Bolton, Vermont, USA
1898 - ATTEMPTED MURDER. Two Bolton Young Men Disagree on a Ball Game.

BOLTON, Sept. 7. - There was great excitement in this quiet town yesterday when it was known that Edward Lackyard, 24, had stabbed James McCabe, 22, in a dispute over a game of ball at West Bolton. The affair took place at the town meeting.

Little groups of voters were gathered shortly after dinner discussing politics. McCabe and Lackyard were in one group and are said to have disagreed although no one thought of serious trouble. Sheriff Hall, who was close by, had turned to walk away when he heard someone cry, "Look out for that knife" and turning, he was just in time to see Lackyard plunge a large pocket knife into the right side of McCabe's neck, and throwing off his coat and vest, start to run. One or two of the by-standers cared for McCabe and the remainder started in pursuit of the attempted murderer. The sheriff started also, and catching the prisoner with the help of the crowd, hustled him into a wagon and started with the horse upon a keen run for Burlington, followed by the excited crowd. Threats of "lynch him" "string him up" and "get a rope" followed the sheriff and it was only his quick decision and presence of mind that got the man away from the crowd and perhaps saved a lynching.

Lackyard is said to have been under the influence of liquor and bears a most undenyable reputation in Bolton, where he was born.

McCabe was alive at last accounts and may recover.

St Albans Daily Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
September 7, 1898

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