The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-01-05
Lew Simons, Drunken Faro Dealer
at Missoula, Killed by Sher-
iff Houston.
But Not Until He Had Shot and
Wounded Policeman
Houtchens,
The Desperate Terrines the Town and Hns
Things His Own Way for
Some Time.

NfssouLA, Jan. Especial. One Of the
worst tragedies in the history Of Missoua
occurred this morning. Lew Simons. the
young brother Of one OF the proprietors Of
the Exchange saloon, on Front street, and
who Ii employed as faro dealer there,
drank heavily all night, until he got crazy
drunk. This morning about seven o'clock
he walked up TO the bar and demanded
from Ed.Hart, the barkeeper, the 42-caIibrs
revolver kept there. He said unless he was
given it he would kill the barkeeper sure.
Simons, when drunk. il desperate charac-
ter, and his demand WIS acquiesced in. He
then went to one of the faro tables and
fred two shots into the top, scattering
chips. players and dealers in all directions,
and driving most every one about the place
out into the street. He then ran up stairs
to his room and locked the door.
There he began abusing the woman
with whom he was living. Police
man William Houtchens appeared and or
dered Simong to surrender or he would
break in the door. Simons refused to obey
the summons, and the policeman broke in
the door. As he did so Simons shot him.
The bali passed almost through the centre
OF Houtchens' abdomen.
Going down stairs Simons run everyone
out OF the place except the barkeeper, whom
he forced to turn over all the money in the
till. Simons then ransacked the drawers OF
the faro tables and ran the entire place to
suit himself. After this he put on his coat
and appeared on the outside. A large crowd
had collected. Simons held everyone at
bay, the policemen apparently not caring to
ro hair svS{ {an nil ~
Sheriff Houston WAS sent for and re-
sponded promptly. During the interval
Simon had walked down the block firing
his revolver. When opposite the Rogers
hotel Houston came up with him.
Throw up your hapds!'' commanded the
sheriff twice in rapid succession.
The only reply he got was shot, and
then another, neither of which took effect.
Drawing his revolver the sheriff emptied its
contents at the infuriated man. Simons
attempted to run for woodpile to conceal
himself, but Houston kept firing at him.
, Three shots took effect and Simons dropped
like log. He was carried to the city hall,
about block away, and died In three
hours.
| Policemen H0utchens. when he was shot,
lay fully twenty minutes without any at
| tention, as Sinons would allow no one 10
approach him. When the desrsrado had
left the house, however. the wounded officer
was carried down stairs into the private
gambling room and placed in cot. Three
doctors were called to attend him. Houtch-
ems is not expected to live. He was only
married month ago, having gone to Iowa
for that purpose. He is about 30 years Of
age,
About 200 people witnessed the shooting
on the street, and tho affair has been the
talk of the town all day, the most intense,
excitement prevailing. No sympathy 10
felt for Simons, who was regarded as q
dangerous and desperate man when drunk
Sheriff Houston's nerve is generally COM
mended.