Shot and Killed by Sister-in-Law

Captain Clayton Erb is shot and killed by his sister-in-law, and rumors of his intention to divorce his wife arise after a series of marital issues.

Philadelphia, Oct. 7 - Captain J. Clayton Erb, of the Third regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania, and formerly actuary for Israel W. Durham when he was state insurance commissioner, was shot and killed at his home in, Red Gabies, in Village Green, Delaware county, by his sister-in-law, Catherine Beisel. The shooting came as the climax to a series of domestic troubles which Mr. erb has recently experienced. Captain Erb figured recently in the news because of his marital troubles. He was married a little more than two years, and for several months there had been rumours of their inability to agree. Erb had a negro coachman named Poulson, and Mrs. Erb, declaring that the negro had insulted her, insisted that her husband dismiss him. This Erb refused to do. Mrs. Erb obtained a warrant for the negro’s arrest, and at the hearing the captain befriended the coachman and entered bail for him. Troubles in the Erb home continued, and Captain Erb, it was rumored, announced his purpose to sue for divorce.

“Shot and Killed by Sister-in-Law,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed August 13, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/725.