The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-12-12
MADISON COUNTY TRAGEDY.
Full Particulars of the Bloody Affair Nea,
Anderson.

Full Particulars of the Bloody AFFAIR Near
Anderson.
1t was announced yesterday that another
fatal affray had occurred at Johnston's sta
ton, near Anderson, Ind. The following
full particulars we find in the Anderson
Democrat of yesterday:
Trouble has been brewing for some weexs past
between John j. Johnson and Coleman Hawkins,
two wealthy and Influential farmers residing al
Johnson's Station, on thea. L. and ST. l.. Rail-
road. in-Stony Greek Township, this County, over
the construction OF di CHI.
I The ditch was petitioned for by Mr. Johnson.
who wanted an outlet for some wet lands on his
farm TO main ditch running in that neighbor-
necessary to drain over the lands of MT. Hawkins
The latter objected TO the construction of the
ditch, and. being hot-headed and impetuous, he
came to this city Tuesday. and purchased n revolt
yer. remsrking Mt the time that he proposed to
bring Mr. Johnson to time on that ditch, as ii
OF no benefit to him. and said ii should not be
constructed.
Armed for mortal combat. Mr.. Hawkins returned
home and waited until the time for the arrival of
would be ut the station as he 10 both agent for the
railroad and Postmaster at that place and went
the two men stepped aside. and after few
ments conversation over their troubles Mr.. Hawk
ins drew his revolver and snot Mr. Johnson in the
back the spine the ball. 32-calibre. ranging
up in the direction OF the lungs. Johnson started
towards the depot after receiving the first shot.
when Hawkins shot second time, the
AT this jnneture Mr. Johnson entered
the depot and closed and fastened up the door
when his purderous asssilant broke pane OF
glass out OF the window. and aiming at his victim
shot him in the face. Seeing the depot afforded
him no protection, johnson rushed out and start
ed for his home which was some distance away
when his murderOus assailant following him, shot
the remaining three balls in his revolver at him.
went up to his victim, weak from three bleeding
wounds, and assailed him. Mr.. Johnson being
large man. weighing about DDS pounds, tall and
wei built and in the prime of life turned Mr..
Hawkins, who was medium sized man, and
throwing him held him down To- the ground until
his daughter who heard the shooting and saw the
two men scutins on the ground, came to her faith
er' rescue.
About this time her screams brought to her aid
young man by the name of John Hawkins mo
| relation to Coeman). and the combatants were
parted Johnson being assisted home by his daugh-
/ ter and young nsws.ns.
| When Hawkins saw that he could do his victim
no further harm he started across the fields to his
/ home. and his family having heard tha Shots at
the depot. aud fearing that he went there TO kill
| Mr.. Johnson. came out TO meet him and learn the
particulars, but in place of coming up TO them he
| vent behind the barn, and before they could
reach him sent a ball reeking through his own
fevered brain. When his wife and son came to
where he was they found MIN sitting. with his
head down ON his knees leaning against the build
ing and bleeding proiusely The wife raised his
seious with bullet In his heart. Hawkins lived
but Jew moments. and died before he could be
DR. Chiltenden. OF this city, was summoned. aud
ehartering an engine on the A. l.. and St. l. Rail-
road. was soon at the bedside of she wounded man.
After a careful examination OF the wounds the
Doctor pronounced them of very serious nature,
and great fears are entertained tnat ne VIII not
recover.
LATFR-The physicians havs found four wounds
on Johnson-two in the back, one in front of the
shoulder and one in the face. He is suffering in
tensely. The funeral of Mr.. Hawkins taxes place
from the family residence tomorrow at O'CLOCK
%. m. On examination this morning five bullet
holes were found in the clothing OF Johnson.