Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 June 1896 — DUEL IN LEBANON STREETS. [ARTICLE]

DUEL IN LEBANON STREETS.

Wallace Riley Killed by Thomas Allen in a Quarrel Over Their Children. At Lebanon, Ind., Wallace Riley, for many years a prominent resident, was killed instantly by Thomas Allen, a stock buyer. Allen’s son, aged 17, had been keeping company with Riley’s daughter, aged 24. On account of the difference in the ages of the young people both fathers objected to their marriage, but the couple succeeded in securing a marriage license and were married. Immediately after the marriage they left for Putnam County, and remained there until a telegram advising them of the tragedy called them home. Riley denounced the elder Allen as helping, on the marriage. The men met on the streets Saturday afternoon. Riley said: “Defend yourself! One of us is going to die!” Riley

pulled his revolver. Allen said he was unarmed, and the two repaired to Hooton’s hardware establishment in search for a weapon for Allen. They were finally separated before any blood was shed. Monday morning Riley was on the streets early, and was loud in his claims that he was after Allen. Riley was just coming out of the postoffice room when Allen drove np in his carriage, alighted and passed in. After getting his mail he started to leave the postoffice, when Riley accosted him with drawn weapon. Like a flash Allen drew his pistol and the firing began. Riley fired two 'shots and Allen four. When the smoke cleared away Riley was lying in the postoffice door, and Allen's son, who witnessed the affray from his father’s carriage, had received a severe wound in the right side. Allen wns arrested. Both men are wealthy and influential.