TRAGEDY AT HEMPSTEAD

Deputy Sheriff Richard C. Chambers Killed by Stephen W. Allchin, Who Is Seriously Wounded — The Details.

HEMPSTEAD, Tex, April 4 — A terrible tragedy was enacted here at 3 o'clock this afternoon, whereby Richard C. Chambers, a son-in-law of Sheriff McDade, and his chief deputy, was shot dead by Stephen W. Allchin, a citizen of the county residing near the city.

The facts are: In last week's issue of the Advance Guard, a weekly paper published here, a communication appeared reflecting quite severely upon the sheriff and his deputies concerning public acts.

The sheriff called on the editor and demanded the name of the author. In a day or two afterward the name was given. Today Deputy Sheriff Chambers and Allchin, the author of the communication, met on the street. A few words were passed and rapid shooting commenced. Reports differ which fired first. Allchin was seriously shot, and Mr. Chambers received a ball through the heart, causing instant death.

Mr. Chambers had his six shooter and Allchin a Winchester rifle, which he always carried strapped to his horse's saddle.

Dr. L. W. Groce is attending the wounded man and pronounces the injury quite serious, though not necessarily fatal, unless inflammation sets in. He can not give an opinion for at least twenty-four hours.

Deputy Sheriff Chambers leaves a young wife and a baby. The deceased was raised in Austin and Waller counties, and was 28 years of age. Mr. Allchin has a wife and daughter. Both men were well known and popular citizens, and sincere regrets are expressed on every hand at the unfortunate and deplorable tragedy.

"Deputy Sheriff Richard C. Chambers Killed by Stephen W. Allchin", Galveston Daily News, Thursday, April 5, 1888, p. 1, col. 4.

University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History