Bridgeton pioneer., 1900-01-25


shot took effect in Fowler's neck, infict.
ing wound that kept him in the house
three weeks, the bullet still being in his
neck. Bowers pulled the revolver several
time subsequently, but the hammer
clicked, and no further injury was in
ficted.
After firing at Fowler. Bowers ran, and
the wounded man chased him. but fell
to the ground. DIR. Harris took him
home.
Burton Mead told of the shooting. He
was an eye witriess to the whole scrap,
having gone to the Blair house with
Fowler. His version of the affair was
not very much different from that ad
vanced by Fowler, excepting that Mead
thought that William was pretty much
intoxicated. While up at the Grant
street house, Fowler was dsagreeably
offensive to those about him, being in
clined TO quarrel. The fuss with Bowers
started first by Fowler knocking Bowers
hat off. Words followed; another blow
by Fowler. and the shooting.
Upon cross examination, Mead contra
dicted Fowler's testimony that he did
not strike anybody but Bowers, testify
ing that Fowler struck James Griner in
the house before the quarrel outside
began. Mead said that Fowler had the
reputation of being scrapper, especially
when drinking. Mead further said, dur
ing his cross-examination, that he did not
hear Bowers call Fowler an objection
able name.
Fowler was re called by Prosecutor
Fithian to show TO the jury where he was
struck with bullet.
Upon cross examination, Fowler de-
MED that he had struck James Zanes lat
night.
James Griner SAID he did not see the
fight in the yard. Fowler was quarrel
ling in the house, and during the evening
Fowler struck Grinsr. Fowler had been
drinking. Fowler struck Griner because
he tried to get Fowler to stop swearing.
Edward Blair said that he was at the
party. and that Fowler was disagreeably
quarrelsome. He saw Fowler quarrel,
ling with James Zanes before the shoot
ing occurred.
This testimony closed the States case,
and James Bowers went upon the stand
to explain how he shot Fowler on that
night, in self defense. Bowers is quite a
small fellow, especially so, compared
with Fowler.
Bowers said he was twenty-three years
of age. James attended the party, and
was there when Fowler came to the Grant
street house. Fowler was intoxicated
nd
rived at the house, Fowler declared he
could lick any So - in the house.
Fowler went out in the yard and became
engaged in a quarrel with James Zanes.
Bowers then went out in the yard and
endeavored to get Fowler go away with
him, so that there would be no further
trouble. Fowler knocked Bowers hat
off. and James demonstrated with him
This caused Fowler to say he could hit
Bowers just as well as his hat. He then
hauled off and struck Bowers. The latter
had revolver with him, having taken it
with him to sell a young man named
Mead. Bowers and Mead had been out
in the afternoon, shooting the revolver
with blank cartridges. After shooting
these blanks, the revolver was reloaded,
and Bowers thought the cartridges were
blanks. When he drew his revolver, he
supposed it contained these blanks, and
thought to frighten Fowler. When Fow
Ter was shot, Bowers was greatly sur
prised. Bowers went on to testify tnat
he gave himself up to his counsel, Mr..
Iredell, and the latter searched him, find
in. lxs 81
ridges
On cross examination, Bowers said the
revolver was taken from him, or he
might have dropped it that night. He
had never seen it sinre.
Maggie Carr said the party occurred at
her house. She said that Fowler arrived
very quarrelsome, and was spelling for a
fight.
Reba Bass, VIM. Hanky, VIM. Clifford
and Charles CARL said that Fowler was
quarresome, and evidently intent upon
raising row with somebody.
Arthur Mead corroborated the story of
Bowers regard ing the revolver, and the
shooting during the afternoon, of blank
cartridges.
Dora Lee and Mrs. Isaac Bowers said
they were present at the Bowers house
when Mr.. Iredell searched James.
Mr.. Iredell testified that he searched
Bowers at his house. and among other
things found three blank cartridges in
his pocket. These he produced before
the jury.
Fred Carman gave a descriptive story
of the trouble, which Tailed with the
contention of the defense, that the shoot
ing was done in self defense.
The case closed here, and Prosecutor
Fithian made an opening before the Jury,
and said the State claimed that a blow,
such as was struck by Fowler, did not
justify the shooting.
Court then adjourned.
Friday Morning.
q