Tramp shot! McGregor, 1882

DOUGLASS, CLARK, ROGERS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/22/2017 at 14:40:40

Elkader Register, Fri., 9 June 1882. McGregor column.

Last Saturday five tramps came to this place, and stayed overnight. On Sunday they offered several revolvers and knives for sale at very low prices, which excited the suspicion of Constable Douglass that all was not right, and soon after one of them attempted to sell him some revolvers at very low prices.

Mr. Douglass then arrested him and said he would examine into this knife business. The man went a few steps and then jumped back, pulled a revolver on Mr. D., who immediately drew his own revolver and shot at the fellow, but missed him, but on firing a second shot he hit him just under the eye, the ball passing into the back of the head.

The man turned to run away. The constable fired twice more on the run. But the run-away was swift of foot and escaped. He was joined by partners who were watching for their confederate. The four men ran down the track.

Twenty minutes later the man who was shot at was reported found lying under a car below the depot. He was found wounded by a shot striking on the bridge of his nose and glancing below the left eye. He had lost some blood and was very weak. He was carried to the Hook & Ladder rooms and Dr. Clark dressed his wounds, which are not pronounced fatal, though serious.

His comrades escaped after rifling his pockets of there contents. His name is John Rogers, of New York City. He is yet alive and may possibly recover.

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Elkader Register, Fri., 16 June 1882. Home News column.

We are informed that the man, John Rogers, who was shot by constable Douglass, of McGregor, last week, has been taken to Alma Center, Wis., for a burglary committed at that place. He is very low and it is thought will not live to stand trial.