Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 September 1878 — An American Family Massacred in Chili. [ARTICLE]

An American Family Massacred in Chili.

Joseph Brower, an American citizen, resided for several years with his family on the productive island of La Mocha, at the mouth of the Tirual river, which he had rented from the Chilian Government. This island is situated in latitude 38 degrees 22 minutes, longitude 3 degrees 22 minutes, and Mr. Brower was rapidly transforming it into a valuable and productive farm. Several varieties of wood, oils and fish were abundant, and were exported and sold not only in Chili, but throughout Peru and South American countries. Two or three vessels were employed constantly by Mr. Brower to carry on his business. He had already imported from the United States steam-engines, sawmills, agricultural implements and numerous other elements of industry to cultivate the land. The island of La Mocha, which, before Mr. Brower’s arrival, was a wild forest and filled with wild beasts, was converted, through Mr. Brower’s energy, into an attractive garden. Mr. Brower was married to a very handsome and accomplished American lady, and was the father of two fine children. Several months ago he went to Chiloe and engaged over 100 natives to work as laborers in his hacienda. The article of diet given to laborers throughout the republic of Chili is a species of beans which is very nutritious, and is grown in abundance in the country. This was the diet offered by Mr. Brower to his men, but the latter were not pleased with it, and demanded potatoes instead. Mr. Brower told them he had none, and, of course, wa« not able to accommodate them. The mob of native barbarians then became violent, and began a furious attack upon Mr. Brower and his defenseless family. He bravely fought for some time, defending the lives of his dear ones, but at last, after killing thirteen of his assailants, he fell a victim with his family to the unjust rage of the assassins. They then plundered the house and carried off every valuable article they found on the island. Seizing one of Mr. Brower’s vessels, they embarked and sailed away for parts unknown. The news of the terrible murder did not reach the city of Chiloe until some days after, but the Governor immediately dispatched an armed vessel after the assassins. The latter, however, had already made good their escape, and will evade arrest altogether, unless the Governor of Chili sends a man-of-war after them.— Santiago paper.