The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-01-10
A Doctors Quarrel.

In regard to the killing of II. X. Knott
at Benton, Ohio, the evidence before the
Coroner's jury elected the following facts
substantially:
There has been very bitter feeling,
growing, no doubt, out of professional
rivalry, between the parties. DIR. Knott,
the murdered man, has resided in Benton
about three years. DR.. f. II. Knapp
came to Benton in June last, and com
menced the practice of medicine, board
ing at the hotel. Trouble commenced at
once, and slanderous stories were circu-
lated. About three weeks ago very vio-
lent words passed between the parties,
DR.. Knott's wife taking very active
part. Some fresh prOvocation occurred
yesterday between IL and o'clock p.
NJ, and DR.. Knapp went and got a double
barreled shotgun and started for the resi-
dence of DR.. Knott. On his way one of
the barrels was accidentally discharged.
DR.. Knott was at the house of near
neighbor, whom he had not found at
home, and was returning with his hat
drawn over his eyes, sauntering rather
carelessly along, eating peanuts, and
using his penknife to open them. DR..
Knapp passed and repassed the house,
and then, turning in,o the alley, came upon
the Doctor, and, leveling the gun when
some twelve or fifteen feet off, shot him,
the charge striking and cutting off one
of his fingers and mangling his thumb,
passing into the body above the navel.
He then dubbed the gun, striking him
over the head and breaking his skull,
exclaiming, "There! you shoot at me
again, will youl" He then turned back,
and, in passing the house of his victim,
saw Mrs. Knott in the door, and drew
the gun up, threatening to shoot her. He
then went to his office, where he remained
until arrested by the officer, who lodged
him in the ,jail at this place.
In company with Col. j. w. Shaw, who
is personally acquainted with the prison
er, the reporter called at the Jail last
night and through the kindness of Sher-
if Tritch, was admitted. He appeared
quite communicative and justified him.
self, asserting that he committed the act
in sclf-defence; that he had been ma
ligned and traduced, his steps logged
and his life threatened; that on the day
of the killing, about noon, while on the
way from the stable to bis office, in pass
ing DR.. Knots house, Knott had come
out, fired his revolver, and. told him that
he intended to kill him she next time
they met; that he started to visit a pa
tent, taking the gun with him; that DR..
Knott intercepted him, threatened to
shoot his heart out, and rushed toward
him, putting his hands to his pocket, AS
if craving weapon, and that in fear OF
his life he shot him. He had been so
maligned and slandered that he was al
most frenzied. He was born in Mecca,
Trumbull county, in 1880, where his
father still resided. Had studied medi-
cine in the office of DR.. Bradley, of
Johnston; had gone West, where he re-
manned until the breaking out of the
war, when he returned to Oaio and en-
listed in the 2d Ohio Cavalry, and was
transferred to the 9th Ohio Cavalry; had
spent S, me time in rebel prisons; was
married, but his wife was dead; had
daughter living, who was married. Here
he broke down and wept bitterly, regret
ting, on her account, the position in which
he was placed. We give his version OF
the affair in justice to him, though the
evidence before the Coroners jury places
the matter in different light Court
convenes on the Sd of next month, when
his trial will take place. 1t is sad at
fair.-Cmcinnah co. Gazette.