GORMAN, TOM-news article
NOTE. Much
is written on Tom Gorman, this news article only covers the basic facts in the
tragic death. His wife Maggie McClellan
Gorman was found not guilty, James Gorman, is another story. See the book “Goodbye, Judge” Lynch by John
W. Davis.
Enterprise
no. 31 June 21, 1902, page 10
Murder Near Hyattville
It's pretty difficulty to have the
mind realize that a wife, bound by sacred ties, and a natural brother would be the
parties to the murdering of a husband and brother, but unless all the
circumstances surrounding the taking off of Tom Gorman are at fault, such is the case in
the latest and most cruel murder in Big Horn County. The deceased lived and had
a ranch on Brokenback creek, about forty miles from Basin,
his household consisting of himself, wife and younger brother, James Gorman. Sometime since the older brother noticed a suspicious fondness
between his wife and James and having this belief strengthened by neighbors'
talk he drove him away. A few months since however, he returned and has
since made his home with Tom. It would appear that the deceased became convinced
that unlawful relations were maintained between the guilty pair and frequent quarrels
resulted. Mrs. Gorman and James finally decided to commit the foul deed that ended
in taking the life of husband and brother, and fleeing together to distant parts.
The dastardly crime must have been committed several days since. Tom Gorman's
disappearance from his usual haunts excited the suspicion of his neighbors and
they decided to notify the authorities. The guilty pair having received knowledge
of this action packed
up a greater portion
of the household goods, including provisions and bedding, left the place before Sheriff Hale's arrival.
This official, after a careful search discovered the body about 100 yards from
the house. An attempt bad been made to conceal the crime by burning the body
and it was hardly recognizable. The sheriff instantly sent word to Dept. Sheriff
Frank James and that official started in pursuit. After considerable hard
riding the deputy hit their trail and finally closed in on them about daylight
near Lone Tree about half way between here and Basin. Gorman was disposed to
offer resistance but a glance in the barrel of a gun behind which was the determined
countenance of Dept. James convinced him that such a
course was foolish. The outfit consisting of two double teams, a wagon and buggy, were turned around for Basin, Gorman being locked up
and his partner in crime being closely guarded.
The coroner, Dr. Hale, had a jury summoned and after hearing what evidence
was obtainable returned a verdict that the deceased came to his death by being
beaten to death with a blunt instrument by unknown parties. This verdict in the
absence of direct evidence was the only one that could be rendered. There is not
the possibility of doubt but the parties in custody committed the frightful
crime.
Cody Enterprise.
In addition to the above information
has been received that the little daughter of the murdered man is also missing.
When the man and woman hurriedly left the scene of their crime the little girl
was taken with them but when arrested she was not to be found. The fear is
entertained that she was pushed from the wagon and was drowned in the Big Horn river.
NOTE. It was later shown that there
was no daughter present when they were arrested near what is present day
Emblem,