The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-01-19
KILLED HIS FRIEND.
Robert Hossfeldt, a Well-Known JEFF
ferson County Rancher, MUIR
dered by J. P. Freeman.
A DISPUTE OVER A BILL.
Freeman Said TO Have Been Drunk
When He Committed the Deed,
for Which There Seems to
Have Been No Cause.

IOsTONp MOut, JAN, lo-lopcclal W tnc
Independent. IA terrible tragedy took
place In the quiet little village OF RAIDERS
burg, situated eleven miles northwest of
this place, this morning at II O'Clock, re-
sulting In the killing, almost instantly, OF
Robert Hossfeldt, one OF the most respect
ed and widely-known citizens OF jefferson
county. MFR. Hossfeldt lives on his ranch
about quarter OF mile from Radersburg,
where he has had for pasturage, for some
time back. some horses belonging 10 John
p. Freeman, who resides on the north fork
OF the Mussleshell. This morning. while
Mr.. Hossfeldt was absent temporarily.
Freeman called at Hossfeldts residence
and stated TO Hossfeldts son that he
wanted TO take his horses home. The son
replied he could not take them until the
charges were paid. Freeman then became
very angry and ut once returned to the vii
lsge where, IL Is said, he INDUCED quite
freely In drink. Shortly afterwards he
met Hossfeldt on the street and told him he
had been to his ranch for his horses, as he
desired TO take them home to-day, but that
his (Iiossfeldts) son refused TO allow Rim
10 remove them until the charges were
paid To this Hosfeldt replied that his son
had done right. Freeman replied he
guessed he could rustic the amount,
which was twenty-elRht dollars, not
having any money with him, but
promised Hossfeldt TO send II TO
him from White Sulphur Springs II he
would allow him TO proceed home with the
horses today, which proposition Hossfeldt
declined. Freeman thereupon left and
shortly returned with the money and paid
the bill. Both men then proceeded 70
Schepp's saloon and INDUCED In a few
rounds Of drinks and after talking OF the
difiiculty few moments shook hands and
10 all appearances their difficulties were
settled. Freeman, however, 10 said To
have been very drunk ard from all that
can be learned, without the slightest prov
ocstion pulled out revolver and pointing
II at Hossfeldt remarked, "rhere Is one
thing can do" Instantly Hossfeldt, who
was sitting down, arose and said. ~ am
uot oioio W ituh uuWu tnht
gun.n when Freeman fired. the
rail- nana,r.,,n. tIo.s,a,1,,s IA. -. ar
s'.. v pnsa1ns s.ss ss no'''''u's .. oous on ."e
right side about three Inches above the
navel and passing downward. cutting the
main artery leading TO the heart Free
man attempted to fire the second time, but
was disarmed by bystanders Freeman
then ran out OF the saloon and made for
his horse, which was few doors from the
place OF the shooting, evidently intending
TO escape, but was pursued, captured and
lodged In jail Some talk OF lynching was
INDUCED In at the time OF the excitement,
but better council prevailed and the law Is
left TO take Its course. Hossfeldt died In
twenty minutes after being shot and while
being conveyed TO his home. Both men
have heretofore been on perfectly friendly
terms The following is the verdict OF the
coroner's jury:
TERRITORY OF Montana, county Of Jeifer-
,pa .onn, an nJugss % monuen ~ ~, hauslspulg, w. N
January. lSsg. before me. me- IL i CIsvion'
justice Of the peace, In and for said county,
upon the body OF Robert Hossfeldt, lying
ssv ibs Robey%t % Wo..tp,at % aacs.ssd % os'ns, co uo
J.. Ia. .s..,h ~. . -. - - A.. "a -