Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 261, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 October 1916 — NEAR DEATH FOLLOWING RICH GROVE FIGHT [ARTICLE]

NEAR DEATH FOLLOWING RICH GROVE FIGHT

Fight at Gravel Pit in Rich Grove Township Monday Probably Fatal to One; Other In Jail.

As a result of a fight- at a gravel pit in Rich Grove township, near Winamac, Matt Bebber is in jail, and a Pollock by the name of Petoskey lies at the point of death at his home near the scene of the fight. Bebber is held, charged with assault and battery with intent to kill. The fight occurred shortly after the noop hour Monday. The gravel pit is north west of Winamac and was in charge of Petoskey, who, finding Bebber there filling his wagon with gravel, demanded that he leave the pit. Bebber, claiming that he thought the Pole was joking, went ahead filling his wagon and paid no attention to Petoskey. Bebber claims that he had made arrangements with the owner of the pit and had no intention of stealing the gravel. When Bebber refused to , leave the pit, Petoskey, according to the story of Bebber, came at him with a knife and slashed at him several times. Bebber evaded the blows of the Pole, but had his coat sleeve slashed. The fact that Bebber’s coat sleeve showed the marks of the knife substantiates his self-defense story. Bebber picked up a pick axe which he had been using to tear up the gravel, and hit Petoskey over the head, causing concussion of the brain. The Pole fell to the ground. He was taken to his homeand isnow iyingatthepoint of death with scant hopes entertained of his recovery. Bebber was lodged in jail following the fight and if Petoskey dies will be tried on a charge of manslaughter.