The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-08
NOW I'VE GOT YOU!"
New Hoboken Sensational Ferry Mas
ter Shot by q Relative While Fondling
the Child Of the Latter.

New Hoboken Sensational Ferry Mas
ter Shot by q Relative While Fondltng
the Child Of the Latter.
Scarcely had the excitement ever the discovery
OF the Elysian Field mystery in Hoboken began to
abate when another sensation is produced, which
was the exciting subject of remark in the city
across the river yesterday. Fortunately for the
victim, as well as the wouldbe murderer tire d.
rection Of the ball was such that when 1t went
upon its mission 10 took an oblque direction and
penetrated'n no vital part.
1t seems that about halfpast ten yesterday morn
ing officer Hoyes Of the Hoboken force, who was
on post on Washington street, heard cries OF MUIR
der from women on the doorstep OF a three-story
and basement brick house on Willow street, near
Eleventh, and, hurrying thther, ne entered the
house and arrested John II. Berthon, aged about
thirty-two, who, a few minutes before had at
tempted the life OF John Eberhardt, one OF the old
est ferrymasters In the employ OF the ferry COM
pany. The circumstances Of the attempted murder
are briefly these. Berthon Is married to the niece
OF Mr.. EDerhardt who is better known in the city
as Fat jack" who weighs 3l2 pounds. The police
say that Berthon, who is worthless drunkard,
has boarded with his wife's uncle for years, and
although capable Of earning an honest living as
journeyman cigar maker, has neglected the mem
bers oil ms family, who Tor eight years have been
supported principally by EDerhardt. day or two
ago the latter demonstrated with Berthon upon
his reckless habits, and told him he had better
spend his money la paying his board than in dlssi-
patton. This remark seemed To annoy BerthoH,
who, however, made no threats.
AT the hour named yesterday morning Eberhardt
was lying, the police say. on his bed, playing with
one Of Berthofi's children, when the prisoner en-
tered the room, and, without any warning, drew
small smith Wesson pistol, aud remarkIng, NOW
I've got yOup' discharged 1t. The ball struck Eber-
harat ON the forehead, and penetrating to the
skull, passed around Oh its exterior and lodged
over the right ear, where 1t was found, and from
which IL was extracted by DR.. COngd0n. Eber-
bardt on being shot, arose from the bed quickly,
and, rushing upon the man. dlsarined
ana held him until some OF the wo-
men, including Berthofrs wife, hearing the
report OF the weapon, came in, and, giving the
alarm, turned him over to the police. The prisoner
was taken to the Washington street station house,
where he was held 10 await tue result OF Eber-
hardt's injuries To the police he declined to give
an explanation OF the cause except that 1t grew
out OF domestic difficulties DIR. COngdon was sum-
moned to attend the wounded man, aud removed
the ball, which had taken circular course around
the skull under the scalp. There were no signs OF
the skull having been fractured. and 1t is probable
that Eberhardt will be out in few days II
he has careful medical attendance and
uuietude. He IL well known In HoDokeD, and
everybody speaks Of him as an ino1ensiNe man,
who was popular with all the citizens and railway
onicias. The police say that Berthon boarded with
| Eberhardt, but in the following statement, made
| by the former to a reporter he Claims that the
| wounded man boarded with ms family. HIS state
| ment Is that he married niece oil koerhardt In
| 1854 and about eighteen months ago they went TO
live In inc above house with Eberhardt the latter
| boarding with his wife, Twice he had been com
PEELED to leave his home The fact That he had
| four children almost set him wild at being COM
PEELED to part with them. lie ran into the room,
| saying, "iou have ruined me and my family"
Ebernardt then tried TO put him out OF the room,
when he drew the pistol and fired. lie then went
OF the police. lie stated IN conclusion that he did
not care what became VI him now.