A newspaper photo from the Harrisburg Evening News, August 29, 1935, showing the arrest of John Doney by Millersburg Police Chief R. W. Stakley for the murder of Doney’s long-time-friend Michael Barnhart over the right to draw a bucket of water from Barnhart’s well. The photograph was taken by the Wingard Studios of Millersburg.
The story of the murder is told here in two parts citing news articles that appeared in local and regional newspapers. Part 1, presented today, tells of the murder and the arrest of Doney. Part 2, presented tomorrow, tells of the trial, conviction and sentencing of Doney.
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From the Harrisburg Evening News, August 29, 1935 (photo caption):
MURDER CHARGE IS FORMALLY LODGED AGAINST MILLERSBURG MAN of 72
Charges of murder were lodged yesterday afternoon against John Doney, 72-year-old Millersburg resident (right) who is accused by State Police of having shot an killed his friend, Michael Barnhart, 71, also of Millersburg, in a quarrel Tuesday afternoon. Chief of Police R. W. Stakley of Millersburg, who arrested Doney is on the left.
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From the Lykens Standard, August 30, 1935:
LENKERVILLE SEPTOGENARIAN KILLED TUESDAY
Michael Barnhart, 71, Dies Of Gun Shot Wounds Inflicted By Life Long Friend Over Water
State Police Wednesday prepared to lay charges of murder against 72-year-old John Doney of Millersburg, who Tuesday after noon is alleged to have shot and killed his friend, Michael Barnhart, 71, of near Millersburg, in a quarrel that climaxed ill feelings between the pair.
The shooting took place in the yard of Barnhart’s home after the aged men, between whom bad feelings had developed, had quarreled over a bucket of water that Doney sought from Barnhart’s property. Doney was taken to the Harrisburg barracks of the State Police Tuesday night and Wednesday State Police were completing plans to charge the accused man with murder.
Barnhart, a retired farmer, was shot in the left leg by a bullet from a revolver whipped out by Doney at the height of the argument, police say. The bullet severed an artery in the member and Barnhart died from shock and hemorrhage while being taken to the Harrisburg Hospital in an ambulance, Dr. Howard E. Milliken, Dauphin County coroner said.
The date of inquest has not been set, though it is expected that it will be held early next week.
State police were assisted in their investigations by Chief of Police R. W. Stanley of Millersburg, who took the wounded man to the office of Dr. D. E. Hottenstein for first aid treatment. The aged man according to police, said that he sought a bucket of water from Barnhart’s place, but the latter ordered him away. Barnhart, the accused man told police, made an effort to strike him with a stick. The first attempt was futile, but when Barnhart swung again, Doney said he pulled a .38 revolver from his pocket and shot his neighbor.
State police learned that Barnhart had rented a small house about 100 yards from his place to Doney for a few dollars a month and that ill-feelings had developed between the aged neighbors. Barnhart resided about a half mile south of Millersburg.
Funeral services for Mr. Barnhart will be held this morning at 10:30 o’clock from the W. J. Minier Funeral Parlors in Millersburg, the Rev. F. C. Sternat, officiating, with burial in Killinger cemetery. Survivors: three daughters, Mrs. Russel Dressler, Mrs. Fred Romberger, and Miss Esther Barnhart, of Millersburg; and two brothers, George Barnhart of Millersburg, and William Barnhart of Harrisburg.
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From the Gettysburg Times, August 28, 1935:
MAN, 72, KILLS HIS FRIEND, 71
QUARREL OVER BUCKET OF WATER RESULTS IN FATAL SHOOTING TUESDAY
Harrisburg, August 28 [1935] — In an argument Tuesday afternoon over the right to get a bucket of water, John Doney, 72-year-old Millersburg resident is said by state police to have shot and fatally wounded his old friend, Michael Barnhart, 71, near the victim’s home.
Barnhart, a retired carpenter, died on the way to a hospital. Coroner Howard E. Miliken said a bullet entered his left leg severing an artery and that he died of shock and hemorrhage.
State police are holding Doney for questioning.
Until recently Doney and Barnhart have been close friends. Barnhart rented a small house about 100 yards from his place to Doney for several dollars a month. Police said that lately there had been ill feeling between the two and the affair came to a climax Tuesday afternoon when Doney came to Barnhart’s house for a bucket of water.
Says He Is Sorry
State police say that Doney admitted the shooting and said that now he is sorry that he lost his temper. He told police that about 3 p. m. Tuesday ne left his house and started for Barnhart’s to get a bucket of water, when Barnhart ordered him off the place. Doney claimed that Barnhart attempted to strike him with a stick and missed and when he tried to hit him again, he (Doney) puller a .38 calibre revolver from his pocket and shot Barnhart.
The shooting took place in the yard of Barnhart’s home, which is about half a mile south of Millersburg. Harry Silks, a neighbor notified Millersburg Chief of Police R. W. Stakely, who took the wounded man to Dr. D. E. Hottenstein’s office where he was given first aid and then sent to the hospital.
Says He Was Threatened
Silks related how Barnhart came to him in the afternoon just as he came home from work. The victim said that Doney had threatened his life and that he was going to have him arrested, Silks said.
“I had just come home after having the conversation with Barnhart when I heard a shot but paid no attention to it. It was several minutes later that I heard a cry for help and then heard someone moaning. I ran to the front door as my home is near Barnhart’s and saw my neighbor lying on the grass. He told me that Doney shot him so I ran for the Chief of Police and doctor,” Silks declared.
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From the Harrisburg Telegraph, August 29, 1935:
MURDER CHARGE FILED AGAINST MILLERSBURG MAN
Accused of fatally wounding his friend and benefactor during a quarrel late Tuesday afternoon, John Doney, Millersburg, was formally charged with murder yesterday. The charge was brought by Chief of Police R. W. Stakely, Millersburg, before Justice of the Peace H. H. High, Millersburg.
Doney, held at the State Police Barracks, Eighteenth and Herr Streets [Harrisburg], following the death of Michael Barnhart, 71, his next door neighbor, was committed to the Dauphin County Prison today. An inquest in Barnhart’s death will be held Saturday of next week, Dr. Howard E. Milliken, county coroner, announced.
Doney, taken into custody by Chief Stakely and Troopers R. K. Kneis and Leon R. Geiger, yesterday refused to sign a written statement, but they said he admitted slaying Barnhart in an argument which developed over a bucket of drinking water which Doney took from a well on Barnhart’s property.
An autopsy performed last night showed Barnhart died from hemorrhage and shock from a bullet wound of the left leg. Doney said he used a .38 caliber revolver.
Funeral services for Barnhart will be held Friday morning at 10:30 o’clock at the W. J. Minier Funeral Parlors, Millersburg, with the Rev. F. C. Sternat, pastor of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in the Killinger Cemetery.
The body may be viewed tonight after 7 o’clock.
Barnhart is survived by three daughters: Mrs. Russell Dressler, Mrs. Fred Romberger, and Miss Esther Barnhart, all of Millersburg; and two brothers, George Barnhart, Millersburg, and William Barnhart, Harrisburg.
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From the Elizabethville Echo, August 29, 1935:
MILLERSBURG MAN HELD IN FATAL SHOOTING
It was expected that John Doney, 73, of Millersburg would be incarcerated in the Dauphin County jail today, facing charges in connection with the fatal shooting of his friend and landlord, Michael Barnhart, age 69, on Tuesday. The men resided a short distance south of Millersburg, and east of the Millersburg Milling Company plant, between that place and Lenkerville.
Doney, a native of Perry County, had resided in Millersburg the past twenty years. in more recent years he lived in a house which he rented from Barnhart. Because there was no water in the house he rented, Doney was accustomed to get his water from a well on Barnhart’s property.
The alleged shooting, according to police, followed an argument at Doney’s right to procure water. Harry Silks, a neighbor, is said to have been attracted by Barnhart’s cries for help and notified a doctor and Millersburg Chief of Police Stakely.
Barnhart was taken to the office of a Millersburg physician who advised his removal to a Harrisburg Hospital but the wounded man died while being taken to that city.
Dr. Howard E. Milliken, County Coroner, said death was caused by hemorrhage and shock from the wound. Arteries in Barnhart’s leg had been severed by a revolver bullet.
Michael Barnhart was a native of Upper Paxton Township, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Barnhart. His wife died twenty-five years ago, and Mr. Barnhart retired from his vocation as a carpenter a number of years ago.
He is survived by three daughter, Mrs. Russell Dressler, Mrs. Fred Romberger, and Miss Esther Barnhart, all of Millersburg. Six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services will be held from the Minier Funeral Parlors in Millersburg at 10:30 o’clock Friday morning. Rev. F. C. Sternat, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, will officiate and interment will be made in the Lutheran Church Cemetery in Killinger.
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From the Harrisburg Evening News, August 28, 1935:
MAN, 72, FACING CHARGE IN DEATH OF FRIEND, 71
State police today prepared to lay charges of murder against 72-year-old John Doney of Millersburg, who yesterday afternoon is alleged to have shot and killed his friend, Michael Barnhart, 71, of near Millersburg, in a quarrel that climaxed ill feelings between the pair.
The shooting took place in the yard of Barnhart’s home after the aged men, between whom bad feelings had developed only in the last few days, had quarreled over a bucket of water that Doney sought from Barnhart’s property. Doney was brough to the local barracks of the State police last night and today State police were completing plans to charge the accused man with murder.
It is expected that Doney will be given a hearing, after a charge is brought at the close of a coroner’s inquest, to be held probably tomorrow at Millersburg. Doney is now in the Millersburg jail.
Barnhart, a retired farmer, was shot in the left leg by a bullet from a revolver whipped out by Doney at the height of the argument, police say. The bullet severed an artery in the member and Barnhart died from shock and hemorrhage while being taken to the Harrisburg Hospital in an ambulance, Dr. Howard E. Milliken, Dauphin County coroner said.
State police were assisted in their investigation by Chief of Police W. W. Stakley, of Millersburg, who took the wounded man to the office of Dr. D. E. Hottenstein for first aid treatment. They revealed last night that Doney admitted the shooting and that he is sorry he lost his temper. The aged man said that he sought a bucket of water from Barnhart’s place, but the latter ordered him away. Barnhart, the accused man told police, made an effort to strike him with a stick. The first attempt was futile, but when Barnhart swung again, Doney said he pulled a .38 revolver from his pocket and shot his neighbor.
State police learned that Barnhart had rented a small house about 100 yards from his place to Doney for a few dollars a month and that il-feelings had developed between the aged neighbors. Barnhart resided about a half mile south of Millersburg and earlier told a neighbor, Harry Silks, that Doney had threatened him and that he intended to have Doney arrested.
Silks related the story of the shooting, declaring that he had just arrived home after the conversation with Barnhart when he heard a shot. He paid no attention to it, but was soon attracted by a cry for help. “I ran to the front door, as my home is near Barnhart’s, and saw my neighbor lying on the grass. He told me that Doney shot him, so I ran for the chief of police and the doctor,” Silks recalled.
State police said they learned that Doney had been in Lykens earlier in the day, and that he had been drinking there and in Millersburg. Chief of Police Stakley said that two bullets were fired from the revolver, but only one struck Barnhart. He said that he found Doney on the front porch of his home waving the revolver, but the aged man offered him no resistance.
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From the Harrisburg Telegraph, August 28, 1935:
MILLERSBURG MAN IS ACCUSED OF SLAYING FRIEND
Borough Police Chief Gets Confession in Upper-End Shooting
John Doney, 73, Millersburg, last night confessed that in the ebbing years of his life he killed his closest friend and benefactor, 71-year-old Michael Barnhart, Lenkerville. Police Chief R. W. Stakley, Millersburg, obtained the confession.
Doney, taken to the State Police Barracks at Eighteenth and Herr Streets, following the shooting, remained there today while State and Millersburg police delved into every angle of the slaying.
Argument Leads to Shooting
Barnhart, a retired carpenter, was shot late yesterday afternoon, in an argument which developed over Doney’s right to obtain a bucket of drinking water from a well on Barnhart’s property.
Arteries in Barnhart’s left leg were severed by the bullet fired from a .38 caliber revolver. He died while he was being removed to the Polyclinic Hospital. Dr. Howard E. Milliken, county coroner, said death was caused by hemorrhage and shock from the wound.
Friends For Years
Doney and Barnhart were always the best of friends. Relations between the pair became strained Monday after Barnhart is said to have made several remarks about Doney and reached a climax yesterday when Doney went to Barnhart to get a bucket of water. There Barnhart ordered Doney from his property.
Whipping the gun from his pocket, Doney said he shot Barnhart after the latter is alleged to have attempted to hit him with a stick.
The shooting occurred in the yard of Barnhart’s home.
State Troopers Leon R. Geiger and R. K. Knies who with Chief Stakely are investigating, reported that Doney had rented a house from Barnhart for $2 a month, but yesterday went to Lykens and rented another property.
Neighbors Aid Victim
Harry Silks, a neighbor of the two men attracted by the shot and Barnhart’s calls for aid, found Barnhart lying on the grass at his home and summoned Chief Stakley and Dr. D. E. Hottenstein, Millersburg. Silks said Barnhart told him Doney shot him.
Police said Doney at first denied any argument between he and Barnhart and reported he was firing at mark. Later he changed his story after Miss Thelma Erma Zigney, Doney’s housekeeper told her version of the affair, police said.
The aged slayer, she said, never had a revolver and never shot at targets.
Doney offered no resistance when arrested. He was found on the front porch of his home brandishing the revolver from which two shots had been fired. Only one of the bullets struck Barnhart. The other, witnesses said, had been fired aimlessly.
Police today said they will bring a formal charge of murder against Doney following their investigation.
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From the Harrisburg Evening News, August 29, 1935:
AWAITS HEARING IN MAN’S DEATH
Formally charged with murder of his friend, Michael Barnhart, 71, of near Millersburg, during a quarrel, John Doney, 72, also of near Millersburg, is in the Dauphin County Prison awaiting a hearing.
Murder charges were preferred against the aged man yesterday afternoon before Justice of the Peace, H. H. High, of Millersburg, following his completion of an investigation conducted by State Trooper R. K. Knies and Chief of Police R. W. Stakley, of Millersburg. A hearing and an inquest if expected to be held later this week or early next week.
Funeral services for the victim will be held tomorrow morning at 10:30 o’clock at the W. J. Minier Funeral Parlors in Millersburg, with the Rev. F. C. Sternat, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery at Killinger. The body may be viewed at the funeral parlors this evening after 7 o’clock.
Barnhart is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Russell H. Dressler, Mrs. Fred Romberger and Miss Esther Barnhart, all of Millersburg; two brothers, George Barnhart, of Millersburg, and William Barnhart, of Harrisburg,
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News articles from Newspapers.com.
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