Source: The Adams Centinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) 1805 April 17

Winchester, March 19

The most diabolical transaction, perhaps ever recorded in the history of civilized nations, took place at the house of Asa Lupton, of Hampshire county, Va. At mid-day on Sunday the 10th inst. The family, excepting three children, viz., two girls, the one rising eight, the other six years of age, the third, a fine boy about three and an half years old, had gone to meeting. The doors of the dwelling house were all locked and bolted, and the children placed in the kitchen, which was connected to the house by a passage. Some time after those who went to meeting had taken their departure from the house, a monster in the shape of a man, not more than eighteen or nineteen years of age, came into the kitchen, and enquired if all the family were absent except themselves, being answered in the affirmative, after a short pause, he again repeated his question, and was answered as before. He then walked out, went round the house, picked up an axe, with which he burst open the door of the house, and entered it; he then burst open the door of one of the rooms, and rummaged a desk of drawers; from thence he proceded to the door of the passage leading to the kitchen, which he opened, where he found the children, who, it is supposed, being attracted by the noise in the house, had gathered to that spot.

He then struck the boy on the head with the pole of the axe, and after he fell, gave him another blow; this is the report of the eldest child, and seems confirmed by this circumstance, that the skull was fractured in two places, and some portion of the brain scattered around. It is supposed he then gave the eldest girl a blow (as her recollection at this period is lost) which by some fortunate circumstance, seems not to have affected as much as intended, although it laid her senseless for some time. The older girl was then knocked down, and her skull (?)ferably fractured. The first object which arrested the sight of the unhappy parents on their return, was their eldest girl, who had so far recovered as to crawl out of the house, and nearly fainting, in endeavoring probably to escape, had fallen repeatedly, and made a most hedious spectacale, being besmeared with blood and dirt. They next entered their late peaceful mansion, and horrid to relay, there discovered their two other darlings prostrate on the floor, near each other, almost covered with clotted blood and apparently lifeless; this was too much for human nature, they retired in agonies indescribable; even the neighbours stood appaled with horror, and it was some time before any could prevail on themselves to place their bodies on a bed. Signs of life being discovered, every aid which art could give was sought for and obtained with the utmost celerity. The lives of the two youngest are despaired of, the eldest, it is hoped, may recover, being reserved perhaps by Providence for some special purpose.

The name of the perpetrator of this abominable attrocity, is MARTIN, he was known by the eldest child, she having for some time past been at the same school with him. For the cause of humanity, it is hoped testimony sufficient to bring the perpetrator of this unheard of enormity to condign punishment, may be obtained.

When the foregoing communication was forwarded to the editor hereof, Martin was in custody, and had been examined before two Magistrates and ordered to prison, but made his escape from the persons in whose custody he was, on the night of the 15th instant, therefore the following reward is offered for his apprehension.

THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS

Will be paid to any person or persons who will deliver Isaiah Martin to either of the subscribers, living between Great Capeon and the Forth River, near the road leading to Morefield, or to the keeper of the jail in Romney. He is 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, 18 or 19 years of age, of a middle size, very dark brown or black hair, dark complexion, rather of a yellowish cast, arising from his having had the ague, down look, occupation a farmer, stoop shouldered, very much afflicted at times with the rheumatism. Had on when he made his escape, as nearly as can be recollected, the following articles of clothing, viz.: A reddish yellow roundabout, rather long, not much worm, linsey overalls of a dark colour, a good deal worn; a wool hat half worn; old shoes, and a coarse home made shirt; but will in all probability change his dress (having other clothing at his father’s) and perhaps his name; seldom wore stockings, in consequence of which his ancles are very rough, and ingrafted with dirt. He may perhaps endeavour to get on board a ship, being well acquainted in Alexandria.

All the Printers in the U.S. will greatly serve the cause of humanity by inserting the foregoing in their respective papers

Isaiah Lupton

Isaac Lupton

March 19, 1805

==The late Baltimore papers announce the apprehension of a person answering the above description – and say he has been safely lodged in Balimore county jail.

Submitted by: Nancy Piper. Thanks Nancy!