Austin Statesman December 26th 1883

Full Particulars of the Affair on Christmas Day McDade, Dec. 26, 1883 - The examining trial of George Milton and Thomas Bishop, for the killing of Az Beatty and Jack Beatty, on yesterday is now progressing, the state being represented by the County Attorney and the defendants by Mjr. Sayers. The facts are as follows: Az Beatty, Jack Beatty, Hayward Beatty, Charlie Goodman, Burt Hasley and Robert Stevens came into McDade yesterday morning. Az and Jack Beatty went to Milton's store.

 Milton being engaged at his desk writing, and Bishop sitting in a chair in the gallery. Milton's desk is at the rear end of the store. Jack Beatty went up to Milton and began a conversation in reference to what had been rumored as to his brother's connection with the murder of Deputy Sheriff Heffington three weeks ago in McDade. It appears that Az Beatty, who was not on good terms with Bishop had made the attack upon Bishop and succeeded in forcing Bishop off the gallery, Bishop falling upon the ground and Beatty on top, and both grasping a pistol in the scuffle, Beatty on top and Bishop under, the pistol was fired, and Az Beaty fell backward. In the meantime, Jack Beatty hearing the report of the pistol, rushed to the front door with a knife in his hand. Melton following him, and just then Haywood Beatty fired upon Bishop, the latter returning the fire with effect.

Just at this moment Wm. Griffin, a kinsman of Bishop, came running up to the assistance of Bishop when he, Griffin was dangerously wounded in the head and will probably die tonight. When Milton reached the front he began firing and Jack Beatty was killed. He said that is will be proven that Goodman, Hasley and Stevens were shooting at Milton and Bishop from a distance. In all there were from 60 to 100 shots fired. When the firing ceased it was found that Az Beatty and Jack Beatty were dead. Griffin mortally wounded, Stevens and Goodman slightly wounded.

Hasley escaped, but is supposed to be wounded. The escape of Bishop from being killed may be considered almost a miracle. The Beatty's were brothers and Hasley and Stevens are connected with them by marriage. Public sympathy seems to be altogether with Bishop and Milton. Detachments from the Johnston Guard of Hempstead, and the Brenham rays of Brenham, came up this morning, but returned at once _____ as their services were not needed. County Attorney Maynard and Sheriff Jenkins are in the town. As soon as the County officers reached here the excitement seemed to abate and there is now no sign of excitement manifested.

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McDade's Infamous Christmas