The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-10

AN OFFICER FATALLY SHOT.
Shooting of Constable Isaac Kinney by John
w. Sailors-lIistory Of the Trouble.
enecial 10 the Indianapolis Journal.

D-
Epecial to the Indianapolis Journal
DANvILLE. H.. Feb. 9.-Much excitement
prevails in this city on account Of the shooting
Of Constable Isaac Kinney by John w. Sailors,
at about o'clock this morning, at the house of
the latter. near Chicago Switch, a station on the
l., B. 6 w. railroad. in Warren county, Indiana.
and about nine miles east of this city. The facts
In the case are as follows, as learned this morn
ing from an eyewitness of the affair:
John W. Sailors is the proprietor of a saw-mill
near Chicago switch, and has the reputation OF
: being very dangerous man. Some time since,
he purchased of j. w. Carson, agent Of the
water-works of this city, pump, for use in his
saw-mill. To secure the payment of the pur
chase-money, he executed to Mr. Carson chat
tel mortgage on his team and wagon, the mort
gage bearing date of Jan. q. Subsequently
Mr.. Carson felt himself insecure in this mat
ter. and, under the terms of the mortgage, took
possession of the property, and sold one OF the
horses to a neighbor of Sailorss. named Cunning
ham. The other property was after some ne
gotiations, returned to Mr.. Sailors Sailors at
forwards went to Mr.. Cunningham, and partly
by false representations and partly by threats of
violence, induced him to return to him the horse
which he had purchased,
The attorneys of the mortgage, all OF whom
reside IN this city, learned yesterday that Mr.
Sailors was disposing Of his property, with
view of leaving his present neighborhood. They
advised that the property mortgaged to Mr.. Car
son should again be seized under the terms of
the mortgage. Accordingly, the services OF
Constables Lee Patterson and Issac Kinney,
together with a posse of two or three
other persons, were engaged to that end:
The officers knew the dangerous character of
business upon which they were going and took
some precautions to insure their safety They
lef this city about IL o'clock last night, and
arrived at Sailors's home about l:30 o'clock this
morning. Officer Patterson knocked at Sailors's
door, but was told that Sailors was not at home.
An inquiry was then made as to the whereabouts
Of the horses and a reply was re-
eeived that Sailors had taken the team
with him. Officer Patterson directed Officer
Kinney to remain at the door to prevent
Sailors. whom they suspected of being inside.
from coming oct Patterson then searched the
premises, and succeeded in finding the horses in
m orchard near by completely harnessed. He
took possession of them and brought them to
the barn-lOt, near the house, and was unharness-
ing them, when Sailors, of whose presence he was
Ignorant, struck him in the face with revol-
ver Patterson had taken the precaution to keep
his revolver in his hand all the time, and at once
covered Sailors with it. About the same time
Mrs Sailors took part in the melee. attempt
ing to cut the horses loose with butcher knife
which she fourished threateningly. Kinney
came to the relief of Patterson and the horses
were taken to the middle of the
road. Sailors followed, but was all
the time covered by Pattersons
from Sailors far enough, with the aid of the
Darkness to make his aim ineffective. With the
aid of q member of the posse, who seemed to be
very greatly frightened, he got his own team in
horses behind 1t. In the meantime Kinney and
Sailors remained at the gate. fifty yards away,
engaged In wordy encounter. Kinney was
heard to ask Sailors to behave him
self, as he did not wish to hurt him. When
Patterson was ready to return to the city he
called to Kinney, asking him to "come and 60
home" As Kinney turned to leave Sailors, the
latter fired. The bullet took effect in Kinney's
left side entering anteriorily and penetrating to
the rear of the cnest where, striking a rib, it
glanced to the left and lodged in the right SIDE
in front Of the shoulder blade Upon being
shot. Kinney fired at Sailors, who at once fed.
Patterson and his companions returned to Kin
ney. and helping him into their wagon, brought
him to his home, in this city, where he is now ly
0ng DR. Clarke made an examination of his
wounds this morning, and pronounced them
Z fatal.
Mr.. Kinney is An old soldier, having lost his
Feft leg in the service. He was a brave officer,
and general regret is expressed at his misfor-
tune. 1t is proper to say that neither he nor
Patterson was acting in an official capacity in at
tempting TO get possession Of the property, but
we're merely the agents Of the mortgage.
Officers left this city this morning at IL o'clock
10 go TO Warren county and to effect Saiors's
arrest II captured he will be taken to Williams
port Covincton or Newport
Sailors, it is said, has heretofore borne repu-
tation as a man who would shoot, having fire.
quently fired at others. Only few days since
IN q lawyers Office in the Metropolitan Block
this city, he threatened to shoot NJ NJ McNiel,
lumber dealer of this city, and had to be re-
strained by persons present Later he drew his
revolver on Officer Hall, who attempted to ar.
rest him.