Democratic Sentinel, Volume 1, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 August 1877 — “ Prominent Citizens of California.” [ARTICLE]

“ Prominent Citizens of California.”

The city of Dos Angeles has been agitated over a rencontre in the County Court room between Judge Thompson and Col. E. J. C. Kewen, two prominent attorneys. The fight was over the guardianship of the infant child of the late T. Jeff. White and the administration of his property. Col. Kewen and wife have been applicants for the trust as against Mrs. Greene, the grandmother of the infant. The evidence was of a very personal nature, and in court yesterday Col. Kewen shook his finger in Judge Thompson’s face and told him he would hold him personally responsible if he dragged his family into the suit. This morning Col. Kewen appeared in court, struck Judge Thompson in the face, and the latter knocked him down." Mose Thompson, a son of Judge Thompson, was about administering akick to Kewen, when Perry, a son of the latter, interfered, and a clinch ensued, which was stopped by the Sheriff. The Judge ordered the court suspended and told the Sheriff to remove the parties. A short time afterward, the court being in session, Col. Kewen reappeared within the bar, drew a cowhide and attempted to apply it to Judge Thompson, but Under Sheriff Rowan caught him and arrested him. At the door of tho courtroom a young man named McCoy said that Col. Kewen was a coward, and Perry Kewen attacked him, but bystanders interfered and separated them. A few moments after Perry Kewen attacked Frank Thompson, another son of Judge Thompson, striking him with a cane. The latter drew a revolver, but friends stopped the row. Kewen then gave up his cane, Thompson his revolver, and a fist fight ensued, Perry Kewen being knocked down. The war is temporarily ended, but all the parties are prominent citizens, and it is feared the affair may result seriously. The row is much regretted here, and the court was adjourned until to-iuon’ow.—iS'arraiße/Ho HecordUnion,