The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-06
Salem Seriously Crippled by the
Burning of Sinciair's Mill.
A Temperance Lecturer Teaches Bully o
Wholesome Lesson-NOtes Gathered
in Indiana and Illinois.
INDIANA.
Sensational Case of Attempted Murder and
Successful Suicide.
Snacfal In fba IDdiapan0Iia TOurnaI

on the A., l.. & st. l.. railroad, six miles
west of here. Colman Hawkins, a wealthy
farmer, has for a long time held a grudge
against J. J. Johnson, neighboring farmer,
and postmaster there, about ditch matter.
For several days past Hawkins has threatened
Johnson with personal injury unless he
would withdraw legal proceedings against
the latter in relation to the
ditch. This afternoon Hawkins went to
the station, and after a few words
with johnson, commenced firing. He fred
several shots, three of the balls taking effect,
one in the face, one in the arm, and one
through Johnson's right lung The men
then clinched, and Johnsons daughter came
to the rescue and wrested the revolver from
Hawkins's hands. Hawkins then went home,
across field. When near the barn his wife
and son started to meet him, when he sat
down by shed and shot himself in the head,
dying instantly. johnson, besides being post
master, is a local politician of note.
Dr. Chittenden, of this city, has just re-
turned and says Johnson's recovery is
doubtful. Hawkins was fiftv-one years of
age, has lived in the neigh borhood thirty
years, and had eleven children. He is very
wealthy, owning about a section OF land. One
of his daughters is married to son of John
son. There is great excitement in this neigh
borhood over the affair, and a special train
was run to Johnsons Crossing to convey
medical aid. Johnson is very quiet, unas
Stunning man, and Hawkins has been the ag-
gressor throughout.
Burning of Sinclair's Wooden Mill at Salem
Loss, 100000.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
SALEM, Dec. Sat 11:40 last night, Watch
man Thomas, OF Sinclair's wooden mill,
while making his rounds, discovered a
small blaze ON the third floor in the extreme
southwest corner of the main building. He
Immediately sounded the alarm by ringing
the bell, which was responded to by the bell
at the engine-house. All the south part of
the mill was afame. and although two
streams were put on at once, nothing could
be done more than to keep the fire under
control. The engine did good work and
saved the s.ore-rooms, tailor-shop, dye
works, undertaking shop and stables;
also the large brick building used as the
pioKer-rooms. The west walls fell, crushing
in the boiler-hcuse. Nothing was saved
from this building or Office save Office furni-
ture and one trimming machine. All the
looms were burned, except very few, which
are damaged. The mill was built in 1866, and
has been running ever since, except at inter
walls. The loss will be about 100000, with
5000 insurance. The mill had been idle for
some time, owing to giut in the WOODEN
goods market,
Mr.. Sinclair is a wide-awake, energetic
business men, and it is to be hoped will at
once rebuild, as this was the leading manu-
featuring interest OF this place, and gave en-
ployment to large number of hands.
A Muscular Temperance Lecturer.
Special to the indianapolis journal
e TIPToN, Dec. 5.-While Jimmy Dunn, of
Pittsburg was conducting one of his union
temperance meetings at the Christian
Church, this evening, ne was interrupted in
the midst of his address by local celebrity,
William r. Bergman, who insisted that
the speaker was casting reflections on him.
Mr.. Dunn's endeavors to explain his inno-
understood, only met with abuse and vile Ian
guage. ending with, you are q liar and
scoundrel," from Bergman. AT this the
parties grappled and a pitched battle ensued,
lasting some minutes. Order was finally
restored, and Mr.. Bergman sat down to
nurse his wrath and black eye, while the
meeting was brought to successful close
,,;t oh, Is 81
tying on of the blue ribbons.
Found Dead in His Cell.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
COLUMBUS, Dec. 5.-Fritz Nolmer a Ger
man butcher of this place, had been on
debauch for several days, and last evening
became 50 insane and violent that the
officers placed him in jail This morning he
was found dead in his cell. 1t is uncertain
whether he died from the effects of the
liquor or from fall as there was a bad cut
on the back of his head. When not drink
ing, he was quiet industrious young man
and had many friends.
The Failure of Smith g. Son.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
MUEcIE, Dec. 5.--Tne failure of B. Smith
& Son, dealers in dry goods, proves to be
more serious than at first reported. The liza
bilities Will not fall much short of $4,000
The heaviest losers are residents of this city
and county most of whom hold mortgages
on stock and building. Bills due foreign
creditors amount to nearly $1,000, and the
prospect that they will ever realize anything
is rather unpromising.