Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 August 1891 — SHELBYVILLE LYNCHING. [ARTICLE]

SHELBYVILLE LYNCHING.

Charles Hawkins, a Desperado - Strung Up to a Tree. Hawkins Shoo Down the City Marshal, and Retribution Overtakes Him la Short Order. :

At Shelbyville, about 4 o'clock p. m., bu the 2Sd, Charles Hawkins was in the saloon of Reddin Doran, drinking and playing pool. At the pool table he won a dollar, with which he proceeded to buy liquor. When under the influence of drink ha was a perfect flend, ready to murder a person at a word. While in this condition h« raised a quarrel with John Chambers,who refused to quarrel with him and walked out of the saloon. Hawkins followed out on to Harrison street, cursing and appearing anxious for a fight. The street was crowded with pcoplo when Marshal Bruce came along, and, approaching Hawkins, told him he must keep quiet and not get into trouble. This only infuriated him the more, and, drawing a revolver, a murderous 38-call ■ her, he denounced the MarsfiaTand told him that np Shelbyville officer could arrest him. Bruce courageously started for the man, and the sharp report of Hawkins's fire in return but his revolver would not work. While thus engaged the three shots from Hawkins’s weapon struck him on the right side, below the shoulder blade, the bails ranging down and entering tho right lung. One ball passed entirely through the body, After being shot Bruce displayed great nerve by advancing and grabbing Hawkins. Starting with his man toward the county jail Bruce fell iu his tracks some fifty feet from the saloon. Officer Johnson came up and hustled the desperado off behind the bars. After Hawkins had emptied his revolver his son came rushing up and gave his father a fresh revolver. After Bruce had fallen to theground oldman Hawkins rushed up and tried to strike the prostrate man with a buggy whip. A great crowd gathered on the street and the excitement was intense. Bruce was elected marshal in May last and Is a young man hbout thirty years old with a wife and children. The Hawkins tribe ia3 for years been a terror to t c people of Shelby county. They formerly resided in the village of Marietta aiW committed many deeds of violence and bloodshed. Charles Hawins, it is. said, shot a man in Tipton some years ago. He has played the Jesse James in Shelby countv for a long, time, but his career is now well about over. Sheriff McDougall is making extra defense to-night in case of an attack upon tho jail. Hawkins is about thirtyfive years old and in poor health from consuption.