JARVIS, William murdered 1885 - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Thomas Row, one of the best known stock buyers in Montgomery County attended the funeral of Wm. Jarvis, in Sugar Creek Township, Parke County. He says the killing of Jarvis excited much feeling, the murdered man being a sober and peaceable man with no enemies. Mr. Rose says the funeral was largely attended and there was a sad scene when the little children gathered around the grave of their murdered father. it now appears that the murder of Jarvis was cold-blooded and uncalled for. Jarvis was in his wagon returning from Jacksonville when Delp demanded a ride. Jarvis remarked, "Why don't you ride your horse?" Delp tied his horse on behind the wagon and got in beside Jarvis. Delp was under the influence of liquor and Jarvis had not been drinking at all. Jarvis' house in about 3 miles from Jacksonville and when in sight of home his family and others were standing in the door and saw the wagon approach. They saw Delp discharge a revolver at Jarvis and missing him, jump out of the wagon. Jarvis got out on the opposite side, when Delp followed him around and shot at him the second time with effect. Some men here rode up and one remarked: "You have put your neck in the halter, Delp." He replied, "I don't care. I said I'd kill him, and I did it." Jarvis lived only a few minutes and was conscious to the last though suffering great pain. he said the shooting was altogether unprovoked and with his dying breath accused Delp of his murder. Delp was taken to Rockville and locked up or he would have been lynched before 12 hours. He is a man 56 years of age and in prosperous circumstances. Jarvis was about 45 years of age, and was a cripple in one leg. It is said Delp expects to hang and is profoundly indifferent as to his fate.