Assasin's Bullet Ends Life of Joe Kells
Joe Kells was shot and instantly killed by an unknown assassin Wednesday evening about 9:30 o'clock. The tragedy occurred on Paris street, directly in front of the old Cunningham homestead. Only one shot was fired and the bullet from a large caliber revolver entered the back of Kells' head. Death was probably instantaneous. A half hour after the shooting, three Williamstown ladies, Mrs. Cora Hogan, Mrs. Molly Vallandingham and daughter were returning from Dr. Matthews' residence and discovered the body of the murdered man. He was lying in a pool of blood which covered the sidewalk. The space was roped off where the body lay and Col. Mulligan, of Lexington, was at once telephoned to bring his bloodhounds He arrived with the dogs on No. 28 Thursday morning, but they were unable to pick up a scent of the murderer. The body of Kells was not molested after the shooting. His pocket contained money to the amount of about $40.00. Kells had worked Wednesday in John Hall's restaurant, Mr. Hall being away for the day. He went from there to Dr. Matthews and was on his way home from there when the assassin's bullet cut him down.
Kells was engaged with an accident insurance company as collector. His duties consisted of making weekly collections off laboring people, principally negroes, who were insured in his company. Kells lived on Falmouth street in Williamstown. He was a quiet, orderly citizen, 39 years of age, perfectly sober and possessed considerable property. He had never been in trouble of any kind, and if he had an enemy no one knew of it.
He was a son of the late James Kells, who lived in the vicinity of Williamstown all his life. Kells was nominated at the August primary for Assessor by the Republicans. His name will still go on the ballot, as they have already been printed.
Unless the local authorities are able to locate the murderer it is quite likely that Kells' brothers will secure the service of a detective to assist in ferreting out the murderer.
This newspaper
clipping (submitted by Dave Sanders) was found in his wife's grandmother's
trunk. It is apparently from a Williamstown, Kentucky newspaper from 1913.
Her grandmother (Eunice Antrobus Clifford) had handwritten on the clipping
"Was buried Friday Oct. 31, 1913".
Thanks Dave!
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Beulah Wiley Franks
Grant County Coordinator, KY/ALHN