KILLING AT FARMERS BRANCH

THEOPHILUS VANLANDINGHAM SHOT AND KILLED JOHN L. LANGFORD YESTERDAY

THE LATER WAS A FARM HAND

The Slayer Admitted to Bail by Justice Blewett-Vanlandingham's Version of the Killing

Yesterday morning Deputy Sheriff Sloan Lewis received a telephone message from Farmers Branch, saying that a farmer named T. Vanlandingham had shot and killed a man named John L. Langford. Later he received news that Justice C. H. Blewett of Richardson had inquested the remains and after hearing the evidence placed the bond of Vanlandingham at $500. He furnished sureties and was released.
Mr. Robert Eaton, a well-known farmer, who resides in the neighborhood of Farmers Branch, said to a News reporter last evening:
"I knew both men and do not believe there is a jury in Dallas county that will ever convict the slayer. Langford was a Tennessean, and has a wife back in the old state. At least he told me that a woman who bears his name was left behind when he came to Texas. A Dallas undertaker took charge of the remains and interment will take place to-day. Vanlandingham has lived in Dallas county for many years and is will-liked by his neighbors.

Another Account

Farmers Branch, Tex., Aug. 2- Theophilus Vanlandingham shot and instantly killed J. L. Langford, his hired man, at the home of the former, two miles from this place, at 6:30 a.m.  Immediately after shooting he rode a half mile over to J. A. Sullivans and surrendered and delivered to Mr. Sullivan his weapons, a shotgun and pistol.
Justice of the Peace C. H. Blewett was telephoned to and came over from Richardson, accompanied by Constable Stratton, to hold an Inquest. Testimony at the inquest brought out the fact that it was a case of family affairs. Also that Langford was shot three times in the breast, face and shoulder. On his person was found a pistol and six cartridges, also $3.15 in money. He was a man of about 25 years and a native of Tennessee, though he has been in this country several years.
Vanlandingham was released on $500 bond, pending an investigation by the grand jury...
Vanlandingham has lived here for fifteen years and has always been considered peaceable.

The Dallas Morning News - August 3, 1898
Submitted by Edward Lynn Williams