Joe Irby Murder 1899

CARBONDALE FREE PRESS, Saturday, September 23, 1899

A murder was committed at Rock Creek, Hardin County, (Illinois), last Saturday week. James W. Patton, an influential and prominent farmer of the county, killed Joe Irby, his hired hand, by striking him on the head with a piece of timber. The deed was the outcome of a drunken row, both parties being under the influence of liquor.