The weekly soliphone., 1917-07-19
JOHN LAYTON, FARMER, STRUCK
 WITH AXE BY ALPHA HEREIN:
 WOUND THOUGHT TO BE FATAL

John E. Layton, farmer and landowner or near Finch lies at the point of death as the result of terrific blow struck by Alpha Hemen, neighbor, who used the blade-edge of an axe The unfortunate man struck slightly above the and the skull laid open several inches Slight hope is entertained for his recovery Ds w. E. Owens and R. J. Haley telephoned for inn mediatey responding promptly and giving such medical assistance possible. They are of the opinion that the wound is necessarily fatal
 Layton is a man than fifty years of age and is we'll known throughout the county He served on the jury which convicted Will Ritter in Paragoud years ago of Irregularities in connection with the old Greene Cou V Banks assets and has served in like capacities upon a number of occasions. He lands near Finch ad- joining properties in which Henen is interested. The latter is youth of nineteen years of age and at the home of brother, Ivy Henen, this morning when Layton approached bringing with him an axe and a hoe for use in repairing small levee across ditch. The ditch formed the boundary line between the Heren and Layton farms, and according to statements made by the Hewens the evee had been built by Layton in such manner that it caused water to overflow and keep Ivy HeTen's yard in bad condition following rainy weather But recently according to the HelTen version, the evee had been repaired by Layton Ivy HeTen yes terday afternoon took occasion to perOrate it, and when the heavy rains fell last night 1t was completely destroy ed Layton is alleged to have appeared this morning for the purpose of reconsucng it, and while at work was remonstrated with by Alpha Herren. Layton be- abusive continuing to use language extremely dis agreeable until Alpha Heren, according to his own ver sOn stated to him that the abuse had become mbear- able whereupon Layton is alleged to have raised hoe as though to strike. Young Hemen at this time picked up Laytons axe, delivering the unfortunate blow He claims it his intention to strike with the flat side of the instrument but that Layton dodged in such manner that the blade hit the skull severe blow Ivy HeTen witnessed the fight and agrees with his brother in all details.
 Immediately following the affray young Alpha Heren assisted his victim to the ground, went to the home of his brother to procure rags and administered such relief possible. The boys father, w. A. Heren was notified responding at once Layton, who was not altogether unconscious stated, in reply to a question, that he would prefer to be taken home in a buggy This procured and the three Henens assist ed him into the conveyance and took him home.
 Another version is that the two men were not on speakinq terms and that Layton had seated himself and was preparing to take snuff when the blow deliver ed It is claimed by those who adhere to this theory that the location and nature of the wound leave such evidence.
 Layton has wife and five children, two of whom are married One of his sons is member of the Para gould guards.
 Herren has been arrested charged with assault with intent to kill Bail has been fixed at $lOO0 $. R. Simp son has been engaged to represent the defense In the event of Iaytons death it is presumed the charge of murder will be lodged.