Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 188, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 August 1915 — COMMISSIONER AND FARMER IN FIGHT [ARTICLE]

COMMISSIONER AND FARMER IN FIGHT

D. S. Makeever and J. W. Stockton Engage in Fisticuff and Former Is Fined. County Commissioner D. S. Makeever and his second cousin, Jay W. Stockton, engaged in a fight last Sunday near the home of Mr. Stockton in Newton township, where County Compiissioners Makeever and Welch and County Road Superintendent Sylvester Gray had gathered to discuss the means of mending a strip of road that had been washed out by the heavy rains. Seeing the men there Mr. Stockton went to where they were talking and soon a heated argument ensued between himself and Commissioner Makeever. Finally it is said Makeever struck at Stockton, when the latter made an insulting remark. They were soon engaged in a rough and tumble fight and Makeever received a blow over one eye. Stockton had on a ring and this cut Makeever quite a little. Later Makeever knocked Stockton down and then climbed on top of him and was getting somewhat the best of the argument when Mrs. Stockton and others ran from the house and Mr. Gray separated the combatants. Neither suffered serious damage. Stockton swore out a warrant charging Makeever with assault and battery and he pleaded guilty. before Squire W. I. Spitler and was fined S 2 and costs, amounting to $9. He said that he did not care to make a statement abount the matter. From private persons to whom both of the men have talked it is understr cd that each puts a different version cr. the conversation that led up to the scrap. It is known that Stockton has been quite bitter against his relatives for a long time and bitterly opposed his election as commissioner. The Republican has talked with neither of the principals and as no evidence was taken at the trial does not care to enter into a discussion of the affair. It is hoped that the difficulties of the gentlemen can be agreeably settled and that no further trouble will result.