The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1910-05-13
o BRIDGES DIES.
Shot Over Game Cards on Sunday by
Mel Wicker-Inquest Wednes-
day-Wicker Escapes.

LII Inv 44S1 d1O d1lO .NC"o Va -
day was z brief account of the shoot
on Sunday of Enoch Bridges by
Mel Wicker. They were engaged with
other negroes in a game of cards and
the dispute arose over 10 cents. Wick
er shot Bridges in the back. From the
effects of the wound Bridges died on
Tuesday night.
Wicker left Immediately after the
shooting and has not been captured.
Coroner Felker held an inquest on
Wednesday over the body Of Bridges
and the verdict of the jury is that
Enoch Bridges came to his death by
a pistol shot wound inflicted in the
hands of Mel Wicker.
The testimony taken at the coron-
er's inquest is published in this con-
nection. Coroner Felker on Wednes-
day sent a copy of the testimony tt
Gov. Ansel with the request that d
reward be offered for the arrest OF
Wicker.
The following is the testimony:
- Amos Ruff sworn says: I live with
Mr.. Jim Ruff in Newberry county.
was in the woods gambling with
Enoch Bridges, Floyd Young, Mel
Wicker and Will Ruff last Sunday
May 8, 1910. We were playing skin"
Enoch Bridges had a six spot and Mel
Wicker had a tray. Mel Wicker was
playing a blind; I mean by that his
card was turned face down. Enocn
Bridges card was turned up.
Mel said: "That was me that fell"
Enoch picked up the money; then
Mel told Enoch to put the money
down. Enoch told Mel that the money
was his (Enoch's) money. Mel jump
ed I'D and cooked his pistol and KICK
ed Enoch and then knocked Enoch ID
the side with his fist, then slapped
him in the face with his hand. Then
we started off walking (me n VIII
Ruff. We walked on and heard pls-
toll fire, saw Enoch falling on his face
and Mel Wicker walking right behind
him with pistol in his right hand. he
shot three times. The last two shots
he fred at Will Ruff and myself. Be-
fore Mel shot Enoch gave me all the
money they had bet, which was 70
cents.
Will Ruff sworn, says: I was ID
the woods gambling last Sunday, May
8, 1910, with Mel Wicker, Floyd
Younf, Amos Ru and Enoch Bridges
We were playing "skin." Mel Wick
er was playing a tray and Enoch
bridges was playing a six spot. Mel
Enoch each bet 10 cents. Mel
:. "Put down, I amt fell yet
eh said, i picked up mine ana
YOURS" I turned card OF and
eed at Mel's card: I saw Mel was
wing a tray. That time Mel got up
hd grabbed out his pistol and told
noch to give him his money. That
lime Mel kicked Enocn and struck
him in his side abreast with his .hano
: and the next time he hit him on the
side of his head with his hand. Enocn
told him to let him alone, but did not
try to strike Mel at all. I told Enocn
to give Mel 10 cents. He put MS
hand in mis- pocket and gave it to him.
r started on and Enoch started on the
other way. I looked back as 1 was
walking along. I heard Mel curse
Enoch for a ----, and Mel had
his pistol pointed at Enoch. Mel was
behind Enoch. Enoch made a few
more steps and Mel shot him. Enoch
fell fiat On his face and belly. Mel
fred again and hit a tree close to u.s.
andfwe ran. This shooting happened
in Newberry county.
Ill.,. Will Ruff.
Floyd Young sworn, says: l was In
the woods gambling last Sunday, May
8, 1910, with Mel Wicker, Amos Run,
Enoch Bridges and Will Ruff. We
re playing Skin" Mel Wicker
Laying a blind and Enoch was
a six spot. Mel said that
,picked up his money. Mel said,
kwn that money" Enoch said,
picked up what's mine" Mel
up then and grabbed out his
licked Enoch and hit Enoch in
with his fist and slapped him.
4. told Enoch to give Mel the
which Enoch did. Then Mel
&ed out his pistol. I ran and got
behind a tree. I was running when
he kicked him. 1 was standing be-
hind a pine and saw Mel Wicker when
he shot Enoch. He shot him n the
back and then turned around and
shot Of WIFI P1,ff and Amos Ruff,