Murder of Thomas Clinton Beebe

On October 9, 1891, 24-year-old Thomas Beebe had difficulty with cows destroying his corn on his land near Woodland, Washington. He confronted Robert Day's son about the cattle's destruction. During the argument, Thomas smacked Robert's son's face. At the time Robert was out hunting.

When Robert returned his son told him of the argument. After dinner, Robert confronted Thomas at his camp about 3/4's of a mile away from Robert's Ranch. He found Thomas and his cousin David Beebe

Robert confronted Thomas about slapping his son and asked him to walk down the road to talk. Thomas did not deny that he smacked his son. Robert having met the fork in the road that leads to his home he turned around with his gun a Winchester. He shot and killed Thomas without hesitation. The bullet went through his right side and exited through his left going through both of his lungs.  Robert spoke to David roughly and asked him if he also wanted som.

David fled the scene after the gun didn't discharge. David was able to get authorities. Robert fled into the woods and attempted to flee authorities. He was caught the next morning from authorities. A lynch mob came for Robert, but the constable prevented him from being taken.

Robert claimed that the boys were acting as if they were going to attack him. In defense, he shot Thomas.  Robert went to trial and was convicted of the murder on December 16, 1891.

While in prison on December 17 Robert attempted suicide by slashing his arm just below the elbow. He used a knife given to him for his meals. On February 4, 1892, the judge issued the warrant for his execution. On Feb. 28th

On June 3, 1892, Robert was set to hang in Kalama. He was Catholic and before he was sent to hang he talked to Father Kearnes of La Center. When on the Scaffolds he stated that he had remorse for taking a life for which he had to forfeit his own and that he forgave those who sinned against him and hoped those he sinned would do the same. He then stated that he was innocent of the murder he was charged with. He also asked the crowd to take care of his wife and kids.

He was hanged at 11:13 a.m. and his death was instant. They let him hang for 13 minutes before being pronounced dead and another 5 before being cut down and his body turned over to the family.


SOURCES:
Spokane Chronical October 13, 1891
The Seatle Post-Intelligencer December 17, 1891
The Spokesman-Review February 4, 1892
The Seatle Post-Intelligencer  June 4, 1892 (part 1)
The Seatle Post-Intelligencer  June 4, 1892 (part 2)
The Spokesman-Review June 9, 1892
Chicago Tribune January 1, 1893