The San Francisco call., 1895-07-19
SHOOTING At REDD|NG,
The Victims Wife Claimed
That She Had Been
InSulted.
Her Husband Shot In His Endeavor
to Satisfy His Wounded
Honor.

REDDING, CAL, July 18.-Fred Van
Buren,, who conducts lunch-counter in
the Peer less saloon owned by Pete john
son, was shot tonight about 9 o'clock by
City Marshal Eckles.
Last Monday, after the fire at the Hart
residence, where Van Buren's wife and
sister stayed, a little trouble arose between
the Marshal and Mrs. Van Buren. She &C
cused Marshal Eckles OF insulting her and
made threats against him. Later in the
day the Marshal met her on the street and
asked for an explanation, when he denied
having insulted her in any way, but on
parting, it is said, Mrs. Van Buren, again
threatened the Marshal.
A short time thereafter the woman ap-
peared on California street, made inquiries
after Eckles and laid in wait for him.
Several of his friends became interested as
to his safety and informed him of the ac-
tions of Mrs. Van Buren, that he might
not be taken unawares, as they entertained
the idea that she intended to do him in
jury.
Nothing more was said or heard of the
matter until tonight. Early in the even
ing Van Buren sent word to the Marshal
that he wished to see him. About 9 clock
Marshal Eckles walked into the saloon on
California street, in the rear of which Van
Buren's Iunch-counter is located. He
walked up to the counter and, according to
the statements of bystanders, Van Buren,,
who was sitting on stool near the coun-
ter, accosted him by remarking:
''I hear that you insulted my wife the
other night"
The Marshal denied the statement, and
proceeded to explain few facts in con-
nection with the affair to show that Mrs.
Van Buren, was not at the time account
able for her sayings.
Van Buren, again made the statement
that Eckles had insulted his wife, where
upon the Marshal called Van Buren a liar.
and at the same time drew from his pocket
a large revolver and struck Van Buren on
the head and face. He struck him three
times. and at the fourth blow the pistol
was discharged, the bullet entering Van
Buren's shoulder, near the blade, and,
ranging downward, lodged just under the
skin, about four inches below. Van Buren
was felled to the floor at the first blow and
was in the act of rising when he was shot.
Eckles Immediately left the saloon, pistol
in hand, and went to his residence.
DR.. Lawrey was called in and dressed
Van Buren's wounds. Besides the bullet
wound he received several scars and bruises
about the head, but it is not thought he is
seriously injured.
One of the witnesses claims that after
the first few words the Marshal deliberately
knocked Van Burcn down and intention
ally shot him, but that story is not credited.
Half an hour after the shooting Marshal
Eckles appeared on the streets, and his
companionship with the Sheriff and
deputies caused quite an excitement. 1t
was thought he had been arrested, but it
was learned no warrant had been sworn
out against him. He says he was perfectly
justified in his action, and claims to be in
the right.
Van Buren claims that Eckles Intention
ally shot him after knocking him down,
and it is said he will swear out warrant
tomorrow for his arrest.