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John Duncan's Confession
The following is the substance of a confession made by John Duncan, who was executed at St. Michael's, Madison County, Missouri Territory, on the 5th, for the murder of J. Stephens, wife, and two sons.
It appears that he was horn in Albemarle County, Virginia, January 14th, 1800, and was raised in Summer county, Tennessee, from whence he went to Madison county in September last.
On his arrival he learned that one Stephens had been suspected of stealing money, but as there was no proof could not be convicted—With a view to extort a confession several plans were devised by persons of the neighborhood, such as flogging, all of which did not meet the views of Duncan, who said that a better way would be to build a fire and roast his feet until he confessed, or dig a grave and threaten to bury him alive. Upon further reflection, however, J. Duncan thought of a more effectual method to correct the evil, which was to "put Stephens I out of the way,'" as he expressed himself.
This plan seemed to meet the views of the others concerned, but they did not wish to get into difficulties, and intimated to Duncan that whoever would render such a service to the neighbourhood would be well rewarded by a handsome purse which would be made up by the regulators. This was sufficient for him, and he proceeded to Stephens' house.
Here we have to detail one of the most hellish deeds, probably to be found on record:
"When I arrived at Stephens', and went: into the house, I determined not to kill him. After having set a while, Stephens enquired if I had come to look at his land? I answered yes. He then took hold of my gun, and observed that he would set her in the room until we should have returned. I told him no, perhaps we might see something to shoot. We then started to view his land, in the direction of Mr. Fulton's.
Soon after we had started, in company with his little son, the dogs treed a rabbit. Stephens cut a hole to twist out the rabbit—I concluded to kill him. Stepped back for that purpose, about ten feet, and cocked my gun, but my heart failed me, and I concluded not to do it Stephens then stopped up the rabbit, and the little boy went to the house for an axe.
We then proceeded to look at the land. After walking some distance near together, (but I walked behind) I presented my gun and shot him. He fell instantaneously, and cried '0 Lord!' I replied lo him with an oath, that I had come three hundred miles for the express purpose of ending his days. I then struck Stephens with the barrel of my gun, I put her down, and took Stephens's gun, and struck him several times with her, after which I cut his throat. I then went to the branch and washed off the blood, and loaded my gun. After having killed Stephens, I reflected that his wife and children were in the way to my getting his money, and believing that he had a large sum, as David L. Carruthers had frequently told me that Stephens must have fifteen or sixteen hundred dollars.
I determined first to kill the elder boy, who returning with the axe. I went to him, and with him to the tree where the rabbit was. After setting to the tree I desired the boy to hold his head at the hole at which the rabbit went in. He did so: when I struck him with the axe on the side of the head several times; which killed him.
I then went to Mr. Stephens house and told Mrs. Stephens that Mr. Stephens wanted her to go the corner of the land for the purpose of being a witness. Mrs. Stephens started immediately with me, followed by her youngest child, a boy. We proceeded on through the woods, some short distance from the plantation, when I snapped the gun several times at her.—She at that time turned about, and said, "0 Duncan don't do that ". I then knocked her down with my gun, and cut her throat.
I then caught the young child and cut his throat.
I then, as before, went to the branch and started to the house, with the determination of killing the two little girls.
On the way I saw Warren, Stephens's son and paused for some time whether I would kill him or not, I concluded that I would not; but would go to the house, take what money I could find, and make my escape.
On arriving at the house I told the little girl that her father wanted his money, and sent word to her to send it by me.
The girl and myself searched a chest, and I found and carried off sixty-eight dollars; which is, to the best of my recollection, all that is material."
Woodstock Observer - June 19, 1821 |
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