Troy Times

October 6, 1853 

MURRAY, JOHN ELLIS - Another Tragedy - Another murder took place yesterday afternoon on George between Race and Elm streets.  The particulars as we learn them are as follows: A few months since a man named John Ellis Murray succeeded in enticing a young female named Elizabeth Clay, to elope with him to this city, promising to marry her after they arrived here.  By misrepresentations, as is alleged, he postponed the marriage from day to day, and then from week to week, and a few days since began to taunt her as not being a true woman.  Again promising most solemnly to marry her the next day, he managed to seduce her, and returned to his boarding house.  For several days she did not see or hear from him and began to make inquires as to his whereabouts.  She yesterday learned that on Friday night last, he had married a female named Mary Brandon, and that they were residing in the basement of a house on George between Race and Elm streets.  Procuring a pistol she proceeded to the house, and knocking at the door was admitted by Murray's wife.--Murray who was seated in one corner of the room, rose much agitated, and demanded what she wanted in his house.  She inquired the cause of his desertion and marriage to another female.  He replied that he had a right to do as he pleased and wished her to leave his presence.  Just as he was approaching her, evidently for the purpose of compelling to to leave the house, she drew her pistol and fired; the ball entered his head, and he fell a corpse at her feet.  She then went out and told some of the citizens what she had done and requested them to show her to the Watch House, that she might give herself up.  The citizens went with her to the watch house, where she gave herself up, and was lodged in one of the cells.  Her examination will probably take place to-day.  The Coroner held an inquest, and returned a verdict in accordance with the above facts.--Cin. Gaz.