Joe Gaines Dead
Shot down in the Discharge of his Duty as an Officer of the Law
An Officer everybody liked
Cut down by the Red Hand of a Murderer and a Drunken Tough
August 24, 1893—Territorial Topics--Joe Gaines, constable for Judge Davidson’s court, was murdered Tuesday night at Paul’s Valley by John Stevenson...(a description of the first facts of shooting occupies the next several paragraphs) [Gaines also held a deputy US Marshal commission]
The body of this brave and fearless officer arrived in Purcell on the midnight train Tuesday and was tenderly borne by friends to his newly made home. At 4 o’clock Wednesday afternoon he was buried from that home and not a sadder or tearful concourse followed a man to his last resting place.
Paul’s Valley Tragedy
The Details of the Killing of Constable Joe Gaines
August 24, 1893—Dallas Morning News--Gainesville, Texas, August 23—The details of the killing of Constable Joe Gaines at Paul’s Valley yesterday, as related by persons who came down from Pauls Valley today, are as follows:
John Stevenson and a man named Davidson were about to be involved in a difficulty when Gaines went to them and told them to cease their quarrel or he would have to arrest them. The quarrel continued. Stevenson on remarking that Joe Gaines nor no other man could arrest him.
Gaines again went to Stevenson and remarked, “John, I will have to arrest you.” A shot was fired. Gaines had his left hand up to his breast and the ball passed through the wrist, entered the left breast and passed out the back. Gaines fell dead and Stevenson surrendered to a deputy U. S. Marshal.
Joe Gaines married the niece of Jailor Anglin of this city three weeks ago last Sunday. He was a brave and courageous officer. While in the discharge of his duty as constable of Marysville precinct in Cooke County a few years ago he killed a man and was honorably acquitted and last winter he shot and killed a Negro whom he was trying to arrest but resisted. For this he was never arrested or indicted.
A Coward’s Shot
Pierces the Breast of Brave and Fearless Joe Gaines
Gentlemanly and Generous
To All His Confidence Is Misplaced And He Is Shot Down Like A Dog For A Favor Given.
August 24, 1893—Purcell Register-- (A several paragraph long article describes examination testimony)
...The funeral took place from the late residence of the deceased on Canadian Avenue at 4 o’clock Wednesday afternoon. Interesting services were conducted by Rev. W. F. Hodnett, after which a large concourse followed the remains to the Purcell Cemetery, where all that was earthly of Joe Gaines was laid to rest.
Joe Gaines was 32 years of age, having been born on April 10th, 1861 in Kentucky, in which state he was raised. He was for several years a resident of Gainesville, Texas, acting for some time in the capacity of deputy Sheriff. He counted his friends in that city by the score, his kindly, genial nature binding to him as with hoops of steel all with whom he came in contact. He had been for years the sole support of his widowed mother, who removed to this city a few weeks ago to make her home with her son and who now in that death darkened home keeps to breast another stricken one—the widowed bride, who but two weeks since with the confidence of love gave her life into the keeping of him who now lies cold and still..
Mr. Gaines came to this place about the middle of April, being commissioned by Judge Stewart as constable for this district on April 4th. As an officer, he...tempered his official actions with gentleness and courtesy and extended to his prisoners every kindness. ‘Twas this kindlly trait that brought him to his death. Releasing one whose nature could not respond to Gaines's nobleness of soul, he released an enemy who repaid the kindness by taking the life of the man who befriended him.
Submitted by Michael Tower