The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-01-11
0S.HOOPERSCLOSE CALL.
Tires Shots Fired at Him by an
Enraged Subordinate With
out Serious Results.
Both Sides OF tho Story-The Mon
Arrested but Released
on Bonds.
John O'Nell Charged With killing =
Ca1f Belonging to One Of
His Nelghbsrs.

Joseph Hooper had a very close call 70
his life yesterday. Three pistol shots wer
aimed at him, but luckily none OF then
caused serious results. William johnson.
blacksmith employed at the Montana Mar
BILE works, did the shooting, and it was il
the workshop that the trouble occurred
Both men were arrested and released upoI
$50 bonds. Hooper had one eyebrow grazee
with a ball, while another, he claims
knocked a knuckle off one Of his hands.
There are two sides to every story, and
they run rs follows:
An eye witness to part Of the fracas says
that Mr.. Hooper, who is foreman at the
works, was in full charge during the nan
sger's absence. Hooper. it is said, did moi
want johnson around the place, frequently
ordered him not to return to work, but
Johnson insisted on going to work, and
tho foreman. Bad feeling between
the men resulted. Yesterday morning a
telegram was received from Livingston Or
dering some finished work shipped at once.
Mr. Hooper started to fill the order shortly
before nine O'Clock, at which time johnson
appeared to go to work. Some uncompli-
mentary words were exchanged, johnson
again declining 10 take orders from the
foreman. The latter went into the black
smith shop where johnson was working. to
use in loading the Livingston job on u
wagon. As he picked up the bar Of steel,
johnson. fearing that it was intended to be
used in striking him. took q 38-caliber der
ringer from the side pocket of his trousers
md blazed away at Hooper. The first shot
his legs. Hooper jumping. in the air to
avoid being stuck i'll a fatal spot. He then
darted put of the n a third shot
followed him without effect. The third
shot grazed Hooper's eyebrow, passed
through the door, and lodged in the frame
of another door leading to the yard, just
barely missing John Sheridan. a marble
cutter, who appeared in the doorway at the
time.
Johnson's side Of the story is that on Fri
day when he started to work and WIS en-
gagged in conversation, Hooper ordered him
out Of the shop. Il was not working for
him." said he, land refused to be ordered
own the blacksmith shop.and work for Mr..
Smith, the manager. After dinner every
thing went along smoothly. Invent to work
after eight O'Clock yesterday morning and
he began at once to make things disagreed
BILE. Coming into my place he said: Nov,
I've got you where / rant you and Twill
kill YOU His manner was very threaten
ing and as he said this he picked up a bar
of steel and raised it over his head as if to
strike. As he did SO l pulled my pisto! and
fred a shot about six feet away from him.
He then fell fiat on his face and l feared
that / had killed him. The second shot l
fred in the ground and the third went
through the door. Before the shooting 1
told him that if he touched me there would
be a funeral and he would ride in the front
wagon. l brought the pistol with me for
protection, As l wanted to be prepared if he
carried out his threat of the previous day."
Mr.. johnson has lived here seven years
and bears a good reputation for sobriety
and industry.