Albert B. Sheldon

Albert
B.
Sheldon
died Aug. 4, 1885
Aged 21 Years
Weep Not,
I Am At Rest
SHELDON
Sheltered and
Safe
From Sorrow
__________
Erected by his
Brother
__________
Rest
Darling Brother
Rest
1886

Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales

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A FEARFUL HOMICIDE.

Last Tuesday evening about 8 o'clock, Mike Niland, a painter of this city, went to his house on the bluff and inquired of his wife the whereabouts of Albert Sheldon, a young man aged 21 years, who has been living at Niland's for the past three years, whereupon Sheldon it is said, came into the hall in response to the call, when Niland without warning drew a pistol and shot him in the breast. The young man fled, pursued by Niland who shot him twice in the back before he reached a Mexican house across the street, where Sheldon took refuge and into which Niland followed and shot him again in the breast. The unfortunate man lived about an hour during which time he suffered in great agony, and made a statement about as above, saying that he did not know why Niland shot him. Niland came down town and was arrested by policeman Brennan who carried him to jail. The funeral of the dead man took place the following day from the residence of Mr. W. G. Holden. The cause of the killing, or murder, it is said, is that Sheldon had talked about and slandered Niland's wife, or Niland was told that he had. So many rumors being afloat as to the cause of the killing it is difficult to sift out the exact facts. It is a matter of general regret that it should have occurred for the sake of the parties concerned and for the reputation of our otherwise quiet and peaceful town. The Caller withholds comment until sworn testimony is heard in court. Niland has been indicted by the grand jury and the case set for Monday, Aug. 17th. A special venire of over a hundred men has been summoned.

Source: Corpus Christi Caller, August 9, 1885, p. 5, col. 2

Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell

Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission