Hopkins Co TX , Chris Vandergiff obituary From: June E. Tuck 1224be@neto.com> ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitted, and contact the listed USGENWEB archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGENWEB Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** Chris Vandergriff - Monday morning, Dec. 6, 1916, about 8:30 o’clock, Tom Adams, a prominent farmer residing 6 miles west of Sulphur Springs, in Gafford Chapel community, shot and mortally wounded Chris Vandergriff, age 28, who, up to a year ago, resided in the same neighborhood. The shooting occurred at the southwest entrance of the county courthouse. An automatic shotgun loaded with No. 3 squirrel shot was the weapon used. Two shots were fired; the first struck the left arm of the victim and tore the flesh from the upper part of the member; the second struck him in the back, slightly to the left of the center and tore almost through the body. Vandergriff lived only a few minutes, expiring without regaining consciousness. Immediately after the shooting Adams surrendered to Sheriff Butler, making the statement that he regretted to be forced to kill a man but in this instance it was unavoidable, since Vandergriff had wronged his daughter. He waived examining trial before Justice Sellers and bond was set at $5,000. Which was immediately given. All participants of the tragedy are well known. Vandergriff was prominently connected and up to a year ago resided in the Gafford Chapel community where he lost his wife by death. Monday morning, Adams drove into Sulphur Springs. He brought his shotgun as he contemplated a hunting trip. When driving past the courthouse he observed Vandergriff near the steps at the south-western entrance. Alighting from his buggy, he started towards him with the gun in his hands. Vandergriff saw him approaching and started up the courthouse steps. He was about half way up when the shot was fired which struck his left arm. With a cry of agony he made a dash toward the door. Just as he reached it the second and fatal shot was fired. Vandergriff’s body was taken in charge by undertakers Murray and Wester and prepared for burial. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, interment occurring at Gafford Chapel cemetery. Adam’s examining trail has been set for Dec. 12th. (Sulphur Springs Gazette, Dec. 8, 1916) .