Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1895-12-05
HE DEFIED THE OFFICERS.
Frank Bell Killed at Elliston While
Resisting a Deputy Sheriff
Trying to Arrest Him.
TRIED TO USE HIS WINCHESTER.

A special to the Helena Independent
dated Elliston, Nov. 9th, says: Frank
Bell was killed at Elliston this morn
ing by Deputy Sheriff Joseph DAILY.
Bell, it will be remembered, was
arrested in Helena on a charge of
holding up an ex-Elliston saloon
keeper, Fred Bossler by name, at
the point of a revolver, and robbing
the till of $35. Bossler positively
identified Bell as the highwayman,
and he was taken to Elliston, ar
raiasned before Justice Carey, who,
discharged the prisoner. Bossler
was not satisfied and went to Deer
Lodge, where he laid complaint
before the county attorney. Another
warrant was issued and placed in
the hands of Deputy Sheriff Joe DAILY.
The dead man was deputy sheriff
under Sheriff Fitzpatrick, i'll the
beginning of his term, but was re-
moved for shady transactions in
which he was involved. He is said
to have made gun plays on various
occasions, and is given the reputa-
ton OF being a desperate character.
Deputy Sheriff DAILY has always been
considered cool. cautions officer.
The killing occurred at the home
Of Mrs. Rogers. IL mile from Elliston.
Deputy Sheriff DAILY deputizcd Louis
Bosslcr to assist him i'm making the
arrest. BELL had II reputation as !,
bad man. and was known to keep a
gun i'm his pocket or near at hand.
| The officers entered the Rogers house
without knocking and came upon
Bell, Ted Rogers and a stranger
sitting ut Il table. DAILY told Bell II,
was under arrest and displayed his
warrant. Bell said "All right" ano
sat still as if thinking deeply. for q
minute or so. Then he said h,
wanted to get his coat, and started
for an adjoining room. He was told
he might go by DAILY, but the LATTER
followed hard on Bells heels. \,
sooner had Bell entered the Othel
room than he seized a Wincheste
and attempted to bring it down Oh
DAILY. The latter grabbed the barre
and ran one hand down toward tn,
stock. the hammer catching one O
his fingers as il came down. Th
men then began a hard struggle TO
the rifle. and DAILY called for help
Bossler promptly responded ant
called upon Bell to give up. Tn
latter replied Never" KNOWN.
the character OF the man they ha,
to deal with, Bossler pulled his pis
tol, a 81. and Bell grabbed it will
one hand. holding, on to the Winches
ter with the other. Bossler's pistu
was discharged, this time the ba
going into Bells jaw. BY this tim
DAILY had pulled his gun, a A, an,
shot Bell i'm the right breast, the bal
lodging under the skin on the lef
side OF the breast, causing his death
Daily and Bossler at once went t,
Elliston and gave themselves up
notifying Sheriff Fitzpatrick, a
Anaconda, OF the affair. he sherii
and Coroner Hartwell took the frs
train, and when they arrived il
Elliston the latter impaneled a jur,
and went to the Rogers house. Afte
viewing the body, the surrounding
and summoning witnesses, the coro
ner and jury came back to town ant
heard all the evidence procurable
The jury at once returned a verdic
declaring that Bell was killed Will
resisting officers in the discharge @
their proper duty. and acquittin;
Dsay and Bossler of all responsibility
Bell had no money, no friends. an,
no known relatives. The burial vii
he by the county: