The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-08-05
SHOT IN FIGHT 1T
WATERMELON PATCH
]. w. Barnes, Of Henrico Coun-
ty Holds Up Five Alleged
Thieves.
MEN ALL DENY CHARGES
Turner Shot Trying to Escape.
and Self-Improvised Officers
Carry Three to County Jail.

Taking matters into his own hands.
J. w. Barnes, prominent farmer OF
Henrico county. last night held up
five men. whom he believed to be
among the gang that had frequently
robbed his ten-acre watermelon patch.
and In the melee which followed. when
they attempted to escape, a man named
Turner was badly shot In the leg. and
all were taken to the Henrico County
Jail by the self-improvised officers OF
the law, and left In the care of Deputy
Sheriff tGarnett. The city ambulance
was summoned for Turner. and he was
taken to the City Hospital by DR.. Egg
.gleston, who worked on him until early
this morning.
Surprised MeA In Field.
Mr.. Barnes stated last night that
his watermelon patch. one OF the
finest and biggest in the county, had
frequently been entered and piltered
and he finally decided to catch the
gang. Taking his son and negro
helper, named Jules Watkins. he KEEP
watch, and surprised five men in the
field The intruders We're fired upor
with birdshot, but continued to feast
on the fruit until finally driven out.
They made for the road, but were
headed on. In the middle of the road
they gave fight. and were Quoted only
by the sight of guns leveled at them.
AIR. Barnes was in auandary as to
what to do with his prisoners. He
finally dispatched his SON in buggy
TO scour the county for the constabu-
larry. but the young man was not able
TO find any OF the redoubtable Henrtco
police.
Resources was at last had to the
city of1cers, and young Mr.. Barnes
drove posthaste to the First Station.
where he stated that the alleged
thieves were then being held in the
road, and requested that policeman
De sent 70 arrest them. AS the farm
was beyond the Jurisdiction of the city
authorities. his request could not be
compiled with.
While the son was gone the three
captives-the two others had already
gotten away-attempted to escape In
the ensuing fight Mr.. Barnes says tina,
ne was attacked by Turner, who was
armed, he believed. with brass knucks,
The former was badly cut over the eye.
the negro Watkins gave pursuit Wat
kins struck him once and then let 90
with his shotgun. inflicting serious
Injury to Turner's leg.
Being without official aid, and not
knowing what else to do. Mr.. Barnes
look the three men to the county Jail,
and placed them in the hands OF
Deputy Sheriff Jarnett, also the TALLER.
Turner's hurt. inflicted by bird shot,
is not serious. but is very painful.
Deny Story.
The three captives deny that they
We're In Mr.. Barnes's watermelon patch,
but the owner asserts they were taking
his melons. though he does not know
whether they are really members Of
the gang who have been committing
depredations in his field for some time.
He had been despolled very frequently
OF late and determined to watch.
When he got the crowd there was
nothing left for him to do but hold
them, and as the men showed dis
position to fight, guns We're brought
into play.
The affair created quite sensation
Mr.. Barnes's son did all in his power
but was unable to find the proper
guardians Of the peace, and could not
procure assistance from the city att-
thorities, as the watermelon patch was
too far from the boundary line,
The case will probably be heard to-
day.
Death Of Mrs. Marie Terese Dargnmin.
Of Mr. A. Bargaining. died yesterday
afternoon at 1880 O'Clock at her resi-
uence, No. 203 East Cary Street. She
had, been an invalid for a number Of
years. e
Mrs Bargamln was the daughter 81,
Mr., Yevons Guyot, and was born In
marriage to Mr.. Bargamin.
The tfuneral will be held from Grace
Episcopal Church this. afternoon at,
$3.50 o'clock, The following will act
Honorary-Dr. Christopher Temp.
kins, DR.. George Ben Johnston, DR.,
George B.. Steele, Messrs. Edward ].
hart, Robert Green and w. s. Archer.
Active--Messrs. ]. M. Fourqurean, B.
l.C. Wherry e. M Bargamin, Rolfe p.
|Glover, Austin Brockenborough, w. M.
Taliaferro, A, C. Becker and William
r. knowles.