Hanging of William Felix Henry
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On March 28, 1883, a double murder was perpetrated at Rocky Fork
in Godfrey Township (north of Rt. 3, and west of Camp Warren Levis).
Two young African-Americans, cousins, were gunned down in their
home. Henry Depugh, son of Reverend Depugh, and Henry Ross were both
shot in the head. On Tuesday evening, March 27, 1883, Henry Depugh
had gone into Alton and purchased a pair of shoes. He left for home
in a wagon at about six o’clock. Ross had been at the home of a
neighbor, but left for home at an early hour, saying he expected
DePugh from town. The next morning, Mr. Green’s young son, Joseph
Green, went to the home to borrow some eggs. The door was locked, so
he peered into the window. Horrified, he saw the body of Depugh
lying on the floor, and ran to tell his father. An investigation
followed, but the murderer was not discovered until February 1884.
William Felix Henry, a 23-year-old African-American, left a
breech-loading shotgun behind at Richard H. Flagg’s store in Alton
for security on purchasing some goods. The gun fit the description
of one of the weapons taken from the Depugh home the night of the
murder. Further investigation found a revolver, similar to the one
possessed by DePugh, at A. S. Bennet’s second-hand store in Alton,
left behind by William Felix Henry. William F. Henry was arrested
and placed in the Alton jail. His uncle, Reverend Jacobs, visited
him in the jail, and after a conversation, Henry was ready to
confess.
William F. Henry had gone to the Depugh and Ross home on March 27,
1883, and slept part of the night with them. He rose, and in cool
deliberation, shot Henry Depugh while he was cooking a meal for his
guest. It was later determined that he shot Depugh because Depugh
had shot his dog years ago. After shooting Henry Depugh, the
assassin put another load into his victim, and then finished him
with a bullet from the revolver. Henry Ross, according to William F.
Henry, slept through the murder. William F. Henry, started to leave,
but feared that Ross would tell that he had been there, so he went
back inside and killed him as he slept. He then set the house on
fire (which did not take effect), and left in the darkness of the
night.
After the confession, which was kept quiet in fear of a lynch mob,
William F. Henry was taken to Edwardsville to the county jail. A
trial was held, and he was sentenced to hang on January 16, 1885.
However, William F. Henry soon retracted his confession, and
implicated others in the crime. Because his stories kept changing,
however, no one believed him. Deputy Sheriff Volbracht made a trip
by stagecoach to Fort McKinney, Wyoming Territory, to arrest Reuben
Morris, a U. S. Cavalry soldier, who William F. Henry implicated in
the crime. Morris surrendered, and was brought back to Edwardsville
and jailed, along with Lemuel Welch, who was also implicated by
Henry. After further investigation, it was revealed the men were
innocent, and Reverend Henry Depugh, father of one of the murdered
men, withdrew his charge against them and they were released.
William Felix Henry was hung on the gallows until dead, on January
16, 1885.
Both Henry DePugh and Henry Ross were buried in the Rocky Fork
Cemetery. It is unknown where William Henry was buried - possibly in
the Edwardsville Poor Farm Cemetery.
HORROR AT ROCKY FORK
Brutal Double Murder by Midnight Assassins
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 29, 1883
A terrible double murder was perpetrated Tuesday night at Rocky
Fork, north of Melville, the victims being young colored men named
Henry DePugh and Henry Ross, who lived together in a small house
near the Hawley place. The crime was not discovered until sometime
yesterday, when a girl was sent to the house to borrow some eggs.
She found the door locked, and looked into the window, when she saw
DePugh lying dead on the floor. Horrified by the sight, she ran away
and told what she had seen. A crowd of colored people soon gathered
but were afraid to enter the house until the arrival of Messrs.
Challacombe and Merriman, who proceeded to investigate the matter.
On entering the house, a horrible scene was disclosed: Ross was
found lying in bed with his brains blown out and spattered all over
the room, evidently done at close quarters. DePugh was found lying
on his face in the kitchen. He also had his brains blown out,
seemingly with a shotgun. As there were known to have been two
double-barreled shotguns in the house, and as both were missing when
the crime was discovered, they are supposed to have been the weapons
used in the murder. An evident attempt had been made to burn the
house, the lamps being emptied on the floor and the oil set on fire,
but the villains were evidently in too great a hurry to give the
fire a good start, and it went out after burning a hole in the
floor. The house had been plundered of all its valuables. The
victims were both young men, and had been living together for some
months. One of them was a son of Elder DePugh. Great excitement
prevails among the colored population over the crime, but no clue is
yet discovered to the perpetrators. The Coroner was notified and
went out to the scene this morning.
Further Particulars
Coroner Youree went to Rocky Fork last evening, empaneled a jury,
with James Squire as foreman, and investigated the affair as fully
as possible. The verdict was the deceased came to their death at the
hand of some person or persons unknown. The whole affair is involved
in mystery. DePugh was in town Tuesday evening, purchased a pair of
shoes at Dow’s store, and left for home in a wagon about 6 o’clock,
and was seen on the road by some resident of Godfrey an hour later.
Ross was at the house of Mr. Green, a neighbor, the same evening,
but left for home at an early hour, saying that he was expecting
DePugh from town. The next morning Mr. Green’s little son went to
DePugh’s house on an errand, and was the first to learn of the awful
tragedy. He gave the alarm, and a horror-stricken crowd soon
collected. Indications were that Ross was shot while asleep, as he
was found lying on the bed, his face to the wall, a ghastly wound in
the back of his head, the pillow being powder-scorched. DePugh was
found lying on the floor near the stove in the kitchen, with the
back part of his head blown away, the blood and brains scattered
about the room, giving terrible evidence of the efficacy of the
assassin’s work. It appeared as though the murderer had also used a
blunt instrument on DePugh’s skull in order to extinguish the last
spark of life. The pipe of the stove near which he was lying showed
the effects of the shot being perforated in many places. After
completing the work of death, the murderers scattered coal oil about
the rooms, breaking a lamp in doing so, and set on fire the house, a
one-story, five-roomed structure. They then left the place, closing
and locking the door, taking away the key. The fire burned a short
time, consuming part of a door and making a hole in the floor, after
which it went out. The evident intention of the assassins was to
destroy the building, and with it all traces of the crime.
NO CLUE TO ROCKY FORK MURDERERS
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 30, 1883
No clue has yet been discovered as to the identity of the
perpetrators of the dastardly, double murder at Rocky Fork, Tuesday
night. Some persons claim that DePugh had a considerable amount of
money, and that the possession of this was the object of those who
committed the crime. Other theories are also promulgated, but as
yet, founded on no grounds but supposition. Reverend Henry DePugh,
father of one of the murdered men, with his wife, arrived from
Galesburg at the scene of the tragedy yesterday morning, having
heard of the fate of their son. Mr. DePugh was overwhelmed by the
horror of the scene and stated that he had suspicions of certain
persons who were near at hand. The opinion of the community, where
the murders were committed, has settled down to the conviction that
spite-work or revenge, not robbery, was the motive of the tragedy,
especially as a small amount of money was found in the pocket of one
of the victims.
As soon as the bodies were discovered, a thorough search for traces
of the murderers was commenced. The well and cistern were dragged,
outhouses and straw stacks examined, in an effort to find the two
missing guns, but to no effect. Keen eyes were quickly engaged in
quest of the trail made by the assassins, and the tracks of two men
were discovered, appearing as though they had run to the woods
nearby, where all traces disappeared. One of the tracks was made by
a man with the left boot run down, the heel being turned
considerably. Deputy Sheriff Volbracht was investigation at the
place yesterday but made no discovery to throw any additional light
on the affair. Although it is probably that Ross did not know what
hurt him, so instantaneously fatal was the shot that struck him,
DePugh evidently made a stubborn resistance and battled for life to
the last. The most plausible theory is that the deed was done early
in the morning, that DePugh arose, leaving Ross asleep in bed and
went out to the barn (he had changed his clothing, wearing a suit
different from the one he had on Tuesday). When Ross was shot,
DePugh heard the explosion and returned to the house. As he reached
the kitchen, the concealed assassin fired on him – one shot putting
out an eye. It appears as though DePugh and his murderers then
engaged in a hand to hand struggle, for the head of the murdered man
was crushed as with a blunt instrument. The utmost excitement in
regard to the affair still prevails, and the opinion is freely
expressed that the murderers, if discovered, would have a speedy
reckoning. That they may be quickly identified is the wish of every
good citizen. The funeral of the murdered victims took place at 2
o’clock today, with a large attendance. Rev. J. W. Eads of Alton
officiating.
ROCKY FORK MURDERS
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 31, 1883
Justice Quarton today issued a search warrant at the instance of
Rev. Henry DePugh, the object being to ascertain if any traces of
the missing guns or other things calculated to throw light on the
dark tragedy could be found. The paper was given to Deputy Sheriff
Volbracht to serve, and he left for Rocky Fork just before noon,
accompanied by Constables Boyd and Meissenheimer of Godfrey. After
the officers left, news was received that three persons, who were
suspected of being concerned in the massacre or of knowing something
of the perpetrators, had left Rocky Fork in haste. It appears that
the men suspected had recently had some trouble with one or both of
the murdered men, hence the suspicion that attaches to them.
Reward Offered for the Rocky Fork Murderers
The citizens of Godfrey have raised $200 as a reward for the
murderers of DePugh and Ross. They sent a letter by Hon. J. M.
Pearson to the Governor, and it is expected he will offer $500 more,
and it is also thought that the county will offer $250, making in
all $950. Suspicions are still rife as to the persons and the cause,
but nothing definite has been learned. The missing keys of the
house, where the murdered men were found, were discovered yesterday
morning hanging at one of the doors.
THE ROCKY FORK CASE
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 4, 1883
Coroner Youree, accompanied by Deputy Sheriff Volbracht, started for
Rocky Fork this morning to hold another inquiry in the Rocky Fork
murder case. Hon. J. H. Yager, States Attorney, who is resolved to
probe the mysterious affair to the bottom, also went out to attend
the inquest and examine the witnesses. It is hoped that this second
inquiry will result in throwing new light upon this awful tragedy,
and giving some clue to the guilty parties.
THE ROCKY FORK INVESTIGATION
No Clue to the Murderers
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 5, 1883
Coroner Youree went to Rocky Fork yesterday, according to previous
arrangement, to make a more rigid investigation of the mystery
attending the murder of Henry DePugh and Henry Ross, on the 28th of
March. Dr. Youree was accompanied by States Attorney Yager, Deputy
Sheriff Volbracht, G. F. McGinnis, Justice Melling of North Alton,
and others. The original jury consisting of James Squire, H. M.
Squire, Calvin Holiday, Jackson Hyndman, Monroe Mosey, James Martin
were again called on, and Mr. G. F. Long acted as clerk. The
examination commenced about 10:30 o’clock at DePugh’s house, the
scene of the tragedy. All witnesses were excluded except the one
testifying, and every story or rumor was sifted down, the greatest
latitude being allowed.
The witnesses were Ed B. Merriman, B. H. Merriman, C. A. Merriman,
Green Parker, Elizabeth Welch, Lemuel L. Welch, Lincoln Johnson,
George Hyndman, Lincoln Mosey, Mrs. Fanny C. Maloney, Annie Kinney,
Joseph Green, Reuben Jacobs. All the witnesses examined were
residents of Rocky Fork and Godfrey, except Lincoln Johnson, who was
a colored man from Perry County who had been in the neighborhood but
a few days.
Edward B. Merriman, B. H. Merriman, and C. A. Merriman, the first
witnesses
Testified that they knew the deceased, spoke well of their
characters, and stated that they met DePugh on the Grafton Road
about 7 o’clock the evening before the murder, going home from
Alton.
Green Parker
Last saw Henry DePugh and Ross alive at the colored church at Rocky
Fork, about two weeks ago. Understood that DePugh assisted William
Baker in getting Miss Mosey. The couple eloped and were married.
Heard the family were opposed to the match, but had made friends.
The Mosey family are colored. Witness makes ties for his cousin
Ferguson and brother-in-law, Blankinship. Lodge in shanty near the
DePugh place with three others. Lucius Ferguson slept at Maloney’s.
Heard of the murder about dusk Wednesday evening. Was at church the
night of the murder; got home about 12 o’clock; was never in
DePugh’s house before the murder. Robert Parker and John H. Ferguson
also went to church. Lucius Ferguson said, yesterday, that one of
the young Moseys looked very guilty, and that Miss Gotling’s name
was mentioned in connection with DePugh and Ross.
Lemuel Welch Recalled
After being through with the examination, Lemuel Welch was recalled
and informed by the Coroner that as many of his statements were
contradicted by other persons, it gave the matter such a suspicious
aspect that the officers had resolved to issue a search warrant and
examine his premises. Welch seemed so willing, in fact anxious, that
this should be done, that the matter was dropped. Mr. William
Jackson, for whom Welch had been working, was met just after the
examination, and in answer to a question by State’s Attorney Yager,
said that Welch was at work at his house, south of Godfrey, at 7
o’clock a.m. Wednesday morning, March 28.
The jury finally decided to confirm their original verdict that
deceased came to their death at the hands of unknown parties. The
testimony of the remaining witnesses will be published tomorrow.
ROCKY FORK MURDER TESTIMONIALS CONTINUE
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 6, 1883
Owing to the crowded condition of our columns yesterday, we were
obliged to lay over a large portion of the testimony given at the
second inquest held Wednesday. The remainder will be found below:
Reuben Cannon, colored
Live on Spaulding’s place, knew deceased seven years. Saw DePugh
Saturday and Ross Sunday, previous to the murder. Mrs. Maloney said
last June that the “boys” had dropped a piece of bread in the road
and poisoned her dog, and she would get even with them. She lives a
mile down the hollow. Her husband, before Christmas, sued the boys
for hunting on his place, and they were fined $2.50. Witness and
DePugh, twelve days before the murder, were standing on the new bank
corner in Alton, when DePugh said, “That’s the man who was going to
go for my cousin (Ross), but I interfered and stopped him, and we
are watching him.” Parker is the man he pointed out. Know nothing of
the difficulty spoken of. The 15th February, while out with DePugh
and Ross, they refused to cross the Maloney farm.
Wilson Parker, Godfrey
Make ties and chop wood. Have known DePugh and Ross about four
years. Saw Ross about a month ago. Saw them together during the big
sleet, hunting. Heard of the murder late Wednesday evening at our
cabin. Mrs. Bartlett and my two brothers were together at that time.
Sunday a week ago was at work making ties at Delhi. Green Parker was
there; got back Monday at noon. Made ties all day Tuesday. Tuesday
night were all in our cabin. Some of us went to church, one mile and
a quarter off. Robert Parker and John Ferguson went to church Monday
night. All slept in the cabin Tuesday night. Got home from church
about 10 or 10:30 o’clock. Was not at Malony’s Tuesday night. Heard
of no difficulty, had none with Ross. Haven’t been at Alton for four
weeks. Had no trouble with Ross or Depugh, heard of none. Mrs. Perry
sometimes came to our cabin, was accompanied once or twice during
the winter by Miss Gatling. Wednesday morning, we were at home, left
cabin at 7:30 or 8 o’clock. Bill Baker and Charlie Townsend came
from town and said that the paper stated John Ferguson had done it,
and that it was dangerous for anyone suspected to go through Buck
Inn [North Alton]. Was at church Monday night instead of Thursday;
witness dropped a 4-barrel pistol as he started out.
Elizabeth Welch, colored, Godfrey
Was acquainted with deceased several years. Never heard of their
having enemies or any trouble. Heard of murder last Thursday morning
at 8 o’clock, and told my husband. Had breakfast at 6 o’clock
Wednesday. Heard of no trouble between my husband and the dead boys;
my husband was at home Tuesday night. Henry Depugh waited on Miss
Mosey.
Lemuel L. Welch, colored, laborer
Knew the deceased 9 or 10 years; know Wilson Parker. Did not hear
any threats. Heard of the murder from Mrs. Will Waggoner through my
wife, Thursday morning. Did not work Monday or Tuesday, but did
Wednesday. Got up early Wednesday morning to work at Mr. William
Jackson’s. Five or six weeks ago, met Henry DePugh over at Mr.
Mosey’s. He spoke of the trouble he had about a dog. That Wilson
Parker had his dog for 3 weeks; that he had trouble to get the dog
when Parker said he would “make it a d—d dear dog to him.” DePugh
said that a drunken man once drew a navy pistol on Ross in the room
in DePugh’s house. Don’t know his name; suppose the drunkenness was
the sole cause. George Hyndman was present. DePugh said “he would
not give the drunken man away.” (Deputy Sheriff Volbracht here
stated that Welch told him that Wilson Parker at one time called and
threatened Ross with a revolver, at another time wife a knife.)
Monday before the murder, DePugh and Ross came with guns,
double-barreled shotguns, where witness was at work at coal shute.
Moore, Goble, and Isaac Kinney were present. Witness stated two
colored men, Albert Williams and George Burke, never came near after
the murder until sent for. Thought it looked suspicious. This
Wednesday morning, Lincoln Johnson asked witness if he knew a
one-armed man (George Burke). I offered to bring Johnson over to the
inquest, but he refused to come, and acted suspiciously.
Lincoln Johnson of Perry County, Illinois
Came here last Thursday, stopped with Mr. Williams. Thought Uncle
George Burke might be one of the murdered men; came up to see.
Worked for a time in East St. Louis, and there heard of the murder.
George Myers Hyndman
Stayed with the murdered men frequently; had no conversation with
DePugh about trouble with anybody. Maloney sued some of us for
hunting on his place. DePugh went with Mr. Mosey’s daughter up to
the time he was murdered. John Henry Ferguson once called at
DePugh’s, was drunk, but did not draw a pistol and there was no
trouble. Knew them for 13 years. Shellaberger took DePugh’s dog and
kept it a week. DePugh showed me $20, but afterwards paid his taxes.
Coroner Youree here stated that a railway porter named Mosey told
him that he saw DePugh with $60 at Alton, a short time before the
murder.
Lincoln Mosey, colored, Godfrey fruit dealer
Knew DePugh and Ross for 4 or 5 years. Their reputation was good,
never heard of any trouble. Our family was at Brighton at a
celebration two years ago. Father heard that his daughter had eloped
with William Baker. Father was opposed to Baker’s pretensions, but
there was no particular feeling.
Mrs. Fanny C. Maloney
Have lived in this settlement [Rocky Fork] 7 or 8 years. Did not
have DePugh and Ross prosecuted for hunting on my place, which
belongs to Mr. Hawley. Lucius Ferguson boards with me, he got up
about 7 o’clock a.m., the Wednesday the murder was discovered,
having sat up with a sick child the previous night.
Annie Kinney, colored
Henry DePugh never stated that a drunken man drew a pistol on Ross,
but said that a man who had been drinking called at his house; did
not tell his name. Was quite intimate with DePugh, never heard of
his having any difficulty with anyone.
Joseph Green, aged 14, colored
Last saw Henry DePugh alive when he started to Alton, Tuesday
afternoon, dressed in his best. Wednesday morning mother sent me
after some eggs; knocked on the door, then looked in and saw DePugh
lying dead on the floor. Ran home, told mother; she ran over and
stayed until others arrived, but did not look in the house. Ross was
at our house Tuesday evening and told mother to send me over and get
some eggs. DePugh and Ross never had any trouble with our folks. My
sister told some of the neighbors of the murder.
Reuben Jacobs, colored
Was first told of the murder by Mr. Green’s little girl, and was
then called by Mr. Green himself, and together we went to DePpugh’s
house. Looked in at the window and saw Henry DePugh lying dead on
the floor. It was between 12 noon and 1 o’clock. Mr. Holliday and I
broke open the door. Never knew of any trouble except the suit for
trespass for hunting. Have searched diligently in this matter, but
have discovered nothing. The doors were fastened and windows, except
one, nailed down. No strangers were seen in the neighborhood the
days previous to the murder.
Samuel L. Welch, recalled, some of his statements having been
contradicted by other witnesses. He made the additional statement
that on Thursday he went to St. Louis to Dr. J. K. Allen, 20 S. 15th
Street; came back on the train. Walked to Alton in going. Dr. Youree
told this witness that as some of his statements had been
contradicted, it was resolved to search his place with a warrant. As
he professed perfect willingness, in fact seemed anxious for this to
be done, the matter was dropped.
Mr. William Jackson was met just after the examination, and in
answer to a question by State’s Attorney Yager, said that Welch came
to his place to work at 7 o’clock the morning of the murder.
The jury then agreed to confirm the previous verdict that deceased
came to their death through gunshot wounds inflicted by persons
unknown. Thus, the murder is as great a mystery as ever, and we fear
will ever remain so.
THE ROCKY FORK MYSTERY
Light at Last – Full Confession of the Murderer
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 5, 1884
For the last two months, Deputy Sheriff Volbracht has been on a
trail that he thought would lead to the discovery of the criminal
who had murdered Henry DePugh and Henry Ross at Rocky Fork, March
28, 1883. The first positive clue was the discovery that a
double-barreled breech-loading shotgun had been left at the Bee Hive
store in Alton as security for some goods purchased by a colored man
named William Felix Henry, the gun exactly answering the description
of one of the weapons taken from the DePugh house the night of the
murder. The further discovery of a revolver similar to one possessed
by DePugh, sold by Henry at Mr. A. S. Bennet’s second-hand store,
precipitated matters, and led to the arrest of the suspected man.
He avowed his innocence, but told so many contradictory stories that
he only tightened the web of circumstances that, inexorable as fate,
was impelling him to the point when would be verified the saying
that “murder will out.” Sunday evening, a colored minister of the
gospel named Jacobs, an uncle of Henry, called on the prisoner in
his lonely cell, and after a talk with him, announced that he was
ready to make confession, which was done yesterday morning, about 9
o’clock, in the presence of States Attorney Yager, Deputy Sheriff
Volbracht, and Mr. L. D. Yager, the latter recording the words as
they fell from the lips of the self-confessed murderer. The tale was
told as coolly and calmly, so state the witnesses, as though the
criminal had been telling of shooting a squirrel.
The annals of crime can scarcely afford a parallel to this case,
where a man, ostensibly a friend, went to the house occupied by two
comrades, slept part of the night with them, then arose and after
cool deliberation, shot the man who was engaged in hospitably trying
to entertain him prior to his departure. After shooting his friend
and watching him speechlessly reeling and writhing in agony, the
assassin put another load into his victim, and this not proving
sufficient, finished him with a bullet from the revolver. Strange to
say, Ross, according to the confession, slept through the first act
of this fearful tragedy in the lonely house on the hill, but the
murderer, after going out of the place, fearing that the sleeping
man would tell that he had been there, went back and dispatched him
as he slept. Then firing the house, he departed into the gloom and
darkness of the night. The fire he started, however, failed to burn,
and the damning evidences of his horrible crime were not
obliterated.
The DePugh house at Rocky Fork is situated on the brow of a hill,
with a steep incline to the south, a deep valley in front, with
wooded slopes on the hill beyond. The house is about 7 miles from
Alton, in a northwest direction, reached by a winding road through
the romantic valleys and ravines beyond North Alton. The house is a
two-story frame, painted white. The front door, on the south, leads
to what was used as a sitting room by the young men, DePugh and
Ross, who had been the only occupants for some time prior to the
tragedy. In the sitting room was a heating stove. Near it the fire,
set by Henry, was started. A hole was burned through the floor, and
the folding doors leading to the adjoining room on the north were
also partially burned before the flames died out. A door led from
the room first mentioned to another apartment on the east. Adjoining
this, on the north, was the bedroom in which Ross was sleeping,
beyond this the kitchen in which DePugh was killed, the floor,
walls, and other surroundings giving deadly evidence of his
struggles in the throes of desolation. The cooking stove, at which
the unfortunate man was engaged in preparing a meal for his guest,
contained a pan of biscuit, over which he was stooping when the
first shot was fired. The stovepipe was perforated, and a handful of
brains was lodged on the stove. All these things were noted by the
first arrivals at the spot.
The murderer is a black man, 23 years old, about medium height,
rather heavy set, with an unprepossessing countenance in which the
animal seems largely to predominate over the moral and mental. Those
who are acquainted with him say that most of his life was passed in
Alton, and that he moved to Shipman something over a year ago,
returning to Alton last September. He has a family consisting of a
wife and one child.
The officers were afraid that an attempt would be made to lynch the
prisoner, should the fact of his confession be known, hence the news
was confined to a few persons.
Deputy Sheriff Volbracht, at an early hour, this morning left with
his prisoner for Edwardsville, where he has been consigned to the
county jail for safe keeping. This officer certainly deserves great
credit for his energy and persistence in tracing up and arresting
the author of one of the most horrible crimes on record. The
confession of the prisoner reveals a nature utterly depraved. The
history of great crimes could be searched through and through
without finding anything more revolting than this inhuman butchery
of two innocent men. The murderer had never been suspected of the
crime, his presence at the house not having been known, and had the
deed not been traced to him by his disposal of the gun and revolver,
almost a year after the crime was committed, his guilt might never
have been known.
The discovery of the murders was made about 1 o’clock, March 28,
1883, by a small boy named Green, the son of the nearest neighbor,
who lived a quarter of a mile away. The boy was sent by his mother
to the DePugh house to procure some eggs. He found the doors locked,
and looking through a window, saw Henry DePugh lying in a pool of
blood on the floor of the kitchen. The boy ran home greatly
frightened, and reported that Henry DePugh had cut his throat. The
alarm was spread through the neighborhood, and the people flocked to
the place. A rear door was broken open by Calvin Holliday and Reuben
Jacobs, and the full extent of the tragedy was soon discovered.
Wesley Welch and a young man named Aker had been suspected of the
crime and had preliminary examinations, and were acquitted, but no
suspicion had attached to the real criminal until lately.
CONFESSION OF WILLIAM FELIX HENRY
Alton, Illinois, February 4, 1884
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 5, 1884
When I was a small boy, I was working for 75 cents a day (I am 23
years old now). I paid my board, two dollars a week, and bought a
dog for $8, and broke the dog, and always liked him. That was five
or six years ago, and I was out hunting with Henry DePugh, and he
shot the dog. I asked him to pay me for the dog, and he said he
wouldn’t, and said he didn’t care if he did shoot the dog, and he
would shoot another. It made me mad, and I said, “All right, I will
always remember you for this.” That was my reason for shooting him.
I did not see him in town the day before the murder. I left here at
5 o’clock the evening before, and went to John M. Pearson’s, and
Carrie Ody gave me supper. Sam Berry rode with me to the Post Office
at Godfrey, and went to DePugh’s. I heard a wagon in front of me
near Strong’s, and I drove slow so as not to overtake it. DePugh was
in the wagon, and I overtook him at home. He put up my horse and
then we went in and sat down and talked until 8 or 9 o’clock (it was
friendly). And I told him I wanted to leave at 12 that night. He
said all right, and that he would get up and fix me something to
eat. He got up at 12 and woke me, fixed me something to eat, and
gave me a lantern, and I hitched up my horse. I came back in the
house and sat in the sitting room. He was standing by the stove and
reaching to get something when I shot him with the breech loader. He
fell down towards the door and got up, reeled around, but didn’t
speak, and then I shot him with his revolver, and he fell down in
front of the sitting room door and was not dead. He sat up on the
floor and reeled around and seemed dazed. Then I shot him a third
time with the gun in the head. He died then. Ross slept during all
this shooting, and I took the revolver and two guns and put them in
the buggy. I thought that Ross would tell, so I went back in the
house with the breech loader and held the muzzle near his head
(about four feet off) and shot him while he was asleep and killed
him. I stood there and thought that would not do, so I set the house
on fire. It started to burn, and I went home. I did not meet anyone
on the way going home. I was living at Shipman. I took $4.50 from
Henry’s pocket of his good pants. I kept the breech loader and took
both guns to Shipman, and when I came to Alton to see about my dog,
about a month afterwards, I brought the muzzle loader, wrapped up
with me. I hired a skiff and threw the muzzle loader in the river
because it had Henry’s name on it in three places. I kept the
revolver and sold it to Bennet. I gave the breech loader to Henry
Flagg as security for a carpet. The story about buying the pistol is
not so. No one helped me murder the boys. I am sorry I done it, and
I feel easier now that I have told it. Signed,
William Felix Henry
Witnessed by: J. H. Yager, States Attorney, L. D. Yager, and F.
Volbracht.
ANOTHER STATEMENT FROM ROCKY FORK MURDERER
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 15, 1884
I did not throw the muzzle-loading gun I took from the DePugh house
into the river as I stated in my confession. My brother-in-law,
Henry Scott, living at Shipman, has the gun now. I had the gun
altered by a gunsmith named Nelson, in Shipman, by having a maple
stock with a pistol grip put on, with a piece of ouray metal put in
the grip. I had front action locks put on. The gunsmith charged me
$10. Saturday, September 22, my brother-in-law, Scott, stole the gun
from the gunsmith in the night and took it away. On Monday
following, I went to the gunsmith’s and he took out a warrant
against me, but he did not find the gun at my house. Scott knew
where I got the gun. He told me how I could get clear if I got into
trouble – told me if anyone asked me where I got the gun to say I
bought it from some unknown person. I had told him before all about
my having killed Henry Depugh and Henry Ross. I sent word to Scott
after my arrest that I had made a statement that I had thrown the
gun into the river. I did this so he would not make away with it,
and so I could get it if I got clear. If the gun is not at Scott’s
home, he may have it at his barn. His wife has at times strapped the
gun under her clothes to conceal it when people came to their house.
Last Christmas, Scott and his brother went hunting. His brother
hunted with this gun and he hunted with the gun belonging to his
boss, Mr. Fred Merriwether. Find out from the brother, a boy 14
years old, named Riley, where it is. Signed by William Felix Henry.
In order to ascertain as to the truth or falsity of the above
statement, Deputy Sheriff Volbracht made a trip yesterday to
Shipman, and visited Scott’s house and made a search for the gun,
but could not find it. Scott and his wife both denied having any
knowledge of the story related by Henry.
ROCKY FORK MURDERER IN EDWARDSVILLE JAIL
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 25, 1884
There are now 11 prisoners in the county jail, though it is yet
fully three months to the convening of the Circuit Court. The most
notable is William Felix Henry, the murderer of Ross and DePugh at
Rocky Fork. Though Henry has been confined nearly six months, he
looks well physically. He is well satisfied with the board and
treatment he receives at the hands of Jailer Berry. To the question
whether he would plead guilty, he answered he could not yet tell.
When further asked regarding the murder, he spoke as if entirely
innocent, and apparently without feeling any anxiety as to what his
fate will be.
ROCKY FORK MURDERER TO BE EXECUTED
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 15, 1885
Tomorrow is the day fixed for the execution of Felix W. Henry, in
the jail yard at Edwardsville, at 11 o’clock a.m., at which time the
sentence of the court will be carried into effect.
The principal circumstances connected with Henry’s crime have been
so often published that the story is, doubtless, a familiar one to
most of our readers. March 28, 1883, at one o’clock, a boy named
Green went to what was known as the DePugh house, in a lonely
neighborhood at Rocky Fork, about seven miles northwest of Alton,
and after knocking in vain, looked through a kitchen window and
discovered the dead body of Henry DePugh lying in a pool of blood on
the floor. The frightened boy posted away and gave the alarm, and in
a short time, a crowd assembled at the place. The doors were forced
open, and not only was it found that DePugh had been killed, but his
companion, Henry Ross, the two having occupied the house together,
was found lying dead on a bed in an adjoining room. The room in
which DePugh was found was bloody as a shambles, giving evidence
that his death struggle had been protracted. It was found that the
murderer, after accomplishing the death of the two men, had fired
the house, but the flames after scorching the floor and one of the
doors had gone out. This, too, in spite of the fact that coal oil
had been liberally distributed about the place. Of course, great
excitement prevailed, suspicion was rife, and two inquests were held
by Coroner Youree, but no light was thrown on the dark tragedy.
About the only things missing from the house were two guns and a
revolver, articles that afterwards served to fix the crime on Felix
Henry. Almost a year after the murder, early in February 1884, the
revolver was found at A. S. Bennet’s second-hand store in Alton, and
it was ascertained by Deputy Sheriff Volbracht that Henry had pawned
the weapon. Soon afterwards, one of the guns was discovered by the
Deputy Sheriff at Mr. R. H. Flagg’s store, where it had been left by
Henry as security for money due for a carpet. On this evidence, the
officer arrested Henry, and he shortly afterwards made a full
confession to the effect that he alone did the deed. He told the
story in detail to States Attorney Yager, Deputy Sheriff Volbracht,
and Mr. L. D. Yager, and afterwards made substantially the same
confession to other persons.
Henry was taken to Edwardsville jail immediately after the
confession, it being feared that a mob would be organized for the
purpose of lynching him.
The accused was formally arraigned before Judge Snyder at the March
term, 1884, of the Circuit Court. Previous to this time, however, he
had withdrawn his confession, claiming that it was extorted from him
by threats and promises, and had in the meantime made several
statements in reference to the tragedy, first asserting that the
crime was committed by a Reuben Morris, who afterwards entered the
United States Regular Army. Another story was to the effect that the
murders were committed through revenge by George Hunter, Ed Mayo,
Wesley Welsh, and Reuben Morris.
Henry’s Statement
“If I can get a new trial, I will get the woman that went with me to
Shipman the night of the 27th of March, 1883, and also I will get
the man who was with me when I bought the guns of Reuben Morris. I
bought the guns and pistol on Saturday evening, April 7, 1883, and
can prove it, and also the gun I took home with me. I can prove it
all. Signed F. W. Henry
Another Statement
On November 27, 1884, Henry made the following additional statement:
“I avail myself this evening of the opportunity of telling the
truth, and God in Heaven knows I am telling the truth. Reuben Morris
told me that it was him and George Hunter, Ed Mayo, and also Wesley
Welch, and if this is not so, he lied. And so far as the gun, he did
sell it to me, and he also wrote a letter stating the same thing.”
Henry gave Reuben Morris’ address as Fort Hays, Kansas.
The
Defense
Colonel J. J. Brenholt was engaged to defend Henry at the
preliminary examination, but after the confession he retired from
the case and peremptorily refused to engage in it further. When the
criminal was arraigned before Judge Snyder, he stated that he had no
legal advisor and no means with which to engage one. Then, in
accordance with the custom, the court appointed Colonel Brenholt and
Judge John G. Irwin to appear for the defense. These gentlemen
attempted to excuse themselves, but the judge was inexorable, and
they felt compelled to undertake the thankless, unpopular task. To
say that the defense was conducted in the most able and masterly
manner, that, too, in the face of a strong adverse popular feeling,
and without hope of pecuniary reward, is but stating what is known
by all conversant with this remarkable case. It may be stated here
that little credence is generally attached to Henry’s attempt to
fasten the crime on the four persons named above.
Latest
Henry made a long confession last night to State’s Attorney McNulty,
Deputy Sheriff Volbracht, and Rev. R. H. Manier, his spiritual
advisor. He still asserts that the four men he has heretofore
accused were the guilty ones, but modifies a previous statement so
far as to admit that he was present, and says that he, Hunter, and
Mayo stood on guard while Welsh and Morris killed the two men. The
officers and the minister have no faith in the story.
LAST STATEMENT OF WILLIAM FELIX HENRY
Rocky Fork Murderer
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 17, 1885
William Felix Henry, in his last confession, stated that the parties
implicated with him in the killing of Ross and DePugh were Reuben
Morris, Lem Welch, George Hunter, and Ed Mayo. His story of the
killing is as follows:
“When we got there, Lem Welsh and Morris went into the house, and
Mayo went into the kitchen and out again, and he, Hunter, and myself
took positions around the house. From our position we could see
everything that was going on in the house. Morris and Welsh entered
into conversation with DePugh and Ross; we could hear their voices
but could not understand what was said. In about 20 minutes I saw
Morris strike DePugh twice on the head with a loaded buggy whip, and
knocked him senseless. Ross advanced to help DePugh, when Welsh
struck him with a heavy walking stick on neck and side of face
twice, and knocked him senseless. Both lay like dead. After a few
minutes, they picked DePugh up and carried him into the kitchen, and
Welsh held him in sitting position while Morris shot him in the
head. Then Morris laid him on his back, with his head towards door
leading into the sitting room. After Morris shot DePugh, Welsh and
Morris went back into the sitting room and stripped Ross’ clothes
like he was going to bed, then took him into the bedroom and put him
in bed and covered him up as if he were asleep. Then Welsh shot him
in the head, then they came out of the bedroom, and Mayo went in and
asked them if they were ready to go. They said they were not ready
yet. Morris then shot the stove pipe to make it seem there had been
a fight, and smeared blood on the stove and on the wall near the
window with their hands. After this, Mayo proposed to burn the
house, and Welsh and Morris then kindled fire near the door in the
sitting room by piling wood and pouring coal oil and setting it on
fire. During this time, I was keeping watch out by the east window,
and G. Hunter at the west window. Mayo then went out and told Hunter
they were ready to go, and all came round to the east side of the
house. I said we must go, for I have 45 miles to drive. Welsh
brought a muzzle-loading gun and pistol, and Morris brought a little
knife and some trinkets out of the house which belonged to DePugh.
We got into the wagon and left the kitchen door open. Hunter got
out, went back and locked it, and brought the key away. Afterwards
he changed the key to fit his brother Henry’s door by knocking down
the prong so it would fit the lock, and last I knew of it he had it
in use. We then went to Godfrey and passed Welsh’s house, where he
stopped. I got my horse and buggy and left Morris, Mayo and Hunter
at Isaac’s, and I went on to Brighton. I got there about 11, then
took in my buggy a woman known as Nina or Mary Brown, who wanted to
go to Carlinville, and drove on to Shipman and got there between 12
and 1. When I got home, I got out of the buggy and took groceries in
my house which I got in Alton, and told my wife, when she asked me
where I was going, and I would be back at 6 or 7 in the morning. She
only knew someone was out in the buggy, but did not known who. I
then got in the buggy and drove on to Carlinville. Then returned to
Shipman and reached there about 7 or half-past in the morning. I
went in and made fire, and my wife got up and got breakfast. Then
Albert Scott rode with me to livery stable, and gave the horse in
charge of John Longmeier. From there we went to the post office.
While there, the station agent called me and told me there was a
package there for me. I went over and go it – it was the shotgun we
got out of DePugh’s house. Then we went home and went hunting with
the gun. The same morning I got the gun, I got the card out of the
post office from Morris on which was written, “This gun is from me.
Reuben Morris.”
THE HANGING
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 22, 1885
Felix W. Henry, the murderer of Henry DePugh and Henry Ross at Rocky
Fork, in March 1883, paid the penalty of his crime on the gallows
Saturday last [January 16, 1885], at 11 a.m. in the jail yard at
Edwardsville. The condemned man spent his last night on earth with
open eyes, showing no inclination to sleep. During the evening, he
called for a French harp, on which he was a proficient performer.
The instrument was given him, and he spent several hours
entertaining the guards with various tunes played in a creditable
manner. He seemed indifferent or apathetic regarding his approaching
end. During the evening, he sat down and wrote a last letter to his
wife, which was given to an officer to forward. At 11 o’clock, he
partook of a lunch which was provided for him, and then resumed
playing on his harp, interspersing the performance with songs, and
related to the guards many anecdotes and stories. This the entire
night was passed without sleep. At 8 o’clock in the morning,
breakfast was brought him of which he partook with his usual
appetite. After breakfast he made his toilet very carefully, and
spent several minutes looking at himself in the mirror.
At 9:30 o’clock, Sheriff Holtz entered the jail and read the death
warrant to the prisoner, who listened to the reading seemingly
unmoved. Promptly at eleven o’clock, the Sheriff conducted the
prisoner to the scaffold, which was erected in the center of the
jail yard, which was enclosed with a high board fence. The gallows
consisted of two main posts, eighteen feet high, joined on top by a
crosspiece, in the center of which was fastened a ring, to which was
attached the rope. Around this structure was a frame work which
supported a floor, eight by eight feet, nine feet from the ground.
In the center of the floor was the trap, hinged on one side and
fastened on the other with a subtle trigger bolt, worked by a hand
lever. In the center of the trap door was placed a box, on which the
prisoner stood. The prisoner was placed in position, his hands and
feet pinioned, the black cap drawn over his face, and the rope
adjusted about his neck. Prayer was offered by Reverend R. H.
Manier, the spiritual adviser of the prisoner. After the black cap
was drawn over his face, the condemned man exclaimed, “Oh my God,
forgive me!” He made no speech on the scaffold. When all was ready,
the Sheriff sprung the lever, which let the trap fall, and the
victim dropped as far as the rope would permit. Owing to the bad
adjustment of the rope, his neck was not broken, and he died slowly
of strangulation. At 11:42 he was pronounced dead by the physicians.
His body was taken down and placed in a plain, neat coffin by the
undertaker. About seventy-five persons were within the enclosure and
witnessed the execution. Among the spectators was Reverend H.
DePugh, father of one of the murderer’s victims. Among others
present were the jury, guards, county officers, reporters, and
others. A crowd of over two hundred, inspired by a morbid curiosity,
surrounded the jail and stood there in the driving storm until the
execution was over and the body of Henry was brought out.
After being viewed by the crowd, the body of the murderer was driven
at the Poor Farm Cemetery for interment.
Henry made another confession yesterday to Rev. Mr. Manier and
others, which will be given to the public tomorrow. It implicates
four others, but is probably nothing more than he has heretofore
confessed. His confessions, during the last few weeks, have been so
many and so various that little confidence was placed in any of
them, further than that many believe he had accomplices in the
crime, but no doubt exists as to Henry’s own guilt.
Thus has the most brutal and revolting crime ever perpetrated in
this county been expiated and the ends of justice satisfied under
due process of law, but the misery and woe resulting to innocent
parties from the crime can never be atoned for.
The principal circumstances connected with Henry’s crime have been
so often published that the story is, doubtless, a familiar one to
most of our readers. March 28, 1883, at one o’clock, a boy named
Green went to what was known as the DePugh house, in a lonely
neighborhood at Rocky Fork, about seven miles northwest of Alton,
and after knocking in vain, looked through a kitchen window and
discovered the dead body of Henry DePugh, lying in a pool of blood
on the floor. The frightened boy posted away and gave the alarm, and
in a short time, a crowd assembled at the place. The doors were
forced open, and not only was it found that DePugh had been killed,
but his companion, Henry Ross, the two having occupied the house
together, was found lying dead on a bed in an adjoining room. The
room in which DePugh was found was bloody as a shambles, giving
evidence that his death struggle had been protracted. It was found
that the murderer, after accomplishing the death of the two men, had
fired the house, but the flames, after scorching the floor and one
of the doors, had gone out. This too, in site of the fact that coal
oil had been liberally distributed about the place. Of course, great
excitement prevailed, suspicion was rife, and two inquests were held
by Coroner Youree, but no light was thrown on the dark tragedy.
About the only things missing from the house were two guns and a
revolver, articles that afterwards served to fix the crime on Felix
Henry. Almost a year after the murder, early in February 1884, the
revolver was found at A. S. Bennet’s second-hand store in Alton, and
it was ascertained by Deputy Sheriff Volbracht that Henry had pawned
the weapon. Soon afterwards, one of the guns was discovered by the
Deputy Sheriff at Mr. R. H. Flagg’s store, where it had been left by
Henry as security for money due for a carpet. On this evidence, the
officer arrested Henry, and he shortly afterwards made a full
confession to the effect that he alone did the deed. He told the
story in detail to State’s Attorney Yager, Deputy Sheriff Volbracht,
and Mr. L. D. Yager, and afterwards made substantially the same
confession to other persons.
Henry was taken to Edwardsville jail immediately after the
confession, it being feared that a mob would be organized for the
purpose of lynching him.
The accused was formally arraigned before Judge Snyder at the March
term, 1884, of the circuit court. Previous to this time, however, he
had withdrawn his confession, claiming that it was extorted from him
by threats and promises, and had, in the meantime, made several
statements in reference to the tragedy, first asserting that the
crime was committed by a Reuben Morris, who afterwards entered the
United States Regular Army. Another story was to the effect that the
murders were committed through revenge by George Hunter, Ed Mayo,
Wesley Welsh, and Reuben Morris.
ROCKY FORK MURDER
Lemuel Welsh and Reuben Morris Indicted
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 1, 1885
Lemuel Welsh of Godfrey, and Reuben Morris, a U. S. soldier with the
army out West, both colored men, have been indicted by the Grand
Jury for complicity in the killing of Henry Ross and Henry DePugh at
Rocky Fork, March 23, 1883. The indictment was based on one of the
many confessions of Felix Henry, who was executed at Edwardsville
the 16th of January last, for the crime in question. Welsh was
arrested by Deputy Sheriff Volbracht and taken to Edwardsville jail
today. Welsh is also indicted for the murder of Williams, near
Godfrey, some months since.
REUBEN MORRIS IN PRISON
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, October 22, 1885
Deputy Sheriff Volbracht arrived home this morning after a trip to
Fort McKinney, Wyoming Territory, in quest of Reuben Morris, a U. S.
Cavalry soldier, accused of complicity in the murder at Rocky Fork,
of Henry DePugh and Henry Ross. The officer succeeded in getting his
prisoner, and made a quick trip, 247 miles, and return, being made
by stage. Morris was surrendered without any trouble by the U. S.
officers when the proper papers were presented to them.
The entire trip was made in 9 days. The prisoner came peaceably, and
was ironed [put in chains] only at night. He was turned over to
Officer O’Leary this morning, by the Deputy Sheriff, at East St.
Louis, and is, no doubt, safe in jail. Morris was suspected at the
time the murder was discovered, but left soon afterwards and
enlisted as a soldier. The principal evidence against him is that
furnished by the words of Felix Henry, the self-confessed murderer,
who expiated his offense on the gallows last January. Just 50
minutes before the death penalty was inflicted on Henry, he grasped
the hand of Reverend Henry DePugh, father of one of the victims, and
asked his forgiveness for what he had done to his family. When his
petition was granted, Mr. DePugh earnestly inquired: “Felix, who
murdered my boys?” Almost under the shadow of the scaffold came the
solemn answer, “Reuben Morris and Lem Welch.” It will be remembered
that Lem Welch has been in jail at Edwardsville some time, and
Morris is now keeping him company. Felix Henry and the two men now
awaiting trial were all arrested by Deputy Sheriff Volbracht, who
has shown great determination and persistency in bringing the
suspected men to trial. November 27, 1884, William Felix Henry made
the following written statement about the murder to one of his
attorneys, which has not heretofore been published: “If you get me a
new trial, in the Supreme Court, I will get the woman that went with
me to Shipman the night of the 27th of March, 1883; and also I will
get the man who was with me when I bought the guns of Reuben Morris.
I bought the guns and pistol on Saturday evening, April 7, 1883, and
I can prove it.” Signed by William Felix Henry.
The night of March 27, 1883, spoken of above, was the time of the
murder. It may be mentioned that many persons have but little faith
in the “confessions” and statements of Felix Henry, unless they are
supported by other evidence.
WELSH AND MORRIS RELEASED FROM JAIL
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, November 18, 1885
Lemuel Welsh, accused of complicity in the Rocky Fork murder of
DePugh and Ross, in March 1883, and of the murder of S. Williams at
Godfrey, June 1884, was arraigned in the Circuit Court at
Edwardsville yesterday on the charge of killing Ross and Williams,
the evidence in the case of the last-named victim being first
considered. Mrs. Williams, widow of the murdered man, testified that
her husband was shot at 10 minutes before ten o’clock at night.
Welsh’s niece testified that the accused was at his home at that
hour, thus establishing an alibi. State’s Attorney McNulty then, at
the instance of Reverend Henry DePugh, father of one of the Rocky
Fork victims, withdrew the charge against both Welsh and Reuben
Morris, in regard to the double murder, and they were discharged. C.
H. Lynch appeared for the defense. Morris was around town today,
clad in a U. S. Army uniform, including a light blue overcoat. His
countenance does not, by any means, indicate the cold-blooded
murderer he was charged with being.