Special Dispatch to the Standard.

Springdale, Mont., Nov. 9—One of the most deplorable tragedies that was ever enacted in this portion of the state occurred at Springdale, a point 20 miles east of Livingston, at 6:15 o’clock tonight, when Sheriff Young of Park county was shot down and instantly killed by a cowardly thug, and his under sheriff, Frank Beller, was fatally wounded. 

The cowardly deed was done while the officers were performing their official duties, and as a result George Young, Park county’s most efficient and popular sheriff, lies cold in death in the little waiting room in this station not a dozen feet from where he fell, while in an adjacent room his under sheriff tosses upon a cot, fatally wounded.  It is a scene that would drive most men to seek revenge, and the men who make up the posse now being sent out from this point wore a determined look and will undoubtedly give the fleeing man a hot chase. 

A Veritable Brute

The shooting was done by one whose mission, it seems, is to take human life, for without doubt the party who so cowardly shot down those officers is none other than he who shot Beaver at Logan last night.  Sheriff Young and his under-sheriff had gone to Springdale for the purpose of arresting a party, who it was believed, and was wanted for the shooting of Beaver.  On their arrival at Springdale they were shot down while attempting to carry out their official duty. 

About noon today a stranger wandered slowly into the Springdale station and lounged about the waiting room several hours; in fact, until the tragedy occurred.  He appeared very uneasy, and at times would drop off into a nervous sleep.  Suddenly he would awaken and throw his hand to his hip pocket, where he carried a large modern revolver.

Word Sent Out 

The man’s actions aroused the suspicions of Station Agent Carney, who, having heard that a murder had been committed at Logan, thought that possibly this man might be the guilty party.  He wired Logan for a description and on its arrival he was well satisfied the sleeping man was the guilty fellow.  He reported the fact that the description tallied and, in turn, Sheriff Young was requested by the sheriff of Gallatin county to make the arrest.

About 4 o’clock this afternoon he and Under Sheriff Beller started from Livingston in a private conveyance and reached Springdale at about 6:10.

 When the Sheriff Arrived

Sheriff  Young immediately went to Station Agent Carney, who at that time was eating dinner in his living rooms, adjoining the station, for a more complete description of the man who was wanted.  On securing the information he returned to the waiting room but could not pick out his man from the four or five that were gathered about the stove.  He then went back to Carney and stated that he could not locate the man.

Mr. Carney then left the table and accompanied the sheriff to the waiting room.  On passing down the depot platform Mr. Carney noticed the desperado standing next the railroad track, and on arriving within the depot he so informed the sheriff, who, in company with Under Sheriff Beller, immediately passed outside and approached the man standing, in the darkness, just on the outer edge of the platform.

Beller Was Hit First

The two officers had gone only a few feet from the door when the desperado opened fire on them.  Under Sheriff Beller was struck with the first shot and in a moment the desperate stranger turned his deadly fire on the sheriff who by this time had advanced to within a few feet of him with handcuffs in his hand.  He was going steadily forward when the fatal shot was fired.  The sheriff reeled and fell heavily to the depot platform.

Although fatally wounded, Under Sheriff Beller followed the fleeing man down the platform and fired at him as he passed out of sight in the darkness. The dead sheriff was carried into the waiting room, pending arrangements for taking his body back to his home at Livingston. 

All Livingston Aroused

The news of the tragedy was immediately telephoned to Livingston where it created the greatest excitement.  A posse of nearly 100 men was organized within a few minutes and departed for the scene of the shooting on the evening train.

After the Assassin

On the arrival of the train the greatest activity prevailed.  Sentinels were posted at every point and every avenue of escape closely watched.  Posses were organized under the management of John M. Conrow and Deputy Sheriff Woodhams.

County Attorney Miller was on the ground and personally directed the work of sending out messages and instructions in reference to cutting off the retreat of the fleeing man.  Posses were organized at Big Timber and hunters were sent in every direction.  It is a bright moonlight night and it is believed he cannot escape. Coroner Leard held an inquest tonight over the remains of Sheriff Young, and a verdict was rendered in accordance with the above facts.

Straight to the Heart

Sheriff Young was shot directly through the heart.  The desperado’s fire was very effective.  The first shot probably fatally wounded Under Sheriff Beller, while the second shot did the awful work of killing Sheriff Young.  The other two shots were fired at random, probably for the purpose of frightening away those who would attempt to follow.  The remains of Sheriff Young have been placed on a westbound freight to be taken to his home at Livingston. 

He Was a Brave Man

The violent death of Sheriff Young will bring sorrow to many a home in this portion of the state.  He was an efficient officer, and was greatly respected by all.  He settled in Livingston more than 18 years ago, and for more than 12 years he had held responsible positions in Park county. At the time of his death he was grand master of the Ancient Order of United Workmen for Montana.

In Full Pursuit

It is believed that a posse operating near Big Timber has got track of the desperado.  But a moment ago the following dispatch was received here from Big Timber, addressed to H. J. Miller: “Deputy challenged a man two miles west of town.  The deputy was fired upon.  He returned the fire.  A running fight occurred between the deputies and the fugitive, who escaped.  Kellogg, in the charge of 20 deputies, believes they have him surrounded.”  This was signed by Deputy Sheriff George Hatch.
The officers have been very alert since the moment the shooting began, and it seems impossible for the murderer to escape.

The Crime at Logan

The assassin of Sheriff Young is believed to be, beyond a doubt, the desperado who, at an early hour Wednesday morning, shot a man named Beaver in the freight yard at Logan. At the time Beaver was robbed of $8 and was left for dead.  When discovered he was extremely weak, but he was able to give a general description of the man who shot him.

Born in Fredericton, N.B., April 2, 1856, George T. Young became a resident of the United States.  He lived three years in Minneapolis and, starting out for Montana, he overtook the Northern Pacific railway construction at Glendive, in 1880.  He followed the road westward.  When the city of Livingston was incorporated, he was appointed city marshal and was afterward elected to that office.  He became sheriff of Park county in 1894 and held that office without interruption till the day of his death.  In 1879 Mr. Young married Miss Carrie Shaw of Delno, Minn.  He leaves four children.

The Anaconda Standard
Anaconda, Montana
November 10, 1900