THE OTHER SIDE OF CHATFIELD FRACAS

CHATFIELD, SIMPKINS, ASHBY

Posted By: Judy Kelley, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/8/2010 at 23:02:11

Penn Swarms Writes His Version Of It.

TWO STORIES DON'T JIBE.

Mr. Swarms Says That Chatfield's Story is an Untruth and Attempts to Set Himself Right With His Friends - Tells Story in Straight-forward Manner - Was Not Seeking Trouble - Thinks He Was Justified.

In last week's issue of the Republican, there appeared an article describing a fracas at the A.L. Chatfield home which appeared to be more sensational than some of the large battles now being fought in Europe. In the immediate neighborhood where both parties are known there would be no explanation necessary, but for the benefit to those away from home, I wish to make a statement to my friends and those interested in justice to all parties concerned.

While I dislike to bring personal matters before the public, I desire to have them presented as they actually occurred. And therefore, in defense of myself and in deference to my friends I want to present the matter in its true light.

In regard to the article that was published in last week's issue as Chatfield's version, I am compelled to say that it is false.

The ducks, fifteen in number, were found missing at 5 o'clock Tuesday morning and we did not pay any immediate attention to them, thinking that they were somewhere near. When Mr. Simpkins went past the Chatfield home on his way to work he was told by Chatfield that he had his ducks penned up and he could not have them till he paid 25cents for the damage done by each one. The ducks had never been in the Chatfield yard but twice previous to this time and then only till some one could go and get them. And only a few days before Mr. and Mrs. Chatfield both said that they had done no damage and no mention was made of watering tank, while their garden was protected by a 5-foot poultry proof fence. They also suggested to put some color on them to tell them apart, for they had ducks of their own.

When I came home from work late on Wednesday eve and did not find the ducks at home, I went out quietly after supper not telling the folks where I was going. They supposed that I'd gone to bed. I went to the Chatfield barn where the ducks were penned up, with the sole intention of opening the gate and letting them out, which I did by opening a door in the driveway, which was entirely minus a lock or latch of any description, and a slat door held fast at the top by dropping a wire loop over the end of a board, which Chatfield calls a lock.

I then went outside of the building to allow the ducks to come out. Chatfield, hearing the sound of the duckscame out with his lantern and went in the barn while I was on the outside; and Mr. Simpkins home in bed. When Chatfield did not come out of the barn I ent to the door to see what he was doing and I found him penning up the ducks. I then asked him what he was doing with my ducks, which he answered by saying he was penning them up. I informed him that I came after them and intended taking them home. And when I told him to get out of the doorway so that I could drive the ducks out of the hall, he started walking backwards and in his awkwardness fell over a board that was set on edge, upsetting the lantern and putting out the light, which was not needed as there was a good moon. The man in his fright imagined I was upon him with the fury of a wild man, and picking up a grub-axe, a sharp edged tool, stood in the door threatening to strike if I came out. I went to the other end of the barn and opening the door, released the much frightened ducks. I was followed up by Chatfield still threatening to strike, till I took the tool away from him, armed only with physical strength. I threw it out of his reach and informed him it was too dangerous a tool for children to play with. Then, holding the angry man's hands I tried to talk sense and reason with him, for I had no wish of having trouble, but got no more satisfaction than if trying to talk to an angry bull. He then called for Ashby, whom the paper called his neighbor, but was only his brother-in-law, who has established quite a reputation for himself in the short time he has lived in the neighborhood. Ashby, arriving on the scene, immediately picked up a club and started toward me while I was in the act of taking a single ____ away from Chatfield. But against their combined effort I succeeded in getting the troublesome ducks, with the exception of one, out on the public road.

Mr. Simpkins, hearing the commotion, got out of bed, and dressing, came over toward the Chatfield home just as I succeeded getting the ducks started for home. He was not for the Chatfield place and took no part whatever in the affair, and not even know that Ashby was there till he reached home.

Ashby showed his bravery after I had turned my back and was walking away, hurled his club at me with all his might, which I managed to dodge. We left Chatfield in his yard using language that was most insulting and profane, which was heard even after reaching home and inside my own gate.

Chatfield telephoned to Sheriff Guthrie, who refused to come without a warrant. He then in company with Ashby hitched up and drove to town, going before Squire Hunter. He swore out the information and made the statments in court that were published in last week's issue.

Sheriff Guthrie came to the Simpkins home about 1 a.m. accompanied by Marshal Nearhood, whose presence was not known till we stepped in the car. Mr. Guthrie explained that he only invited Mr. Nearhood along for the ride. We were then taken before Squire Hunter and placed under bends, which were promptly furnished, and Mr. Guthrie brought us home at 3 o'clock in the morning.

In justice to Mrs. Chatfield and children for whom I have great respect, let it be said that a better neighbor no one could wish to have.

Respectfully submitted,
William Penn Swarms

Source: LCHS scrapbook; newspaper clipping dated Thursday, Sept. 14, 1916