HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, INDIANA
VOLUME 1
CRIMINAL OCCURRENCES....Page 49
Another circumstance, the more to be lamented, because of
the respectability of the persons engaged, was the killing of Alfred Smith, at
Newton Stewart, on the 26th of January, 1870.
On that day JOSEPH ASBURY DENBO and wife, who lived in Newton Stewart, and who
had not found the marital relations congenial, were separating, and a dispute
arose as to which should have their children. DENBO had succeeded in gaining
possession of them, when Alfred Smith, a brother of Mrs. DENBO, rode up on
horseback.
A number of persons, relatives of bother husband and wife, were taking sides in
the matter; among them were Wesley Shoulders and WASHINGTON ATKINS, on the side
of DENBO, and George A. and Alfred Smith, father and brother of Mrs. DENBO, for
her. In the excitement and quarrel, Alfred Smith is said to have fired three
shots, one of which took effect in DENBO'S hip. Several shots were fired on both sides. Alfred Smith was shot in the back, and from this would death soon
after followed. Both SHOULDERS and ATKINS were tried for the murder of Smith,
but were acquitted. George A. Smith was tried for assault upon Wesley Shoulders,
with intent to kill, and was also acquitted. Mrs. DENBO was afterward granted a
divorce with the custody of the children.
Published by:
Paoli Business and Professional woman's Club
1950