TWO ATROCIOUS UXORICIDES

      In the year 1857, two most atrocious wife murders were committed on territory adjacent to Clay County—one in Owen, the other in Putnam County.  On the 24th day of February, Adam Kiefaber assaulted and killed his wife with an ax at the family home……..He then committed suicide by shooting himself.  This double tragedy was supposed to have been perpetrated in a desperate fit of jealousy bordering upon dementia, done in the presence of the family.

     On the 10th day of April, just three weeks after their marriage, Alexander Mullinix killed his wife by the use of the fire-shovel as the weapon of death, at their home, near Manhattan, for the reason that she persisted in her privilege and desire to join the church.  The cause of the State of Indiana versus Alexander Mullinix, instituted in the Putnam circuit court, was venued to Clay County and the accused tried, convicted and sentenced for a term of years within the year that the crime was committed.  Pg. 408; Travis, Vol. I

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