Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 April 1885 — More about the Medaryville Man-siaughter. [ARTICLE]

More about the Medaryville Man-siaughter.

A very reputable citizen of Gillam township culled upon us last Thursday and gave us a verson of the killing of Zack Letterman last Week, at Medaryville, which differed very materially from the accounts first circulated, including ,that published in The Republican last week. According to that account it would seem that the killing was an entirely unjustifiable act, and likely to subject the perpetrator to a severe punishment. The account of the Winamac Republican which we give below, claims to be jn accordance with the facts as brought put at the Coroner’s inquest and does not differ materially from “the first accounts and being written after the inquest ought to be correct. The fact that Dlliver’s bail bond was placed at the very ' small sum of 1100 would indicate that the officials who have examined into the matter do -not seem to regard the case against him as anything very serious. The following from the Winamac Republican is the account above referred to: Medaryville-was the scene of a terrible tragedy Monday evening. One Zacharia Letterman, who was employed in his brotcer-in-law, Willian. Dolliver’s, saw mill and brick yard, became intoxicated, went to Mr. Dolliver’s house and picked a quarrel. He demanded a sum of money from Mr. Dolliver, which was given him, when' he again asked for more, this time a quarter, which wag likewise given him Not satisfied yet he asked for another half dollar, at this juncture Mrs. Dolliver requested her husband not to give him any more money, saying he would only buy more whiskey and make more fuss. He became angry at her for this and began to abuse her, and at the same time flourishing a knife promiscuously about. Being an unusually large and powerful as well as quarrelsome man, when intoxicated, Mr. Dolliver then became uneasy for his wife’s safety, and pushed her back through the door. Letterman, determined to have a fuss, then made a pass at Mr. Dolliver with his knife. Dolliver TvanK cd off the blow with one hand and at tne same time struck him a blow with the other, felling him to the floorr In falling his head is supposed to have struck the wall or "partition and broke his neck. He lived but a few minutes. Tuesday morning Coroner Thomas went over and held an inquest over the body and gave a decision in with the above facts. Dolliver gave himself up and on Tuesday evening in custody of Constable Ballard was brought to VV maniac for preliminary examination. He was bound over to the next term of Court under 8100 bond. Since the above was in type we have talked with a well known citizen of Gillam township, who was well acquainted with all the parties concerned in this unfortunate affair, and who has had good opportunities for learning all tis particulars regarding it. His version of the matter is substantially the same as that given above, and entirely exonerates Mr. Dolliver from serious blame in the matter. The latter was released from custody, on his own recognizance. and there is said to be little probability that he will ever bo prosecuted. The deceased, Letterman, was a very large, and heavy man, weighing 300 pounds, an’d bis great weight had much to do with the fatal result of his fall against the wall. He was about 35 years old and a widower, but leaves no children.