Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 September 1883 — BLOODY AFFRAY. [ARTICLE]

BLOODY AFFRAY.

A Terrible Fight in the Dark Between Drunken Herders. [Denver Telegram.] The details of a bloody affray which occurred at McLain ranch, Elbert county, Sunday night, in which eight cowboys were engaged, have just reached the city. Sunday afternoon all went to Agate Station, on the Kansas Pacific road, and falling in with companions opened festivities by taking several drinks. Thence they rode to a neighboring ranch where they obtained a supply of liquor, and started for home. On the way two, named Rossiter and McKever, engaged in an angry dispute about a trivial matter, and all repaired to the herder’s quarters to settle the difficulty. As soon as they got inside the men clinched. Both fell to the ground fighting desperately, their oompanions urging them on. Tables and benches were removed, and in the ring improvised the mt n beat and tore each other with the ferocity of tigers. The on-lookers in t’ e excitement madly howled and danced about, brandishing revolvers and encouraging their favorite in the fight It was a blood-curdling sight While the orgie was at the highest the oillamp was knocked from its place. The room was in darkness. Men ran upon each other, and in a minute after the light had been extinguished the melee was general. The door was locked, and there being no means of egress each man was for himself. Amid resounding blows and curses a pistol-shot rang out and the death-cry of the victim paralyzed whatever of reason was left in the party. Almost before the cry left the lips of the unfortunate man there was a wild fusilade. In a moment, when by fitful flashes the gloom was lifted, there was a bloody scene; Rossiter was dead. The two Jones’ were weltering in their blood. Three others were wounded, some fatally. Beilins and McKeever were the only ones not injured. They fled, and have not yet been apprehended.