The Democratic advocate., 1884-05-17
SHOOTING ArFRAY AruNroN BRIDGE
BEN. A. Richardson shoots DIR. IL. y.
Wright ia the Right shoulder.

A shooting affray occurred at Union Bridge
on Thursday morning about 7.30 O. clock, DR..
Robert s. Wright, a dentist of that place,
being shot in the right shoulder, near the
collar bone, by Mr.. Ben. A. Richardson, ed
itor of the Union Bridge Inder. The affair
grew out of complimentary party given to
A. l.. Beard and family, who were making a
short visit to the family of George H. Winter,
before going to Oregon. Mr.. Richardson was
instrumental in getting up the party, and
wanted to have it at Moore's Hall. DIR.
Wright desired to have it at Mr.. Winter s res
idence. The party came off on Tuesday night
at Moore's Hall, and was well attended. As
Mr.. Richardson came out from breakfast
Wednesday morning at the Western Maryland
Hotel, where he boarded, he was asked by L.
J. Rcssler, brother of the manager of the
hotel, how the party passed off. Richardson
replied-very well; that over one hundred
persons were present, and that they had good
time without DIR. Wright and some others.
DIR. Wright was sitting in the hotel at the
time, talking With Henry T. Null. He over
heard the remark and said to Richardson
''You did not get anything from me-" Rich
ardson said-"No; and didn want anything"
Wright said the party was gotten up by Rich
ardson and Mrs. Wilson R. Straw as specu-
lation to make money, and then some words
pdoSto UCIWcCh NIiShb anu AtiShoiNoNhf
Wright finally denouncing Richardson, as al
legged, as a id s-of a b-h. Richardson
replied that Wright was dirty bully, and
walked away. Wright, it is said, continued
to talk about Richardson to various people In
the town, using some very strong language
against him. These remarks were repeated
to Richardson, and as he was going to his Office
on Thursday morning he saw DIR. Wright talk
ing to. Pierce Snider, who was in buggy.
Wright and Snider were on Elgar street, near
the Ilder Office. When Richardson came up
to Wright he asked him to take back what he
had said about him. Wright replied that he
ardson drew No. 38 revolver and fired at
Wright, the ball taking effect in the right
shoulder, near the collar-boEe, producing
painful though not serious wound.
After the shooting, Wright put his hand to
the wound and said he was hit in the shoulder,
then turned and walked away. Wright made
complaint before Justice Thomas Jones, who
issued warrant for Richardson's arrest. Con-
stable Gorsuch made the arrest and took
Richardson before the Justice, who, after
statement by Richardson, committed him to
Jail in default of $1,000 bail. Richardson was
brought here by Constable Gorsuch Thursday
afternoon, and was baiIed in the sum of $1,000
by Judge Smith, VIM. H. Vanderford becom-
ing his surety. Mr.. Richardson returned to
Union Bridge in the evening
DR.. Wright is a large and powerfully built
man, standing over six feet high and weighing
$50 FOands. He is a dentist by profession, and
some years ago was an engineer on the West
ern Maryland railroad.
Mr.. Richardson is a slender man, not over
five feet eight inches, and weighing about 1856
pounds. He IL a son of the late Beale ii.
Of Baltimore, an editor OF con-
siderable reputation, and brother of Frank
A. Richardson, Washington correspondent of
the Baltimore Sun.
The shooting affray created considerable
excitement both at Union Bridge and West
minister, and many rumors concerning the
cause were ahoat here ON Thursday.