The Bourbon news., 1912-12-03
John Fowler Shot by Thomas
Craven.

AS the result of a difficulty which
took place in the office of the livery
stable of George Rose or Main street
Saturday night about $3.50 o'clock,
John Fowler, blacksmith of Clinton
Vile, was shot and probably fatally
wounded by Thomas Craven. night
watchman, and formerly a special po
| ice on the Paris force. One shot was
/ fired which took effect in Fowler's ab-
dOmen, infiicting what may prove tn
be a fatal wound.
The shooting, it is said, was the out
come of practical joke. which it is
said was played at the expense of
Fowler, who took Craven to task
about the matter, and when the latter
is alleged to have drawn his revolver
and fred.
According to statements that were
made after the shooting, Fowler came
to town two weeks ago having in his
possession Quantity of sorghum mo-
/ lasses. He put his horse and vehicle
up at the stable of Mr.. Rose, after de-
ive,Ing to several purchasers a large
portion of the molasses. leaving two
half gallon buckets in his buggy.
1t is said that the molasses were re-
moved from the buggy by Craven and
another man as joke Saturday night.
Fowler went into the livery stable and
finding Craven there, accused him of
,aking his property. An argument
ensued in which, it is said harsh words
were used. ending in Craven drawing
his revolver and firing bullet into
Fowler's body There were several
men IN the Office at the time of the
shooting, all of whom were eyewit-
nesses to the affair. Conflicting re-
ports as to the cause of the shooting
were circulated but those who actually
witnessed the tragedy decline to dis
cuss the shooting. One story is to the
effect that Fowler drew a knife and
started toward Craven who, in defense
of his life. fired the shot. Craven, it
is said, exhibited his coat, which was
cut in several places.
| According to another report Fowler
did not have knife of any descrip-
tlon in his possession, and that he
made no effort to draw a weapon.
| Following the shooting Fowler was
taken to the office of Dr. j. T. Brown.
where cursory examination was
made. and which disclosed dangerous
wound 10 the abdomen. He was plac-
ed in an automobile and taken to St.
Joseph's Hospital. in Lexington, by
Mr.. VIM. Glltner, of the Bourbon Ga
rage.
The injured man arrived at the in
stitution shortly after nine o'clock,
where an examination was made by
Drs. David and Voolfolk Barrow.
The examination showed that the bull
let had perforated the bowels thirteen
times. An operation was performed
promptly and six inches of the bowels
through which the bullet had plowed
Its way were removed. Mr.. Fowler
was conscious until after the operation
was over. Yesterday it was reported
from the hospital that he was resting
well, but it is considered the chances
for his recovery are very slight.
After the shooting Craven walked to
the corner of Eighth street. where he
surrendered to Patrnlman FREQ Link,
who placed him under arrest He was
taken before judge +. B. January and
his bond was fixed at $500, which he
furnished with Jack Woods as surety.
The injured man is a blacksmith,
residing in the !Clintonvile neighbor-
hood, where he has conducted a shop
tor number of years at Fowler's
cross roads.
Nh. Fowler is son of Mr.. Aaron
Fowler, who for a number of years
conducted the blacksmith chop which
was handed down to his son. The ell
der Fowler is in his eightieth year.
HIS mother, Mrs. Eliza Fowler, and
two brothers, Ben and Steve Fowler.
went to Lexington Saturday night to
be with the injured son and brother.
Mr.. Fowler is cousin of j. W. Fow-
| lor Of this c,fv