The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-04-18
A Madison Lawyer Shoots VIM. HI. Brun-
ing, His Brother-in-Law, and Accident
ally Wounds Attorney A. c Harris.
RESULT OF A FAMILY FEUD
Ex-AttOrney Gen. Miller's Fierce
Struggle with the Enraged Man.
WIN. Copeland Says His Brother-in-Law
Was Guilty of Very Grave Offense
Quarrel Over Property.

During moment OF intense rage WILL
lam Copeland, prominent lawyer of Madi-
son, Ind, shot and painfully wounded Ad-
olson G. Harris, the lawyer, and William
II. Bruning, of New York city, formerly
of Madison, in the law office of Miller,
Winter * Elan, No. 6sIa East Market
street, at noon yesterday. The shooting
occurred in the room occupied by Ex-Presl-
dent Harrison, when he was a member of
the law firm. There has existed a bitter
feeling between Copeland and Bruning who
are brothers-in-law, for years over the dis
posal of property which is now in litiga-
ton in the courts of jefferson county and
in the United States Court In this city
There had never been any threatening
demonstrations between the two, however
until yesterday The meeting of the two
was unexpected. Both went to the office
on matters of business. AS soon as Cope
land saw Bruning sitting in the room he
drew a revolver and fired, hitting Bruning
twice, making a flesh wound in the arm
and fracturing the lower jaw. In the
scrimmage that followed Mr.. Harris re-
ceived a shot in the left arm below the
elbow. Neither of the wounded mems in
jurieS are fatal.
The trouble between Copeland and Brun-
ing originated in 1885, when Copeland mar
ried Brunings sister. Since that time each
has claimed that the other has been act
ing wrongfuly. Copeland's wife last year
entered suit TO get possession of property
which she claimed she had been defrauded
out of by her brother. Copeland, as her
husband, necessarily was brought into the
trouble and the strongest feeling existed
between him and Brunlng A. c. Harris
.FNr
land as one of her lawyers, while Messrs
Miller, Winter & Elan were engaged in
a like capacity, together with Charles a.
Korbly, of Madison, for Bruning.
Mr.. Bruning yesterday arrived from New
York city to confer in regard to matters
concerning the suit with his attorneys He
met Mr.. Winter. and the two, in COM
pany with Mr.. Korbly. went to the office
to discuss the affairs. Bruning was Sit
ting in a chair in the corner of the south
room, apart from Mr.. Winter and Mr.. Kor-
oily, Who were ta1Hfng near the formers
desk over some law questions. The middle
room of the suite of three rooms of the law
firm was not occupied, but in the rear
room were Mr.. Miller and Mr.. Elam. Mr.
Copeland also came 10 the city yesterday
to fill an appointment with his attorney,
Mr.. Harris, over some matters concern
ing the litigation. Mr. Copeland went TO
the office of Mr.. Harris, but the latter was
not in. He then went to the United States
Court room, where Mr.. Harris was en-
gagged in the bank trial, and waited until
Mr.. Harris came out. The two talked for
a few moments on general matters and
then Mr.. Harris suggested that they go
and see Mr. Ferd Winter, one of the op-
posing counsel. Mr.. Copeland was men,
ber Of the House Of Representatives from
jefferson county in 1885. and made the
acquaintance of Mr. Winter, who was at
that time State Senator. 4ur. Copeland
readily consented, as he had not seen Mr..
Winter for several years.
Mr.. Harris and Copeland reached the
Wright Block, in which the rooms of the
law firm located. and stepped into the
middle room about II o'clock. Mr.. Harris
then took the lead and walked into the
front Office. in which Mr.. Winter, Charles
Korbly and Bruning were talking. Cope
land followed him. Mr.. Harris spoke TO
those present and introduced Mr.. Winter
to Copeland. Mr.. Copeland extended his
hand and acted in a peculiar manner. His
eyes seemed fastened Bruning and his
face and body twitched nervously.
COPELAND'S QUEER ACTION.
tlced Copeland's action. Mr.. Winter re-
membering instantly his acquaintance with
Copeland in the Legislature of 1855, warm
ly shook Copeland's hand and said Cope
land L am glad to meet you. You and 1
were in the Legislature together" Cope
land did not respond, but as soon as Mr..
Winter released his hand he reached for
his hip pocket and drew a revolver. Mr..
Harris and Mr.. Bruning were talking in
the corner, while Korbly was sitting oppo-
site them, near Mr.. Winters desk. None
but Mr.. Winter noticed Copelands actions,
and he was too astonished to act When
Copeland had his weapon well in hand he
aimed at Bruning, who, in his conversa-
ton with Mr.. Harris, was entirely uncon-
scious of the moments dangers, and fired
three shots in quick succession. The first
two bullets struck Bruning in the arm and
in the jaw. Copelands action was so un-
expected that, for the moment, the others
were unable to collect themselves TO offer
any resistance as Copeland was seen to
raise the weapon 10 fire a third time. Mr..
Harris rushed forward toward Copeland
to seize him, when the weapon was dis
charged for the third time. This time the
bullet ploughed a large hole in the plaster
on the east wall. Mr.. Harris seized
Copeland around the back, pinioning his
arms, while Mr.. Winter and korbly rushed
forward To grasp the weapon Copeland
resembled an insane man. His face was
pale and every muscle was in great ten
sion. Perspiration poured off his face
Harris, he resisted, and the two struggled
around the room without any gain by
either.
Bruning attempted 10 escape from the
room. but was kept busy dodging the strug-
glcs of the two men, who swept around the
room time and again. Mr.. Winter to-
gether with KOrby, tried TO get within
reach of the struggling men, but were un-
successful. At this Juncture Copeland dis
charged his weapon for the fourth time,
the bullet plowing into Mr.. Harris's arm,
which holding an arm of Copeland.
Mr.. Harris instantly released Copeland. and
he once again attempted to get at Bruning.
who was stiIl attempting TO get out of the
room Attorneys Winter and KOrbly, as
soon as Copeland was released by Harris,
ceased their attempts To get Copeland, for
they expected fifth shot 10 be fired at any
moment Copeland. forgetting probably
that there yet remained two cartridges in
his weapon, attempted to get within strik-
ing distance of Bruning. who escaped with
great nimbleness the blood all the while
streaming down his face and arm. Mr..
Harris was in the same condition. The
blood was flowing profCsaly from his
wound In the left arm. With upraised hand
Copeland tried again and again TO strike
NIT he hn end NJ he