New Development in Booth Case Coming Soon

[RJNorton]

Thank you to Steve for sending this material. Steve writes, "I have something to post to the Forum. It's pages from an 1895 History of Hood County, Texas. It does mention Finis L. Bates' longshot campaign to get on the "Redeemer" (Anti-Reconstruction) Democratic ticket for Lt. Gov. Of Texas in the 1873 election.

But here's the incredible thing, it actually also mentions John St. Helen 8 years before David E. George would commit suicide! Now it only uses his last name; mentioning St. Helen's attempt, along with an accomplice, to murder a man named James Wray. It's not a full account of the incident, but a brief mention because the author seems to find the duo's inept attempt humorous and because Wray was the son-in-law of one of the first commissioners of Hood County. Also, it does say that St. Helen suffered from asthma and usually spoke softly due to it.