HOMICIDE IN HEMPSTEAD
—
Editor Farr Shot and Killed by Justice of the Peace Cloud.
Special to The News.
HEMPSTEAD, May 5. — This afternoon about 1 o'clock, J. J. Cloud, justice of the peace of this precinct, shot and killed Joseph H. Farr, the editor of the Courier. The apparent cause of the killing is said to be the publication of editorials in the Courier reflecting on the official record of county officers, and Cloud is said to have been found behind in his accounts about $1000 by the late finance committee. The whole assembly of citizens and visiting firemen were thrown into great confusion by the tragedy. Speakers alluded to the act from the rostrum of the Pavilion, and the throng dispersed with sad faces and saddened hearts. Major H. Boone was present and intended to address the citizens at 2 o'clock, but after the sad affair he declined to speak. An inquest was held on the body of deceased at 3 o'clock. Mr. Farr leaves a wife and three children. The community is greatly excited over the affair.
"Editor Farr Shot and Killed by Justice of the Peace Cloud", Galveston Daily News, Thursday, May 6, 1886, p. 5, col. 4.