Former Spur Man Killed At Guthrie

Ben E. Pettijohn, former resident of Spur and for the past several months operator of a package liquor store at Guthrie, was found dead at his store at Guthrie by a brother, Lee Pettijohn of Spur. At a coroner's inquest held by Ross K. Wideman, county judge of King County, the verdict was returned that death was caused by bullet fired by person unknown. The time of death was estimated at 2:33 a.m. Saturday morning.

The body was brought to Spur by Campbell Undertakers and prepared for burial. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Sunday a the home of Lee Pettijohn. Services were conducted by L.W. Bilberry. Interment followed in Spur cemetery with Webber Williams in charge.

Mr. Pettijohn resided in Spur several years before moving to Guthrie and entering business there. He came from Central Texas to Spur.

There are many rumors concerning the number of bullets fired, etc. The official report states that only one bullet penetrated the deceased and that was through the right long passing out just to the left of the backbone. It is thought by officers investigating the case that Mr. Pettijohn was called to the door of his store and shot. He was found on a cot where he slept, with his own gun about two feet away unfired. Car tracks lending away from the door pointed toward Benjamin.

Mr. Pettijohns family residence was behind the store. It is stated that his wife possibly heard the shot thinking it was a car backfiring. The store is on the highway east of Guthrie just before the junction.

The Texas Spur, April 1936

From the records of Lillian Grace Nay

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