Tragedy at the Plum Depot, 1903: This installment in the Footprints of Fayette is the third in a series dealing with criminal activity in Fayette County. As in all the cases that were previously mentioned, the actions of a few can oftentimes lead to some tragic dilemma for others. In this story, which seems to come right out of some Hollywood western movie, love, jealousy, liquor, and a hot temper all mix together for a sad ending. The main character in this episode is a man named Frank Lowd, who resided in the Plum community. Born about 1864, the son of James and Molly Lowd, the family would be listed as farmers in the 1870 U.S. Census. His father died in 1881, and his mother’s death followed in 1895. Just how much these events had an effect on young Frank is not to be known. However, his life would start to change soon after. Articles in the La Grange Journal give the reader some pertinent information on his character: he became a member of the Plum Baseball Club, was involved in selling real estate, and was active in the Plum community. A dark spot occurred in March 1899 when Frank shot and wounded a man at Plum. He used the reasoning of “self-defense” during his court hearing, but this was just the start of his troubles.
