Lewiston, Maine, USA
1903 - HILL TRAGEDY. The Son is Alive and Resting Comfortably - An Operation Will be Performed. THE OLD FATHER BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN INSANE.

The Details of the Sad Affair Which Caused a Sensation Yesterday Morning.

A most shocking double tragedy occurred in Barkerville yester-day morning at 6.35, when Daniel W. Hill shot his son and then turned the weapon on himself and sent a bullet crashing through his brain resulting in instant death. The son, Daniel Hill, will probably live, although his condition is very critical.

Daniel Hill, the son is fifty-two years of age and has a milk route in Lewiston. He was at the breakfast table with his back turned toward the parlor door eating his breakfast preparatory for his drive in town. Ernest Witham the hired man was seated at his left and Mrs. Emma Knowles at the right. Daniel Hill senior was in his room just off the
parlor. It was nothing unusual for him not to take an early breakfast with the rest of the family. The trio at the table were chatting busily, when the parlor door suddenly opened and D. W. Hill appeared with a revolver in his hand. He walked directly behind his son and before any alarm could be given fired.

The muzzle of the 32-cal revolver was very close to his son and the powder burned his coat. The bullet doubtless aimed for the heart, entered directly under the left shoulder blade, but struck a rib and circled to the right side of the body, and not injuring any of the vital organs. Greatly alarmed the hired man and housekeeper
hastened from the room lest the enraged man would kill them. They had scarcely reached the outer door, when a second shot rang out and upon returning they found Daniel Hill, Sr., dead on the parlor floor, where he had fallen the victim of his own hand. The muzzle of the revolver was held very close to his left ear the bullet passing entirely through the head. Death must have resulted instantly.

Dr. Sleeper was quickly summoned and later Dr. Dixon was called, both physicians doing all they could to relive the suffering man. However no operation was performed yesterday, as it was thought advisable to wait until today before probing for the bullet. Coroners McDonough and Teague were summoned immediately after the shooting. City Marshal Wing
was also notified of the tragedy and was one of the first to arrive on the scene. There was little to be done except give care and attendance to the wounded man. The father was dead, the revolver lying at his side. No coroner's inquest was necessary.
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The reason for the rash act is unknown. Daniel Hill Sr., who was 76 years of age had acted strangely for some time although his son entertained no fears. He was naturally a rough spoken man, and of a very stern disposition. He is said to have quarreled and found fault with his son about the way he was running the place and conducting the milk business. Daniel Jr. was patient, according to testimony of his neighbors, and always viewed his father well. He was in the habit so it is alleged of taking a drink quite frequently, and this annoyed the aged father, who had expressed himself that everything was going to rack and ruin.

The revolver with which the deed was committed belonged to the son, and was found by the father only a few days ago. It was in a closet and 'tis reported by an eye witness that when the old gentleman found the revolver he took it down and smiled as he put it in to his pocket and walked into his own room. Nothing however was thought of this, and really no information had been made by the old man of any one that a thought of murder and self-destruction ever entered his head.

The Hills, who reside on a good farm just above the State Fair grounds, are said to be well-to-do people. The younger man has many friends and acquaintances in Lewiston, and is well liked by all. His father had given him considerable trouble in different ways for some time past, and it is now thought that the old gentleman's mind was unsound and that he had been gradually failing mentally for a year or more. At a late hour last night Daniel Hill Jr. was very comfortable and will probably recover. An operation will be performed today, and an attempt made to extract the bullet.

The Lewiston Daily Sun
Lewiston, Maine
Tuesday, December 8, 1903

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