Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1879-11-23
A DOUBLE TRAGEDY.
Bob. Brown and John Chamberlain XIII
Each Other at Shipley's Ranch.
THE DIFFICULTY SUPPOSED To
HAVE RESULTED FROM A DIS.
PUTE ABOUT A WOOD
RANCH.
History of the Trouble and the AM
tecedents OF the Men.

At about 2 o'clock last evening Assessor
knight received a telegram from a friend
at Pine Station, on the line OF the E. x P,
Railroad, stating that Bob Brown and
John Chamberlain were both lying dead at
Shipley's old ranch, and requesting him to
send down the Sheriff and Coroner. The
dispatch contained no other particulars.
Both Of the men being well-known in Eu-
reka, the news Of the tragedy created a pro-
found sensation here, and was the main
topic of discussion about the saloons and
business houses until late hour last night.
In the absence Of full particulars it is sup
posed That the killing resulted from a dis
pute regarding the ownership and posses
sion of a wood ranch. 1t is further in
ferred, and we have no doubt correctly,
that the men engaged in a shooting scrape
which terminated fatally to both.
HISTORY OF THE RANCH TROUBLE.
Mr.. Shipley owned the ranch originally,
aud sold it to Geo. A. Hill, Of San Fran
cisco. Hill placed Chamberlain in charge
II the property. For a long while Cham
berlain had been bothered by Jumpers,
who endeayored to get possession Of GER
tain portions of the ranch. The Hill claim
embraced certain meadow land, and also a
timber tract. Chamberlain was q brave
man, and used his best eudeayors to pro-
tect the interests of his employer. Parties
first jumped a portion OF the meadow land,
erecting thereon a temporary cabin. This
occurred some weeks ago, and a shooting
scrape and the burning Of the cabin figured
among the results. Chamberlain and
George Ham participated in that trouble.
They were arrested and tried before Judge
Cyomer, who held them in bonds OF 81, 900
each to answer to the next Grand jury of
Eureka county.
BOB BROWNS CLAIM.
1t appears that Bob Brown had set a
claim to a portion OF the meadow land in
cluded in the Hill tract. Whether his
claim was a valid one, or whether he 3D.
peared in the role Of a jumper, we have not
been advised, but certain it is that his right
TO the premises was contested by Cham
berlain, as the agent OF Hill. Brown left
Eureka Friday at about noon, telling par
ties, AS we are informed, that he was going
down to take possession OF the timber land
in controversy. There can hardly be a
question that this is what led to the killing.
Both Brown and Chamberlain are said to
have been men who were not afraid to use
= six-shooter, and it is supposed that when
they met they went at each other with a
determination that the work should be
complete. The ranch is situated over the
mountain east OF Pine Station, and about
ten miles distant. Hence it was impossible
for the SENTINEL to get details by telegraph
last night, further than the information
contained In the brief message 10 Assessor
Knight.
A~NrEcEDESTs OF THE MEN.
Robert Brown had been a teamster in
this section for several years. He was re-
garded as a game man, rather inclined to
court than to shun danger. He was a
member OF the Sheria's posse at the time
the iYe italian coal-burners were killed at
Fish Creek. during the coal troubles last
summer. He had a large circle Of &C.
quaintanees here. and many friends among
those who knew him intimately.
John Chamberlain was an old resident
OF EUREKA, coming 10 this county from
White River. White Pine county. He was
very generally esteemed by all who knew
him. He leaves q wife aud two children,
one about a month old, who we're living
with him at the shipley ranch. He was q
member. In good standing, OF Mountain
Lodge, No. ~, /. o. @. f., Of this place.
Sheriff Kyle. Coroner Smith aud Deputy
Sheriff Mckay departed for the scene Of
the tragedy at Q o'clock last night. It Ia
pFesnmable that the bodies OF the men will
be brought to town this afternoon. The
ranch lies about thifty-five miles northeast
Of Eureka. Further particulars Of the
terrible affair will be awaited with deep
interest.