Winfield Massacre
Mass Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Winfield, Kansas
TIME PERIOD
August 13, 1903
VICTIMS
9 confirmed
On August 13, 1903, at approximately 9:00 p.m. in Winfield, Kansas, a mass shooting occurred during a concert held by W.H. Caman and his military band, attended by an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 people. The shooter, 35-year-old Gilbert A. Twigg, opened fire from a nearby alley using a double-barreled shotgun, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and injuries to at least 25 others before he committed suicide. Twigg, a local miller and Army veteran, had a history of personal grievances, as revealed in letters found at his boarding room, which expressed feelings of alienation and a desire for revenge against the community. The incident is noted as a precursor to modern mass shootings and remains a significant event in the history of gun violence in the United States.
Gilbert A. Twigg's actions during the Winfield massacre are often theorized to stem from his mental instability, as he was known locally as "Crazy Twigg" despite being perceived as harmless by his community. Some speculate that his military background and experiences may have contributed to his violent outburst, suggesting a possible link between trauma and his eventual breakdown. Additionally, the indiscriminate nature of the attack has led to discussions about it being a precursor to modern mass shootings, highlighting concerns over societal factors that may lead individuals to commit such acts.
The Winfield Massacre: A Prelude to Modern Tragedy
In the quiet town of Winfield, Kansas, a night meant for music and community turned into one of terror and tragedy. On the evening of August 13, 1903, beneath the dimming summer sky, a violent act unfolded that would etch itself into the annals of American history as an early harbinger of mass shootings.
The Fateful Night
As the clock neared 9:00 p.m., the streets of Winfield buzzed with the eager anticipation of a musical evening. W.H. Caman and his military band were prepared to entertain a crowd that numbered between 2,000 to 5,000 people. The gathering was a quintessential slice of small-town Americana, taking place at the bustling corner of Ninth Street and Main Street. Unbeknownst to the attendees, Gilbert A. Twigg, a 35-year-old former Army veteran, lay in wait in a nearby alley behind the city's Odd Fellows building.
Armed with a 12-gauge Dumoulin & Co. double-barreled shotgun, Twigg emerged from the shadows, unleashing a fusillade of shots into the unsuspecting crowd. The chaos was immediate and devastating. Six individuals succumbed to their injuries on the scene or shortly thereafter, while three more would tragically pass away in the hospital. The violent outburst did not end with these victims, as at least 25 others were wounded in the mayhem.
The carnage came to a grim conclusion when two concert-goers bravely attempted to disarm Twigg. In response, he turned a .32-caliber H&R 6-shot revolver on himself, ending his life with a final, fatal shot.
Gilbert A. Twigg: A Troubled Soul
Gilbert A. Twigg's life story is one marked by service and struggle. Born in Maryland in 1868, Twigg's early years saw him working as a miller and serving his country during the Philippine–American War and the American occupation of Cuba. Before enlisting, he had resided in various locations including Great Falls, Montana, the Territory of New Mexico, and Burden, Kansas. By the time he settled in Winfield, he was employed by Baden Mills and had garnered the nickname "Crazy Twigg." Despite this moniker, many locals regarded him as harmless, agreeable, and industrious.
Yet, beneath this exterior lay a man burdened by personal turmoil. In his boarding room, officers discovered a letter penned by Twigg, addressed to the public. The letter revealed his deep-seated bitterness over a breakup that had occurred nearly a decade prior. It also expressed his yearning to "get even" with the people of Winfield, whom he accused of shunning him and meddling in his affairs. Another letter, dated September 1, 1902, was addressed to a friend in Montana. In it, Twigg lamented his solitary life, writing, "it would have been much better for me if I had gotten married and settled down as you have done—I have no doubt that you are very happy, while I am not."
The Victims
The tragic events of that night claimed the lives of nine individuals, each with their own stories and futures cut abruptly short:
- James Dawson Billiter, 23
- William F. "Bog" Bowman, 55
- Otis Niles Carter, 24
- Roy C. Davis, 15
- Elmer E. Farnsworth, 35
- Sterling Race, 28
- Everett Ridgeway
- Port B. Smith, 19
- Charles Russell Thomas, 32
A Legacy of Violence
The Winfield massacre stands as a chilling precursor to the modern phenomenon of mass shootings. In an era when such violence was uncommon, it shocked the nation and left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness.
The motivations behind Twigg's actions, rooted in personal grievances and perceived injustices, echo eerily in the narratives of many subsequent mass shootings. As such, the tragedy in Winfield serves as a somber reminder of the destructive potential of unresolved personal conflicts and societal alienation.
Sources
For further reading and reference, please consult the following sources:
- Winfield Courier: "Vengeance of a Maniac"
- Ausbcomp.com: "Mass Murder in Winfield in 1903 - Gilbert Twigg"
- BuzzFeed: "How A Forgotten 1903 Killing Spree Became America's First Modern Mass Shooting"
- New York Daily News: "A Twigg Snaps"
- The New York Times: "Twigg Killed Six Men"
These sources provide comprehensive accounts of the events and aftermath of the Winfield massacre.
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Mass Shooting at Concert
Gilbert A. Twigg opens fire at a concert, killing nine.
Twigg Commits Suicide
After shooting, Twigg takes his own life with a revolver.
Initial Reports of Casualties
Reports confirm six dead at the scene, with more injured.
Victims' Funerals
Funerals held for victims, drawing community attention.
Public Outcry
Local newspapers report on the massacre, sparking outrage.
Investigation Findings
Police find letters from Twigg revealing his motives.
Community Vigil
Residents hold a vigil for the victims of the massacre.
Case Closure
Authorities conclude investigation, deeming case closed.
On August 13, 1903, at approximately 9:00 p.m. in Winfield, Kansas, a mass shooting occurred during a concert held by W.H. Caman and his military band, attended by an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 people. The shooter, 35-year-old Gilbert A. Twigg, opened fire from a nearby alley using a double-barreled shotgun, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and injuries to at least 25 others before he committed suicide. Twigg, a local miller and Army veteran, had a history of personal grievances, as revealed in letters found at his boarding room, which expressed feelings of alienation and a desire for revenge against the community. The incident is noted as a precursor to modern mass shootings and remains a significant event in the history of gun violence in the United States.
Gilbert A. Twigg's actions during the Winfield massacre are often theorized to stem from his mental instability, as he was known locally as "Crazy Twigg" despite being perceived as harmless by his community. Some speculate that his military background and experiences may have contributed to his violent outburst, suggesting a possible link between trauma and his eventual breakdown. Additionally, the indiscriminate nature of the attack has led to discussions about it being a precursor to modern mass shootings, highlighting concerns over societal factors that may lead individuals to commit such acts.
The Winfield Massacre: A Prelude to Modern Tragedy
In the quiet town of Winfield, Kansas, a night meant for music and community turned into one of terror and tragedy. On the evening of August 13, 1903, beneath the dimming summer sky, a violent act unfolded that would etch itself into the annals of American history as an early harbinger of mass shootings.
The Fateful Night
As the clock neared 9:00 p.m., the streets of Winfield buzzed with the eager anticipation of a musical evening. W.H. Caman and his military band were prepared to entertain a crowd that numbered between 2,000 to 5,000 people. The gathering was a quintessential slice of small-town Americana, taking place at the bustling corner of Ninth Street and Main Street. Unbeknownst to the attendees, Gilbert A. Twigg, a 35-year-old former Army veteran, lay in wait in a nearby alley behind the city's Odd Fellows building.
Armed with a 12-gauge Dumoulin & Co. double-barreled shotgun, Twigg emerged from the shadows, unleashing a fusillade of shots into the unsuspecting crowd. The chaos was immediate and devastating. Six individuals succumbed to their injuries on the scene or shortly thereafter, while three more would tragically pass away in the hospital. The violent outburst did not end with these victims, as at least 25 others were wounded in the mayhem.
The carnage came to a grim conclusion when two concert-goers bravely attempted to disarm Twigg. In response, he turned a .32-caliber H&R 6-shot revolver on himself, ending his life with a final, fatal shot.
Gilbert A. Twigg: A Troubled Soul
Gilbert A. Twigg's life story is one marked by service and struggle. Born in Maryland in 1868, Twigg's early years saw him working as a miller and serving his country during the Philippine–American War and the American occupation of Cuba. Before enlisting, he had resided in various locations including Great Falls, Montana, the Territory of New Mexico, and Burden, Kansas. By the time he settled in Winfield, he was employed by Baden Mills and had garnered the nickname "Crazy Twigg." Despite this moniker, many locals regarded him as harmless, agreeable, and industrious.
Yet, beneath this exterior lay a man burdened by personal turmoil. In his boarding room, officers discovered a letter penned by Twigg, addressed to the public. The letter revealed his deep-seated bitterness over a breakup that had occurred nearly a decade prior. It also expressed his yearning to "get even" with the people of Winfield, whom he accused of shunning him and meddling in his affairs. Another letter, dated September 1, 1902, was addressed to a friend in Montana. In it, Twigg lamented his solitary life, writing, "it would have been much better for me if I had gotten married and settled down as you have done—I have no doubt that you are very happy, while I am not."
The Victims
The tragic events of that night claimed the lives of nine individuals, each with their own stories and futures cut abruptly short:
- James Dawson Billiter, 23
- William F. "Bog" Bowman, 55
- Otis Niles Carter, 24
- Roy C. Davis, 15
- Elmer E. Farnsworth, 35
- Sterling Race, 28
- Everett Ridgeway
- Port B. Smith, 19
- Charles Russell Thomas, 32
A Legacy of Violence
The Winfield massacre stands as a chilling precursor to the modern phenomenon of mass shootings. In an era when such violence was uncommon, it shocked the nation and left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness.
The motivations behind Twigg's actions, rooted in personal grievances and perceived injustices, echo eerily in the narratives of many subsequent mass shootings. As such, the tragedy in Winfield serves as a somber reminder of the destructive potential of unresolved personal conflicts and societal alienation.
Sources
For further reading and reference, please consult the following sources:
- Winfield Courier: "Vengeance of a Maniac"
- Ausbcomp.com: "Mass Murder in Winfield in 1903 - Gilbert Twigg"
- BuzzFeed: "How A Forgotten 1903 Killing Spree Became America's First Modern Mass Shooting"
- New York Daily News: "A Twigg Snaps"
- The New York Times: "Twigg Killed Six Men"
These sources provide comprehensive accounts of the events and aftermath of the Winfield massacre.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Mass Shooting at Concert
Gilbert A. Twigg opens fire at a concert, killing nine.
Twigg Commits Suicide
After shooting, Twigg takes his own life with a revolver.
Initial Reports of Casualties
Reports confirm six dead at the scene, with more injured.
Victims' Funerals
Funerals held for victims, drawing community attention.
Public Outcry
Local newspapers report on the massacre, sparking outrage.
Investigation Findings
Police find letters from Twigg revealing his motives.
Community Vigil
Residents hold a vigil for the victims of the massacre.
Case Closure
Authorities conclude investigation, deeming case closed.