Daily globe., 1883-07-29
THE HATCHET.
F3a ONCE IT T1KES THE PLACE OF
THE KNIFE IND THE RE
YOLTER.
A Well Keown Expressman Killed Dnring
Neighborhood Quarre1-A Boundary
Fence the Cause of tke Dispute-The
Homicide Claimed to Have Been in Self
Defense.

A picket fence on the dividing line be-
tween the homes of Mortimer Grogau and
George Gundlach, at the corner of Green
brier avenue and Faruquier street in east
st. Paul, was the occasion yesterday morn
ing of a combat which resulted in the
formers death.
The alteration came like bolt from
clear sky. There was a flash of angry
words, an aggressive movement on both
sides, the sweep of club as it descended
upon the head OF the elder Gundlach, and
the whirl of hatchet from the hands of
the young man, which imbedded itself
in Grogan's throat.
Then the dying man and his young as
sa1lant grapple3 and a fierce death strug-
gle took place. The blood gushed from
the severed jugular of Grogan and settled
IN crimson pools on the green grass while
bevy of children atplay became alright
ed at the dreadful sight and ran screaming
to their mothers.
The alteration had attracted a crowd,
mostly of women, who stood by and wit
messed the fight without being able to in
terfere. Finally the men released each
other and Grogan ran into the house and
fell dying on the floor. Messengers were
sent to fetch medical assistance, and Drs.
Murphy and Quinn were soon on the scene
of the murder or homicide, while a half
score of people went for a policeman. AS
for the doctors, they were not wanted, as
Grogan died in about forty inmates. Of
hcer Lowell was at the city hall when the
word was sent in and he started
with the patrol wagon. Chief Clark came
IN Immediately afterwards and together
with Officer Ahern and a GLOBE reporter,
at once drove to the scene of the affray
Upon arriving at the location scene of
the widest excitement was witnessed
The street was filled with an excited crowd
of men, women and children, who all had
their own version to relate OF the affair.
Meantime young GundIach and his
father had been put under
arrest and the coroner notified.
The father and son were taken to City hall
and locked up, and the remains of Grogan
were taken to the establishment of Nc
Oarthy & Donnelly, where an inquest wi II
be held this morning.
The trouble which resulted in the death
of Grogan came about as follows:
Jacob Gundlach and his family, including
his son George, reside at No. 50 Fauquier
street. Adjoining them is the residence
of Mortimer Grogan, who is we'll known in
st. Paul as the driver Of an express wagon.
Some time ago a dispute arose between
the two families as to the dividing line of
the property, and Grogan would not agree
to the construction of fence until such q
time as the ground could be surveyed. On
the other hand the Gundlachs were anxious
to put up fence and yesterday morning
they went to work at it.
While father and son were 80 engaged
about II o'clock Grogan came home and
seeing the men at work he ordered them
to desist. They refused, when it is claim
ed that he struck at them with the handle
of grub hoe, the blow taking effect on
the old mans forehead over the right
eye, and inficting serious wound.
On seeing his father attacked young
Gundlach hurled hatchet, which had been
used in putting up the fence, at Grogan,
the edge of the toolimbedding itself in his
neck and severing the wind pipe and
jugular.
The deceased was married man, from
thirty-fve to forty years of age,
and the father of a family. He was
| we'll known in St.Paul, having resided here
for a number of years.
George Gundlach and his father, Jacob,
were seen in their cell at city hall. The
slayer of Grogran is about twenty y-one
years of age, and for soma time past he has
been in the employ of the Minneapolis
Harvester Works. His appearance is gen
teel and he is about the average height
| and heavy set. He seemed to fully realize
| the nature of the act which had placed him
| IN such position, and several times in his
| conversation he gave way TO tears. His
story was substantially as follows: This
| morning my father and l started to build
| fence half way up the yard and I was
putting in posts. About noon Mortimer
| came home and coming up to Us with a
club he SAID Get away or I will lash the
whole crowd of you" 1 told him that we
we're making a good fence and that we
| did not care about having fuss. He then
struck father and myself and to defend
myself threw the hatchet at him. l had
been trimming posts with the hatchet and
| had no idea that it would hurt him. Then
we scuffied and Butterfeld came up and
parted US.
The deceased was a hard working, in
| dustrious man and his untimely death will
entail severe hardship on his family. He
was the father of seven children, who de-
pended upon his sole exertions for sup
| port. A jury was sworn consisting of
Messrs. Vorney, FaIlon, Wardel, G. Pott-
| geiser, Wallach and Shields.
After viewing the remains, which have
been encased in a handsome sscasket, the
| jury were excused until 10 O'Clock to-mOr-
row morning when an inquest will be held.
DR.. Wheaton called at police head
quarters and examined the wounds of the
elder Gundlach which are not considered
| serious.