Miller, Samuel H. - 1881

A Tragedy.--
Last Saturday night at a late hour Union Station, a prosperous village about ten miles east of Lititz, was the scene of a terrible tragedy - the fourth in this county within six months.  Samuel H. Miller, a wealthy merchant and proprietor of the Miller House, fired three bullets into the body of William Gensemer, who died soon after.  Miller claims to have acted in self defense, but others assert that the deed was done premeditatedly in accord with a threat made some time ago.

Both Miller and Gensemer have borne fair reputations up to the time of the present sad affair.  Miller owns a large store and tavern in the village, is in good pecuniary circumstances, is almost fifty years of age, has a respectable family and has been looked upon as one of the most useful and progressive men of the neighborhood.

Gensemer was a tanner, a good and steady workman, though he sometimes drank more than was good for him.  He was about 33 years of age and leaves a wife and child.  He did not own the tannery in which he worked, but he owned a house in which he lived.  He was not rich but his near relatives are among the most solid people in the northern end of the county.  Miller was committed to the Lancaster county jail, and will have a hearing tomorrow (Saturday) before Judge Garmau.
~ The Lititz Record, 21-Oct-1881, Page 3, Column 4


The Verdict.--
The interest in the Miller-Gensemer tragedy at union Station has not abated; in fact, it may be said to have crystallized, and as there are always two sides of a question so are there two determined factions - for and against the prisoner.  Miller was taken to Union Station on Saturday, by Constable Wolfskill, of East Cocalico, and Chief of Police Deichler, of Lancaster, for a hearing before ‘Squire Garman.

On the arrival of the train at the station a large crowd of excited people assembled and the officers hurried the prisoner to the justice’s office by a short route.

At the hearing two witnesses were examined.  Clinton F. Reager testified to the shooting, and Dr. Weist to the death from gunshot wounds.  No defense was made.  Bail was offered and refused, and the prisoner committed for a trail at Court.

The wife and barkeeper of Miller were allowed private interviews with him.

A large crowd gathered in front of the magistrate’s office, manifesting suppressed but intense excitement. The officers, bearing in mind the rumored threats of lynching, conveyed the prisoner quietly out of the back door to a close carriage and drove rapidly to Reamstown station, where they took the train.  Miller was safely landed in prison in the afternoon.
~ The Lititz Record, 28-Oct-1881, Page 3, Column 2