Irwin, unknown (Dr.) - 1868

Horrible crime.

One of the most brutal and fiendish transactions that has occurred for many a day is about being brought to light in this city.  It appears that a man -- if he can be called a man -- calling himself Jack Williams, who recently married a widow with two children, concluded he did not want any responsibilities, except his own.

A few days ago, the oldest of the two children died, and was buried by the inhuman step-father, in a dry goods box.  Yesterday, Dr. Johnson was called to see the other, and found it suffering from innumerable sores, and emaciation.  Dr. Johnson thinks that some of the sores were caused by sharp instruments, or punctures ; while Dr. Irwin thinks they are caused by bruises from excessive beating and whipping.

The mother and child are now at the city hospital, where the child is being cared for and the mother closely watched.  The one that is buried will be exhumed to-day; for the purpose of examining the body.

Williams was arrested yesterday, and to-day all sorts of rumors are afloat.  Some say he was hanged by a mob ; and others say he was taken to fort David Russell for safe keeping.  It is, however, known that if he had remained in the city last night, that he would not be very safe.  More will be known in a day or two, when an examination will be had.
~ Cheyenne Leader, 06-Jan-1868, Page 1, Column 2

Prisoner Shot in Attempting to Escape from an Officer.

On Saturday evening last, a man who gave his name as John McMan, but whose real name is John Cavanaugh, was brought before U. S. Commissioner Bartlett, charged with horse stealing.  Cavanaugh was committed and sent to jail in charge of officer Goff and a man by the name of John Kean.

While Goff was absent after the jail key, the prisoner started to run.  He was hailed by Mr. Kean, but still kept running, when Kean fired three shots, the fourth bringing him down, the ball taking effect in the breast.

Cavanaugh died while he was being conveyed to the hospital, and was buried this morning.  The following is the verdict of the Coroner’s Jury, summoned by Coroner Irwin :

We, the Jury, summoned to make true inquiry into the manner of the death of the body now lying here, find that deceased came to his death be <sic> means of a pistol shot, fired by John Kean ; and that deceased was in the custody of said Kean at the time, under direction of the proper authority, and was attempting to escape, and that Wm. Keane was justified in shooting him.  We also find that the name of the deceased was John McMunn, alias Cavanaugh.

J. W. Hutchinson,

Foreman.

H. Rick,

P. McDonald.

January 5, 1868.
~ Cheyenne Leader, 06-Jan-1868, Page 1, Column 3