The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1919-10-24
INTERESTING FACTS
GATHERED FROM THE
OLD TRIBUNE FILES

II
GATHERED FROM THE
OLD TRIBUNE FILES
Word was received last evening of
a shooting affray on Ten Mile Greek
in which Ross Hutchins was shot
twice by man named Jennings. The
shooting grew out of some trouble
regarding disputed land claim. 1t
seems that Hutchins had made a
filing under the pre-emption act, but
having failed to comply with the re-
ouirements OF the law, Jennings made
= homestead filing over his head and
;urnped the claim. An intensely hos
tile feeling was engendered between
the two men and for some time their
neighbors have been anticipating
trouble between them. A few days
ago, Hutchins was in this city and
claimed that Jennings had fired three
shots at him recently without effect.
1t is known that Jennings has been
endeavoring to get hold of VIM
chester rifle, having offered a horse in
exchange for one. As Hutchins was
regarded as a simple fellow of limited
intelligence, not much credence was
placed in his statement that Jennings
had shot at him. No legal steps were
taken in the matter. Hutchins visited
the land office and wanted to know if
he had the right to shoot his enemy
who had jumped his land claim and
upon being informed decidedly that
he had no such right, he departed
quietly.
Immediately upon receipt of the news
OF the shooting, the sheriff, deputy,
and Dr. Smith from Boise went to the
scene of the tragedy and imme diately
took Jennings into custody. They
walked into Jennings tent and ar
rested him before he could unake any
resistance, had he been so funded.
During the trip to the jail and since
his incarnation, Jennings has been
perfectly calm and unconcerned about
the matter, exhibiting little anxiety
or remorse.
Jennings is a native of Arkansas and
is a man about five feet six inches in
height, dark complexion, with small
blue eyes and al black beard, close
clipped. He is roughly dressed and
when he was visited yesterday, he
was lounging behind the iron grating
smoking pipe in an unconcerned
manner. He said that all he asked was
fair show and desiHed that his
friends would provide such evidence
as he would indicate. The utter in
difference of the man to the gravity
of his situation was well .exemplified
in the careless manner in which he
asked his friend to purchase him a
cheap pair of suspenders, at the same
time handing him the necessary
money through the grating.
The facts of the shooting as so far
elected were learned from Henry
Horn, who claims to be an eye wit
ness to the shooting, are, that about
half past three Friday afternoon. len
innings wife came over to Hutchins
house and said that her husband
wanted to see him as he was going
away. Five minutes later he heard a
shot which was followed quickly by
another. Between the two shots. Horn
looked out the window and saw
Hutchins running toward the house,
He fell shortly after the second shot
was fired.
Horn testified that he was working
with Hutchins at the house about $50
yards from the point where the body
was found. Mrs. Jennings came up
and asked Hutchins to come to see
her husband as the latter wanted to
ask some questions. He started to.
ward Jennings tent, with the woman
on the left side and slightly ahead
Of him. In about five minutes, Horn
heard shot and ran to the window
At the first shot, Hutchins fell and
then got up and started to run to the
house. Jennings fired again at hi:
back. Hutchins walked about 80 feet
after the second shot and then fell
where the body was found.
Z Mrs. Jennings swore that she was
around all day doing her houseworl
and had never left the place. Sht
claimed she knew nothing Of the muir.
der but admitted that she heard ths
shots. She did nothing after hearine
the two, shots. Was sitting by the
fire about 80 yards from the house
nursing a little baby and saw Hutch
ms atwork about half an hour before
the Shooting. She swore that she die
not know where her husband wa.
when the shots were fired or whs
fired them.
The woman's desire to protect hei
husband was evident and her denia
Of having brought Hutchins to hi.
doom was disproved by tracks which
were found to correspond in size t.
those she wore that were worn b,
.Hutchins and were in the position
and led In the direction as stated b,
Mr.. Horn.
DR.. Smith, after examining the body
testified that probably about $50 sho
had taken effect. Four were foun,
over the heart. several in the face
neck. right arm and leg and larg'
number In the back near the regiol
Of the kidneys. Any one OF the severa
10 the back were sufficient to hav'
caused death.
t.C..... I. -. .~.t.. a..a 4, Csl.,a