1899: J.W. Spradling Killed by Cowboys, Chloride, N.M.
WEALTHY CATTLEMAN SHOT.
Killed by Cowboys in Revenge For Firing on a Young Lady.
EAGLE, N.M., Aug. 25.-W.J. Spradling, a wealthy cattleman, controlling stock interests in Chloride, was killed by cowboys near Fairview in revenge for shooting Miss Nellie McKinsley of Marion, Ind.
Spradling met the woman while both were on horseback. He fired a revolver at her point blank. The shot took effect in the woman’s neck and she fell to the ground.
Cowboys nearby started after Spradling, who emptied his revolver at them. A fusillade from Winchesters brought Spradling to the ground with six bullets in his body and head. He died instantly. Miss McKinley will recover. No cause for the trouble is known.
Source: Americus Times-Recorder, Americus, Georgia, Friday, September 1, 1899; Pg. 5
NOTE: The spellings of surnames in above article are transcribed as published.