Johnson Hartman

Two men living in the southern part of this county by the name of Chas. Brush and Johnson Hartman purchased a plow in partnership. Hartman had used the plow more than was liked by Brash, so he concluded to take it home, and with the assistance of a couple of men do so. Hartman called at the residence of Brash and asked for the plow. He was told to go and take it, but on finding it, he discovered that Brash had taken his half interest of the plow off, whereupon Hartman returned to the house, and standing in the door, drew his revolver on Brash and demanded the parts he took from the plow. Brash, having no way of getting out of the house, saw that his only chance lay in defending himself, and he snatched his revolver and shot Hartman, killing him almost instantly. He was brought before a justice of the peace, and it being proven that he committed the murder in self defense, he was discharged.

This article was found in the Walnut Valley Times, May 17, 1872. Another shorter article referring to the same incident was found in the Topeka, Kansas, Daily Commonwealth, for the same day.

In the "Weekly Oskaloosa Daily Herald" for May 30, 1872 this was found. "R. P Baron informs us that word was received here a few days since of the death of 'Jonce' Hartman, formely of this county (Mahaska), who went to Kansas last year. He went with a Dutchman from near Montezuma, and reports say, Hartman accused the other of stealing a plow, and in the altercation the Dutchman shot and killed him."