his boys home and protect them from any attack on the part of the Stewarts. He met
them and when passing the Stewart house Mrs. Stewart, a large muscular woman, came out and attacked him. He finally
threw her to the ground and while holding her there Stewart, who was a very large man, appeared, and Beach says,
attacked him. The latter finally shot Stewart, killing him instantly.
(Wichita Eagle ~ April 5, 1889 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
LIKELY TO BE SET FREE
TOPEKA, Kan., April 3---The trial
of George Beach, who shot and killed Mr. Stewart in Monmouth township last January, proceeded today, a jury having
been obtained. The impression is that Beach will be acquitted on the ground that he shot in self defense.
(Wichita Eagle ~ April 6, 1889 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
GEORGE BEACH SENTENCED
TOPEKA, Kan., August 6---George
Beach, who was recently convicted in the district court of manslaughter in the third degree, has been sentenced
by Judge Guthrie, to serve a term of one year in the county jail. The law provides as a sentence for this offense,
imprisonment in the county jail for not less than six months or in the penitentiary for not more than three years.
The crime for which Beach was sentenced was committed last January, in the public highway in Manmouth township,
and consisted of killing of Robert S. Stewart, a fellow farmer. The children of Beach and Stewart were schoolmates,
but they quarreled on the way me from school, a feeble son of Beach's being abused and ill-treated. Mr. Beach
went to accompany them home, and when passing the Stewart homestead, was savagely attacked by Mrs. Stewart and
her husband. In self defense Beach shot the latter, killing him instantly. Beach immediately came to Topeka,
and gave himself up to the authorities.
(Western Kansas World ~ August 10, 1889 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
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