The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress

Murder of J. T. Orton

They left Mr. Lamson’s at 5 P.M., and at 7:30 P.M. a messenger came, informing us of a brutal attack that had been made on Mr. Orton by some unknown person, in his own barn, while caring for his horses. We hastened to the place, and found that he had been cruelly beaten over the head with an iron-bound cartstake, and was unconscious. He died at 12:35 that night. To this day it is unknown who committed the cruel deed. It certainly was not done for money, as his pocket was untouched, as was also his purse, which contained $45. This was a heavy shock to Mrs. Orton, from the effects of which she never recovered. Her bodily health rapidly failed, and she did not long survive her husband. GSAM 381.3