Submitted by
Loyd Bishop

Murdered
GF Rohr shot and instantly killed by ET Hand
The tragedy the result of a bitter contest for a claim
on Monday morning shortly after six o'clock Professor ET Hand fired the shots, which ended the life of G. F. Rohr.
It was hoped that the recent sad lesson of the Ransom -- Cooper contest would have a tendency to prevent the occurrence of affairs for this kind, but such was not to be, and the first chapter of the contest has been repeated. The story of the killing and the events leading to it are as follows:
on the day of the opening GF Rohr joined in the run for claims and staked what proved to be a valuable claim. When things were straightened out so that Mr. Rohr could locate himself, he found that his claim was on a direct line from Blackwell to Kildare. He counted himself fortunate in having secured a claim, where there was so much travel and within easy reach of town. Being possessed of considerable means he at once placed a fine house and other improvements on his claim until it was the best improved claim in that neighborhood. Until the 14th of March. He remained in undisputed possession of the place, but on that day Professor ET Hand located on the claim and built a house close to that of Rohr. Mr. Hand, based his rides to the claim on what is called “------“ no serious trouble ensued from this double occupancy, though some angry words frequently passed between the two men. Both men had their families on the claim, and Hand had been engaged to teach the city schools in Blackwell this winter. No serious threats have been made between the two claimants, and it was supposed the decision of the land office would be awaited without further troubles. Affairs however came to a crisis on Monday. It would seem that Hand was responsible for this. On Saturday night, Hand put up a fence in the side of the one already erected by Rohr. Monday morning Rohr, accompanied by his hired man took a team inside this fence and proceeded to plow a furrow around this land. Hand saw him and left his house with his revolver in his hand. The revolver was seen by a little girl at Mrs. Shreaves place across the road from where the shooting took place. The little girl called to her folks, “Mr. hand is going up to see Mr. Rohr, and he has got his gun in his hand, I can see it glitter!” Fearing trouble. The Shreaves started toward Mr. Rohr, Mrs. Hand was following her husband and was heard to say “don't use that unless you have to!” Mr. Hand then placed the gun in his pocket, and walked up to where Rohr was plowing and seized the horses heads. Some words passed between the two men. The hired man states that Rohr attempted to keep hand away with the whip he carried, when Hand drew his revolver and fired four times. Every shot took effect, and Rohr fell to the ground. When lifted by the men from Shreaves house he attempted to speak, but was unable to do so. He was dead within a minute or two after he fell to the ground. One shot struck him in the shoulder, and one in the lung and two close to the heart. Mr. hand mounted his horse and rode to Newkirk where he gave himself up to the authorities.
A coroner jury impaneled by Dr. Biggs returned a verdict of pre-meditated manslaughter.
Rohr was connected with an Arkansas city lumber Company. and quite popular among the settlers. He was a rather small man, about 52 years old of the age. The murdered man leaves a wife and four children, the youngest 14 years of age. The remains were taken to Arkansas city for burial Professor ET hand was formally of Parsons Kansas and was a candidate for the nomination of Superintendent of schools on the populist ticket. He had been engaged to conduct the city schools of this place. He has a wife and three young children. He was not very well known here that it is said he has many friends in Kansas.
The sentiment in the locality of the crime is with the murdered man. But the friends of Mr. Hand say that facts will be developed which will in a great measure, mitigate the enormity of his offense. It is hoped that this sad affair will be the last. Much better to let the law, however tardy take its course then to thus ruin the lives of two families.
ET Hand waved preliminary examination, County Attorney introduced evidence showing the crime had been committed. Hand was removed to jail without bail.