Winfred Blosser was fatally stabbed in the heart by Harry Duff of Pittsburg. Duff was a boarder at the Blosser home. While drinking he used language offensive to young Blosser’s mother and sister.  When the 20-year-old Blosser went outside to tell Duff to tone down his language, an intense argument led to Duff stabbing Blosser.

Duff attempted to escape while being pursued by police officer Gene Curtis to the riverbank vicinity. Curtis was able to track Duff down arresting him and transporting Duff to the city jail.   Several days later angry locals gathered near the jail creating concern that a lynching was about to take place.  Duff was quickly taken to the county jail in Wellsburg where more security was available.  During October Duff went on trial at Wellsburg on a first degree murder charge.   He was sentenced to life. 

• Follansbee Review, June 16, 1916, front page.
• Follansbee Review, “Duff Gets Life in Pen,” October 6, 1916, front page.