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10filra11L’-e:e£eyaQEUSHED INTO DEATH.Matt Rose Opening Fire Is Shot Into Eternity.A FEXJD OF SEVEN YEARS.ahsfeL-ib)n1Jacob Hartman Shoots His Assailant ToSava Himself.Friday afternoon April 20, Matt Rose was shot into eternity by a bullet from a pistol in the band of Jacob Hartman. The scene of the shooting was on the Hartman farm five miles north of Eldora. At the coroner’s inquest held at the court house Saturday at 1 o’clock p. m, the following named witnesses testified; Chris Rose, Frank Rose, W. II. Rinehart, Ed. Steele, Carl Klatt and Frank Klatt. the two latter being unable to speak English testified through an interpreter. The accused, Jacob Hartman, was placed on the stand but his attorney C. E. A1 brook objecting to his testimony this privilege was willingly conceded by Coroner Gefchman. The testimony was thoroughly corroborative, developing the following faefcs.The terrible tragedy was the result of a feud of over seven years. About ten years ago there was a block of three acres of land situated in Hardin City sold for taxes. The block belonged to Jacob Hartman and was a part of bis farm of 100 acres. This block adjoined land of Matt Rose. Matt Rose bought it at tax sale. Afterward Jacob Hartman redeemed 'the block and as the legal records show became and is now the legitimate owner thereof. For seven years Hartman has been in indisputable possession. Hartmau resides in Wellsburg, Grundy county. He has in his employ a german named Carl Hiatt who resides on the Hardin City farm. A week ago IClatt informed Hartman that lie had been prohibited by Rose from plowing the three acre tract, and further that Rose had fenced it into his own land. Jacob Hartman upon this information, in company with another employee named W. H. Rinehart drove from Wellsburg Friday morning to Hardin City and at once proceeded to remove the wire fence and posts from around the three acre block. At noon they both dined with •Carl Klatt the farmer. After dinner the three and young Frank Klatt ore-turned to the field. Klatt was ordered to plow the land in dispute. He was proceeding ou -his third round when Chris, and Frank Rose sous of Matt Rose approached from over a low hill toward the Rose home which is eighty rods distant. Chris Rose disputed and Hartman affirmed his right to remove the fence. Chris Rose challenged Hartman to fight. They both drew coats. At this instance Matt Rose was seen coming over the hill swinging a large pistol. in his right hand. Both coats were replaced. Matt Rose approached at a rapid walk to within 30 feet when be halted, raised and pointed his pistol toward Hartman. Hartman exclaimed “Don’t shoot, Rose, don’t shoot 1” Roseapproached to the team which wasfacing south. Carl Klatt was at the plow handles; his son holding the lines; Hartman close by and Rhine-hart ten feet away. Matt Rose instantly fired. The ball flew close to Rinehart. Hartman stepped close behind the .horses, drew a pistol and .again shouted “Stop Rose, don’t shoot, don’t shoot!1” Rose clutched the bridle bit and pointing his weapon between the horses fired again. The only conflict in testimony was whether this was the second or third shot by Rose. The chambers of his revolver show it must -have been the second. Ilaitman placed his hand upon one horse, leaned over and fired at Rose. The horses took fright and ran. The battle was now face to face with but twelve feet between the frenzied men. Hartmau again shouted “Stop Rose, don’t shoot again!” Rose fired. Harfc-maa immediately followed with the fatal builetfc which entered the head of Rose high above the left temple. Rose dropped his weapon, took a step to the east turned to the south and fell backward with head toward the northeast. The German and his son had started after the three running horses. The Rose boys stood silent. Not a word was spoken save by Hartman throughout the whole affray. Hartman and Rinehart seeing what was done started toward the barn agreeing to drive at once to Eldora. Seeing Hartman retreating, Chris Rose picked up his father’s weapon and ran after. Hartman commanded him to stop. He halted but when Hartman again started to run Chris Rose fired twice after him. fid. Steele ^who lives 35 rods away had arrived on the scene.Rinehart and Hartmau hitched up their team and .started to Eldora. When at the Mineral Point school house Hartman discovered he had lost his revolver. They agreed thatRine-| hart should drive back, find the revolver and then drive to Wellsburg and inform the family of Hartman. Hehas a wife and five children Hartman walked from Mineral Point ^school house to Eldora and gave himself up to deputy sheriff Boylan. Sheriff Boylan in the meantime had received word through a boy messenger and had started to the scene of the tragedy. Deputy sheriff Schrader of Ackley was telephoned. He and Boy-lau met two miles north ot Hardin City. Schrader was ordered toward Wellsburg. He overtook Rinehart and returned him to Eldora. Rinehart had found the Hartman revolver at the gate where they had emerged froma field near the East Rend school*house. Rinehart was arrested by Sheriff Boylan as a movement of discretion, but was released same evening. The weapon used by Hartman is a Harrington and Richardson 38 caliber center fire five shot. The Rose pistol is a Smith and Wesson 32 caliber seven shot. The pistol barrel of each is five inches in length. The pistols were exhibited at the inquest Saturday. Matt Rose lived forty minutes after he was struck but spoke no word* Jacob Hartman was summoned before Justice Whited accused of murder Saturday morning who granted bailinsum of S3,000 to appear May 4. 1894. The bondsmen are C. Me Keen Dureu, Robert Higinbotham, J. D. Newcomer, J. H. Bales, J. C. Wildey and Jacob Hartman and wife. Hartman is a well-to-do blacksmith of Wellsburg owning a farm in Grundy county besides the one at Hardin City. He is about thirty-five years of age, apparently sincere, and a gentleman. The unfortunate man Rose was about sixty years of age. He leaves a wife and four children, two sons and two daughters. Both sons still reside at home.The funeral services occurred Monday at 10:30 at the home. The body was interred in the Burlin cemetery.Rev. W. B. Washburn spoke the funeral service.The Coroner’s verdict was “Death bya bullet fired from a pistol in thehand of Jacob Hartman,”While the tragedy is sad andterrible yet its intelligence wasreceived in Eldora in remarkablequiet. It was not an exciting murder.While many knew both parties yetthe sad result was treated more as a bit of business n ews. The facts obtainable and evidence disclosed, direct one’s attention to the absolute necessity of Hartman’s action as he certainly was assailed by one with a definite intent to kill—this from the testimony at the inquest. There is sympathy for the bereaved family.GoodsINVarietu.Spring Dress Goods Latest Novelties Best ValuesInFANCIES.InPLAIN GOODS.'(v!yf‘lt;vyIN WASH FABRICS We have the Latest;—As:Serpentine Crepes, Tefe Vela Duck, Florentine Pongees,Japonettes,Belfast Lawns, French Ginghams, Etc*OURANDHosiery underwearDepartments show special values; also ourCloak and Suit DepartmentShows the latest and most pleasing styles in all ready-made garments. Prices always correct. Call and see us.JT. F. Andrews,6 8 West Main St.,Marshalltown. Iowa.
Newspaper Details
Eldora Ledger
Eldora, Iowa, US
Thu, Apr 26, 1894
Page 5
Full Page
Clipped by
State H.
IA, USA 21 Mar 2021
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